Should I dump my 280ai?

[Palix-Dog]

would you mind sharing the barrel length and powder? I'd like to get that with 160ABs out of mine.
@Palix-Dog

Be sure to start low and work up. It's a 24" barrel, Nosler brass, winchester standard large Rifle primer, 60.5 gns of RL 22. I crono it at around 50° at 400 ft Elevation. I tried H4831 and IMR4350 but couldn't break 2800fps. RL 19 @ 59 gns also gave me 2915 ave.

 

[VinceMule]

IMR 7828 with a Federal 210 ONLY with the 160ish bullets, other primers blow the group.

24"

 

[Rok1167]

Be sure to start low and work up. It's a 24" barrel, Nosler brass, winchester standard large Rifle primer, 60.5 gns of RL 22. I crono it at around 50° at 400 ft Elevation. I tried H4831 and IMR4350 but couldn't break 2800fps. RL 19 @ 59 gns also gave me 2915 ave.

K thanks. I get 2850 with imr4350 and I have 8 lbs of it. But would like to get over 2950 for an elk hunt, not sure I've seen RL22 in like a couple years tho

 

[hunter0925]

K thanks. I get 2850 with imr4350 and I have 8 lbs of it. But would like to get over 2950 for an elk hunt, not sure I've seen RL22 in like a couple years tho

It's pixie dust but if you can find reloader 23 it is what unicorns are made of for the 280ai. 160s and up it's the only powder I have needed. Below that and reloader 16 has been the go to. Both are temp stable and produce much better speeds and case fill than any other powder I have used. I did use reloader 26 originally but got pressure spikes in warm temps.

 

[VinceMule]

Rok, H4831 is available, should get you there with a CCI 250 primer. I have wanted to try R26 with 175g lrab, have not got around to it.

 

[CBH Australia]

If the title is the question then the answer is no!

Go wash your mouth out with soap.

It's a neat looking cartridge and I like the performance.

 

[Mark37082]

I finally have enough RL23 to start some load development. Not sure if I want to start with AB160's, Berger168's, or HH155's.

 

[Palix-Dog]

If the title is the question then the answer is no!

Go wash your mouth out with soap.

It's a neat looking cartridge and I like the performance.

Yeah I don't know what I was thinking. A weak moment.

If I really want a 7mm prc then I should just bite the bullet and buy one.

 

[std7mag]

Yes!!
You should get rid of your 280AI, post haste!!
Tell ya what...
I'll give you $300 to take that lowly 280AI off your hands.

Send it to.
Std7mag
Altoona, PA.

 

[hunter0925]

I finally have enough RL23 to start some load development. Not sure if I want to start with AB160's, Berger168's, or HH155's.

You will likely end up running out of powder space for that 155 with 23. 160s and up and you will likely be ok.

 

[Mark37082]

You will likely end up running out of powder space for that 155 with 23. 160s and up and you will likely be ok.

I probably will on the 155's with RL23. I did with 150 BDIi. I had to go with a faster burning ball powder to fit it in the case without a compressed load. Still got 3013 FPS on the edge of pressure. You would definitely need a faster twist than a 9.5.

I don't mean to hijack the OP's thread, but I have been really pleased with the 280AI. I don't have a 7PRC, but have 7RM's and now a 280AI. The 7RM spends most of its time in the safe. The bit faster FPS I get with 7RM doesn't really seem to be worth it for me.

i really like 7mm bullets.

 

[std7mag]

I probably will on the 155's with RL23. I did with 150 BDIi. I had to go with a faster burning ball powder to fit it in the case without a compressed load. Still got 3013 FPS on the edge of pressure. You would definitely need a faster twist than a 9.5.

I don't mean to hijack the OP's thread, but I have been really pleased with the 280AI. I don't have a 7PRC, but have 7RM's and now a 280AI. The 7RM spends most of its time in the safe. The bit faster FPS I get with 7RM doesn't really seem to be worth it for me.

i really like 7mm bullets.
View attachment 519523

I'd have to get a panorama IMAX camera to take a picture of all my 7mm bullets.

Heck, your lineup about covers my 25 caliber bullets.

And you may be ok with 1:9.5 for the 155HH.
I'm shooting 180gr bullets out of a 1:10, 7mm WBY Mag.

 

[birddog 68]

I get 2850 with imr4350 and I have 8 lbs of it. But would like to get over 2950 for an elk hunt,

IMR 7828 with a Federal 210 ONLY with the 160ish bullets

Yep, IMR 7828 should get you up to 2950 with the 160's.

I'm shooting 180gr bullets out of a 1:10, 7mm WBY Mag

Which 180gr bullet are you using that stabilize in a 1:10?

 

[Shane Lindsey]

What about a lightweight at light speed? Burn that barrel up and then twist it right.

I had a 7rem mag.
131gr Mono at 3525 FPS good out to 825 yards.
190gr Berger at 2835 FPS good out to 950 yards.

Are you hunting that far?