Loads for 280AI - is 175 too heavy?

[RockyMtnMT]

.280AI
353 yards
175 Berger Elite Hunter
0 wind
Dial .7MIL
Cold bore shot (with some luck too, I can admit)
My witness/spotter just laughed as I put away the rifle as I said, "yep, that one is ready" (like it was no big deal).

Is that as far as you confirm your drops? Just curious after I just read this whole thread. I was under the impression that it was about going with the heavies in order to maximize the long range potential. Not trying to start anything just thinking at 3-400 yards the increased muzzle vel from a 140g bullet would have an advantage over the slower 170 class bullet.

I totally understand the "This rifle is done" after a perfect shot. That is super fun when they work like that.

Steve

 

[Morrison]

I like the versatility of the 280AI. As I start researching various reloading options, maintaining velocities 3000+ fps for 120 through 160 grain bullets are possible. Knowing I would drop close to 300 fps, should I bother loading 175's for distance? Any load advice for a heavier bullet in the 280 ackley?

I have 3 280 AI's built for different environments. Hunting is a very different environment than punching paper. You can load the 175's into the AI but I recommend that you take notice of the Berger and Sierra recommendations, if you are looking for long range accuracy outside of the Hunting environment they will suggest a faster twist rate for the heavier bullet. You will be fine with a 1/9 twist for 140's through the 168's and the 175 will perform well. However, a 1/8 twist will serve you better with the heavy bullets all the way through the 195's. Note: that you may have to throat the chamber to make the 195's work best. Really long bullet.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I have had good results so far shooting heavy bullets in my 280AI. I have found IMR 7828SSC, H1000 and RL 23 all work well with 180gn Bergers and 195 Bergers.

A few loads I have worked up so far:

180 Berger Hyb
57.5gn IMR 7828SSC
Fed 210M
(~0.020" off)
2793 fps, SD 7.5
0.22" x 3 shots

I think you found a winner here.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Is that as far as you confirm your drops? Just curious after I just read this whole thread. I was under the impression that it was about going with the heavies in order to maximize the long range potential. Not trying to start anything just thinking at 3-400 yards the increased muzzle vel from a 140g bullet would have an advantage over the slower 170 class bullet.

I totally understand the "This rifle is done" after a perfect shot. That is super fun when they work like that.

Steve

Absolutely not. That was just final verification the weekend before my hunt started.

I have confirmed drops to 1535.
I recently shot this rifle at 545, 769, 932, 1181, 1209, 1365, and 1535. Shot a 2.9" 3 shot group at 932 with this rifle, and 6" 3 shot group at 1365. Shows me a 1:9" is plenty for the 175 Berger Elite Hunter. Shooting was conducted at 2200' elevation, 35-60° F. So when I go up to my elk and high country mule deer hunting locations, stability should increase.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Absolutely not. That was just final verification the weekend before my hunt started.

I have confirmed drops to 1535.
I recently shot this rifle at 545, 769, 932, 1181, 1209, 1365, and 1535. Shot a 2.9" 3 shot group at 932 with this rifle, and 6" 3 shot group at 1365. Shows me a 1:9" is plenty for the 175 Berger Elite Hunter. Shooting was conducted at 2200' elevation, 35-60° F. So when I go up to my elk and high country mule deer hunting locations, stability should increase.

I didn't think so. I just panicked for a sec.

Steve

 

[Tidus56]

Does everyone feel a magnum primer is needed for the 280 AI? I have two 280 AI barrels on the way, so I am looking at possible starting loads and such. I throated mine for the 180 Berger thinking the 195 will do better from my 28 Nosler.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I use Fed GM210M large rifle primers in mine.

 

[Tidus56]

I use Fed GM210M large rifle primers in mine.

Okay, I wasn't thinking a magnum would be required. Thanks for the info

 

[Morrison]

Does everyone feel a magnum primer is needed for the 280 AI? I have two 280 AI barrels on the way, so I am looking at possible starting loads and such. I throated mine for the 180 Berger thinking the 195 will do better from my 28 Nosler.

This depends on your powder. The Bench rest guys say that IMR4831 is a great powder but for consistency it needs the Magnum primer. I would say that you should test each combination. In the case of heavy bullets you will want to slow the powder in order to maintain correct pressures and this would lean toward magnum primers,

 

[HRstretch]

Looking to build a 280 AI off of my old Remington 721. tagging in for further information.

 

[Georgiashooter]

I've built two and used federal magnum primers In them. One likes RL17 with 168 Berger, the other 4831 SC with 162 hornady eld. Both are half minute or less guns. Great cartridge.

 

[Tidus56]

This depends on your powder. The Bench rest guys say that IMR4831 is a great powder but for consistency it needs the Magnum primer. I would say that you should test each combination. In the case of heavy bullets you will want to slow the powder in order to maintain correct pressures and this would lean toward magnum primers,

I will likely run a magnum primer as its not detrimental. Thanks for the information.

 

[hseII]

Absolutely not. That was just final verification the weekend before my hunt started.

I have confirmed drops to 1535.
I recently shot this rifle at 545, 769, 932, 1181, 1209, 1365, and 1535. Shot a 2.9" 3 shot group at 932 with this rifle, and 6" 3 shot group at 1365. Shows me a 1:9" is plenty for the 175 Berger Elite Hunter. Shooting was conducted at 2200' elevation, 35-60° F. So when I go up to my elk and high country mule deer hunting locations, stability should increase.

So,....

What kinda speed are you getting?

 

[Tidus56]

Sometimes this forum reminds me of the gym.

S0,...... What kinda speed are you getting?

Reminds me of, "How much you bench, bro?" lol

I love it!