Ridgeline FFT 280AI (load update… Berger 168’s)

[GA Sheephunter]

I ordered one from Europtics with a 15% off coupon. I went with the green, Black and Tan in a 300 PRC. Should be here on Monday.

Any chance you can share the coupon or was it a one time use?

 

[softtail103]

One use code

 

[trout004]

Went first thing this am before we hit 105 again… Texas summers are FUN. Anyways, I shot kinda crummy today but still moa groups. Gun seems to be functioning how I would expect and any concerns I was having are put to bet. Action has smoothed up, no more stuck plunger, no pressure signs.

Took velocity measurements today and averaged 2706 fps shooting Hendershot extreme ammo, Hornady ELDx 162's, powder charge unknown weight but H4831sc I believe is what they told me they use, and Peterson brass, non-mag primers.

Next up I'm gonna load up some Berger 168s and get to work finding a good hunting load for this fall. Times ticking!

Thanks for the report. Let us know how the 168's go. I just found out that my rifle is already fixed and being shipped back by Christensen. Hopefully everything was
done right. I have to say that the turnaround time was more than satisfactory…

 

[JD Jones]

Thanks for the report. Let us know how the 168's go. I just found out that my rifle is already fixed and being shipped back by Christensen. Hopefully everything was
done right. I have to say that the turnaround time was more than satisfactory…

Glad you got such a great turn time. May I ask, what was wrong with the original stock? I might not have picked up on that issue from your pictures

I'll report back with the 168s soon. Gonna start with RL26 first.

 

[trout004]

Glad you got such a great turn time. May I ask, what was wrong with the original stock? I might not have picked up on that issue from your pictures

I'll report back with the 168s soon. Gonna start with RL26 first.

The inletting (at the bolt relief are) was ragged and chipped out, there was a chip on the edge of the stock near the bolt, and it looked like a stress crack right in the thin spot where your palm sits. The brake had sharp metal shavings still hanging off the edge of the ports.

 

[Old Rooster]

The inletting (at the bolt relief are) was ragged and chipped out, there was a chip on the edge of the stock near the bolt, and it looked like a stress crack right in the thin spot where your palm sits. The brake had sharp metal shavings still hanging off the edge of the ports.

Im sorry but that rifle should have never left the factory!
I wish you the best trout004

 

[trout004]

Im sorry but that rifle should have never left the factory!
I wish you the best trout004

Thanks, Old Rooster. They seem to be taking care of it quickly, which is a big plus in my book. Things can happen so I am trying to be positive and give them some grace, but I'm not gonna lie. I may have let a couple swear words fly when I pulled the rifle out of the box.

 

[softtail103]

Well it showed up today. Very light. Fit and finish looked good. 5lbs 9oz. 300 PRC with a 22in barrel. Probably to lightweight for me.

 

[JD Jones]

I didn't want to drill my stock for an Arca or Pic so this is what I'm using:

Spartan adapter uses the swivel stud. Area419 arca adapter is a direct fit to the atlas. And there's a spartan arca male end locked in. I know I coulda bought the spartan bipod but had an atlas laying around and happen to like them so I made it work. Overall I like the setup albeit a little heavier option than some out there

 

[GA Sheephunter]

Well it showed up today. Very light. Fit and finish looked good. 5lbs 9oz. 300 PRC with a 22in barrel. Probably to lightweight for me. View attachment 378389

When you say too lightweight for me, what do you mean? Its going to be hard to shoot?

 

[JD Jones]

When you say too lightweight for me, what do you mean? Its going to be hard to shoot?

I won't speak for Softtail and his 300PRC but, the 280ai is not an issue. I am not a fan of big recoil and was a little nervous about the weight however the gun feels no different than my 13# 6.5PRC

 

[softtail103]

When you say too lightweight for me, what do you mean? Its going to be hard to shoot?

Yes sir. I need more weight to be comfortable for a beyond 400 yard shot while climbing. Maybe at the range but I don't shoot beyond 200 yards at the range.

 

[JD Jones]

Range report 20220723
Temps: 85*
Wind: zero
Ten round ladder
Peterson Virgin brass, neck tension set with .283 mandrel, chamfered and de-burred
Powder charge: RL26 @ 61.2-63 grains in .2 increments.
Projectile: Berger 168 vld hunting
Primer: CCI BR2
COAL 3.330
CBTO 2.535

61.2 - 2947
61.4 - 2969
61.6 - 2989
61.8 - 3023
62 - 3012
62.2 - 3012
62.4 - 3020
62.6 - 3030
62.8 - 3037
63 - 3079 slight ejector mark

I was very impressed (shocked) at the velocities I was seeing today. Other than the 63gr load there seems to be no pressure signs. These charges are what I got speaking with Berger. Looks like at max I was ~120 fps faster which seems very high to me considering I'm also shooting a barrel 22" v. Their 24" test barrel.

I'm gonna play with that 61.9-62.3 range next

 

[Mark37082]

That is impressive with 280ai and 168 gr. VLD's. I can't find RL26, but have H4831SC. I would be very pleased with 3000 fps with a 168. Not sure I can get there with H4831SC.