280 AI hand load favorites.
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Bob Wright
Well-Known Member
I went with lighter and faster. 131 HH, Re23, Fed GMM 215. It runs about 3320 fps. If I can only draw a tag....
I would do the same for lightweights in the 120 gr range out of a 280AI.
I'd go with copper monos if running super high velocity over 3300-3500 and not risk bullet integrity or failure of the BT….although the 120 BT a a great bullet!
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birddog 68
Well-Known Member
I was figuring that I would probably be closer to 3200 fps.
I've read about others using this combo with great success and was hoping one or two would chime in.
My other loads for this rifle use bonded bullets which I kind of prefer once I get over 3000 fps.
As you know Roughrice I do like to tinker with different loads.
I'd venture to say you are spot on !
3200 or under shouldn't be a problem.
I punched pigs with em @ 3050-3100 in 7mm-08 and had only one blow out on a front shoulder pad and scapula of a 200+ lb. boar. Second shot dropped him.
That was about 75 yards.
3200 or under shouldn't be a problem.
I punched pigs with em @ 3050-3100 in 7mm-08 and had only one blow out on a front shoulder pad and scapula of a 200+ lb. boar. Second shot dropped him.
That was about 75 yards.
Tex LR
Well-Known Member
My favorite 120 BT load in my 280AI's was with Nosler brass, FED210M and 61.4G of IMR 4955. Shoots bug holes. Never clocked it however. With that said, as everyone knows, 4955 is extinct. If you find a pound or two its worth trying for this application. Taken many hogs with this setup. The 120's hold up well. The silhouette crew loves the 120's in another favorite someone mentioned, the 7MM-08.
Tex LR
Well-Known Member
A lot of great info in this thread. Awesome to see everyone sharing their favorites.
With good brass available now, awesome bullet selections and many powder options, I would say its the best environment we have ever seen if your an Ackley fan to find a great combination for accuracy and hunting.
With good brass available now, awesome bullet selections and many powder options, I would say its the best environment we have ever seen if your an Ackley fan to find a great combination for accuracy and hunting.
cabelasken
Well-Known Member
145 Barnes LRX 60 grains reloader 19 Nosler brass Win LRP 3150-3175 FPS well under 1 MOA. Very much a max charge in my 4 280 AI's. In fact, I'm reducing the charge with the rel 19 down to 59 Gr. for this next season and maybe going to H4350 or Sta bil 6.5 as I'm down to about 1 lb of the r19.
I have a reserve load of 145 LRX with 60 gr H4831 touching 3000fps with 26" Benchmark grouping 1/2" if I ever need to use coppers.
I'm at sea level down here so YMMV…
I'm hoping the HHT 145 will be in my next favorite load. I just ordered some for testing. Probably either RL23, H4831sc, or H4350 with BR2, and Peterson brass. I'll pass along my results.
john k
Well-Known Member
Great to look at fellow .280AI hunters/loaders/shooters load development using different bullets. All mentioned loads are great. I hunt primarily whitetails, so it doesn't take much to bring them down. I'm fortunate to be able to take 10 whitetails per season (2 8pt bucks and 8 does). I like testing different loads and bullets so I have at least 2 loads each for both my .280AI's and have 2 loads each for my other 2 cartridges 7-08 and 7SAUM. Keep 'em coming!
I was going down the SAUM route and actually bought brass and dies. I like the idea of a shorter barrel for much of hunting purposes. I put on the brakes when I considered the ballistic performance compared to the 280AI. They are basically ballistic twins. Nothing wrong with having both. I'm getting longer in the tooth and running out of room in the safe.
cabelasken
Well-Known Member
Last year took a cow at 285 yds - entrance was the second rib and exit on opposite side was about the 5th rib. Hillside was splattered with blood droplets and the elk was able to run 15 ft downhill and then 15 ft uphill and died in the same spot it was hit.
