280 AI powder choice for 160 AB

[Blacktail]

Hows RL22 for temp stability for hunting? ive had good luck with H4831sc for 140 and 145's and H1000 for 160 and 168 bergers

 

[JarHeadTim]

V V N-560 has produced incredible results for us with the 150 ABLR. Contact me directly for details if you're interested...

s/f

 

[Palix-Dog]

RL22 is THE powder for the 280AI

Thanks I have several pounds of RL22. I think I'll start with this. Do you have any specifics of load, velocity etc?

 

[dreamhunt]

Give the 58 grains a try.

 

[Palix-Dog]

Give the 58 grains a try.

Thanks

 

[slickyboyboo]

VVN560, Rel 26, Rel 23

 

[lancetkenyon]

58.0 gr RL23 for me. I run a 175 Berger @ 2975fps.
60.3gr H1000 with a 160 TMK gets me 2996fps.
58.5gr RL23 w. 160 TMK in a buddy's .280AI got 3050fps.

 

[25WSM]

I have found as has many others on this sight that rl22 is the most temp sensitive powder in the lineup. Rl 23 and RL 26 are far more stable. I prefer the hodgden extreme powders because of this. They do get slightly less velocity but don't change speed much at all over different temps. I shoot my 280ai with 169 bergers with Retumbo and get 2900 fps. I can't get any more powder in the case unless I use a drop tube so it might be too slow for your 160. On another thread guy was getting a 175 up to 2975 with rl23. He never said how much. I have got way more speed from rl26 bet not the accuracy I wanted. Have not personally tried rl23 but lots of guys on here say it the best powder for the 280ai.
Shep

 

[Kaptoe]

Well think I might pick up some RL23 and try.

With H100v and 54.5gr I am getting 2975 with 150gr ABLR

Know I am not pushing it but I almost never do

Everyone has documented temp sensitivity in RL22 and I haven't had issues in my 257wby shooting from 85 to 25f

 

[willyqbc]

when RL 26 disappeared up here north of the border i started looking for alternatives. Ended up trying Accurate Magpro in a bunch of rifles i was using 26 in. Found it to be quite a good alternative. Not quite as high velocities as 26, but close, have found it to be quite stable from -10C up to 25C so far, i rarely see temps above 25C so couldn't say beyond that. I run a 168 LRX in my 24" 280AI, velocity topped out around 2940fps, and found my accuracy around 2870fps. Been quite pleased with it as an alternative to 26, but given the choice, and considering 26 doesn't seem affected by the small temp swings I see, it would be my first choice.

 

[Kaptoe]

I think I might try the 168gr LRX if I try and get a heavier bullet to group. Everything over 150 hasn't shot well and I just reverted to what know works AB/ABLR

How has the 168 been on game?

 

[willyqbc]

How has the 168 been on game?

The 168 has been great on game for me, my moose this year took one to the lungs and another unneeded shot to the base of the neck to anchor him in a good spot, shots were from 400 yards even....great typical barnes performance. Have only shot this moose, 1 mulie, and a black bear with the 168, but have had flawless performance from the 139, 145, 175, and 200 lrx out of a 7-08, 280ai and 30.06 and 300 WM.

You will need an 8 twist to stabilize the 168. Barnes claims it will open properly down to 1500 fps. I always like to keep a bit above manufacturers claims, so I stick to a rule of +200fps combined with 1000ft/lbs to determine my max range with barnes...stick to that and they have preformed flawlessly on close to 200 moose,elk, deer, bear, etc etc that myself and partners have used em on. In all thos critters i think we have recovered maybe 5 bullets, and all animals died between 0-100 yds...usually around 40 yds.

Hope that helps!
Chris

 

[Kaptoe]

Thanks for the feedback. 1/9 twist won't get it done. When I shoot this barrel out will go with a higher twist

Only shoot Barnes in my 257wby and I really like the 185gr out of my 21" 338winmag

 

[willyqbc]

Thanks for the feedback. 1/9 twist won't get it done.

We run the 145 lrx @ 3120fps in my sons 280 ai.....it is pure hell on game....lazer death ray!!..... and will work well in your 9 twist.