.280 AI powder suggestions

[Bob Wright]

Does anybody know what powder is used in the Hornady precision hunter, 162 ELDX ammo? Its 54.0 gr, I'm thinking maybe IMR 4831. My gun loves it

If it was me, I would dig into the Hornady loading data and look for that bullet and speed and see there recommended accuracy and hunting loads. Pay attention to primer selection and COAL.
I bet you would be very close.

 

[SammySTW]

My hornady book doesn't have recommended accuracy and hunting loads, but the powder that matches the speed the closest is imr 4350, it shows a max of 53.5 gr at 2800 fps. The factory load of 54.0 gr is going 2850 fps

 

[longbowelk]

I am a rookie on 280AI but my research on LRH has shown IMR7828SSC as a good powder. I am in early testing myself but so far it is looking as a possibility.

 

[L.Sherm]

My hornady book doesn't have recommended accuracy and hunting loads, but the powder that matches the speed the closest is imr 4350, it shows a max of 53.5 gr at 2800 fps. The factory load of 54.0 gr is going 2850 fps

Personally I dont like that fast of a powder in a 280AI, I like more of a 95% give or take case fill seems to be better with E.S and accuracy.

 

[SammySTW]

Personally I dont like that fast of a powder in a 280AI, I like more of a 95% give or take case fill seems to be better with E.S and accuracy.

I think I'm going to start with H4831, either a 162 ELD or a 175 berger elite

 

[DucNutz]

I cannot find any load data for RL 23 or RL 26. Is there any place I can find this data?

I called Berger for the data, i think they just ran a quick load on it though. I found that Nosler has some R-23 data online https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/280-ackley-improved/

 

[dougduey]

I think I'm going to start with H4831, either a 162 ELD or a 175 berger elite

H4831 is a solid performer in the 280AI, it will just be slow compared to other powders. I just finished final load development with the 162 ELDX and RL23. Had to do a slight tweak of seating depth to snug it up. Ended up at 3030 fps and under 0.5" moa.

 

[SammySTW]

H4831 is a solid performer in the 280AI, it will just be slow compared to other powders. I just finished final load development with the 162 ELDX and RL23. Had to do a slight tweak of seating depth to snug it up. Ended up at 3030 fps and under 0.5" moa.

I'm not super concerned with speed in this rifle, that's what my 7 stw and 22 creedmoor are for. But now that you said you're getting 3030 fps with 162s and RL 23, I may have to try that! Sounds a lot better than the 2850 I'm getting with the factory ELDX.

 

[dougduey]

I'm not super concerned with speed in this rifle, that's what my 7 stw and 22 creedmoor are for. But now that you said you're getting 3030 fps with 162s and RL 23, I may have to try that! Sounds a lot better than the 2850 I'm getting with the factory ELDX.
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I own a 7 STW, too. The AI has impressed me with the velocities I've been able to achieve. RL23 seems to be magic for all bullet weights with this cartridge. You'll probably end up somewhere around 59 grains with the 162