Rechamber a tikka 7mm-08 to 280 rem AI?

[adcoch1]

So I've been thinking again (dangerous) about my next rifle, which will be a tikka t3 lite or t3x, and it will probably be 30-06. But what if I bought a 7mm-08 and then reamed it for 280 rem AI? I believe a mag swap and a shortened ejector would do it, or would I need new bottom metal and/or new stock?
Also, for those who have the 280 AI, what twist is working best for the velocities that it creates?

I am thinking this may be a lot cheaper than a kimber in 280 rem AI...

 

[someguy2800]

I believe you would just need a mag and a shortened bolt stop. Tikka has a plunger ejector. I don’t think I would bother and just get a 270 but it’s your money.

 

[LoonWulf]

I dont own a t3, but after doing some research it looks like you could do what your suggesting. The actions on the Tikkas are all the same size, stocks same etc.
You could probably hand ream it to save cost, but id most likely go ahead and have the barrel pulled and reamed properly. That will add 100-150 bucks or so.
There ARE prefit barrels available for the Tikkas, but they start around 400. You could maybe contact ER Shaw about getting a replacement barrel short chambered for .280AI, that would probably be about 240 shipped to you, 350 installed.

 

[jmr40]

If you want the simplest solution just buy a 7 mag in a Tikka. Magazine capacity is the same as standard cartridges. In other rifles standard cartridges will hold 1-2 more rounds than magnums, but the standard single stack Tikka mags are all 3 rounds, and 5 round mags are available. A 7 mag's recoil is a touch more than 280 AI, but still is almost identical to 30-06 with the same bullet weights. Certainly not objectionable.

Of course a 270 would be a good choice too and 95% of hunters would never be able to take advantage of 7-08's full capabilities. Much less 280AI or 7 mag.

 

[LoonWulf]

But the 280AI is just so damn COOL!

 

[adcoch1]

The 7mm mag would be easier, but I have a thing for the 30-06 and it's offspring...

 

[old heeler]

So I've been thinking again (dangerous) about my next rifle, which will be a tikka t3 lite or t3x, and it will probably be 30-06. But what if I bought a 7mm-08 and then reamed it for 280 rem AI? I believe a mag swap and a shortened ejector would do it, or would I need new bottom metal and/or new stock?
Also, for those who have the 280 AI, what twist is working best for the velocities that it creates?

I am thinking this may be a lot cheaper than a kimber in 280 rem AI...

I have 280AI on Rem action.. I used 1/9 twist barrel. I can see why you picked 7-08, it has longer barrel 24" vs 270/30-06. I can't answer any of your other question. I use Nosler brass and I had mine long throated so it handle the Berger 180gr.

If you want to see what 280AI case looks like, PM your address and I send couple new.