280 AI bullet selection

[bigunit]

I've been using 165 sierra gamechangers as well as 168 lrx. No complaints from me. Both around 2925 fps. Barnes has a new 152 lrx coming out made specifically for the 280 I'd like to try.

 

[2Stamp]

I've been using 165 sierra gamechangers as well as 168 lrx. No complaints from me. Both around 2925 fps. Barnes has a new 152 lrx coming out made specifically for the 280 I'd like to try.

Those 165 gamechangers seem interesting. I can't seem to find much in the way of real world results from them though. I have read a few times they are tougher to open than an Accubond.

 

[bigunit]

Those 165 gamechangers seem interesting. I can't seem to find much in the way of real world results from them though. I have read a few times they are tougher to open than an Accubond.

Not sure if I would agree to that. They opened up fairly rapidly on coyotes out to 380 yards and worked just fine on a black bear at 200.

 

[rhammond31]

My gun guy built me some 145 LRX loads that are lights out. I shot .2 MOA at 500yds with them. I’ve now killed deer, caribou, sheep and moose with them!

 

[SloppyJ]

For deer, I shot 160 partitions last year. Not a single one took a step after the shot. If I had shot opportunities further than 300 I might look into another bullet. 59gr of 4831sc and the 160 are a bad combo so far. They shoot so well that I bought a few hundred of them and should be set for a long while. I worked up the load before I had my chrono so I don't know velocity out of my 22" barrel.

 

[Fmuguira]

Try a group or two with the TGC (Gameking) or the plain ole lead tipped Gameking in that 160-165 weight and I think you might find something you and your rifle really likes.


Game performance on your point blank to 500 yd ranges would be excellent with a 2900 +/- fps start.

 

[204_ruger]

I am going to try the Berger 168gr Classic Hunter bullets. I hope they work out. I was planning on going with Hornady ELD X 175gr and M 180gr. But think I will go a little smaller in weight.

 

[Brock63]

Received my Browning XBolt Pro in 280 AI (1:8 26") but not sighted in yet or found its best load....mostly due to was hunting season (whitetails) and now duck, woodcock, small game, etc....and frigid here in coastal SC with temps 19* last night and barely over freezing today. LOL Anyhow, been enjoying all the comments and have a stack of ammo to try.... Going to start with Norma TipStrike 160gr to get idea of accuracy and some light break-in though they say the PRO model doesnt need it. Then have Barnes 152gr LRX BT and Federal TA 155gr to try. May also try some Hornady Outfitter, Nosler AB....and if not satisfied yet some Hammer Hunters.
Hoping one of the first two or three loads is good. I know everyone says Berger and touts accuracy but I need something that is good from 75yds to 300+ yds....and dont have trust in the Bergers for high velocity impacts....just like the eld-m.....too much fragmentation even on whitetail that those speeds and close ranges. I will post what I found mine likes best....

 

[eyeguy]

175 berger elite hunter and retumbo for my 280 ai

 

[Brock63]

175 berger elite hunter and retumbo for my 280 ai

Does the 175 hold together on shots under 150 yds well? I have had issues in 6.5 PRC (140gr Hunter) and 30-06 (168gr) on those close shots ...also with Hornady ELD-X/M. Quick kills usually but so much fragmentation it destroys a lot of meat... I like high shoulder shots to try and drop them in tracks and not have to track through swamps and pine plantations..... Appreciate all the responses for this thread...the 280 AI is a new caliber for me...been a 30-06 and 300 WM most of my life...until got 6.5 PRC and now 280 AI.

 

[6mm Remington]

All I have been shooting in my 280AI since I built it on a Winchester Model 70 Classic Sporter rifle has been 140 gr. Nosler Partitions and Accubonds. Both have performed superbly in my rifle and shoot very well. I used 140 gr. Accubonds when I was blessed to go on a guided hunt in Alaska in 2019. The bullet worked as it should and one shot I had my bear. Besides my grizzly bear I have shot antelope, mule deer, and elk with my 280AI. Both the Partition and the Accubond have performed extremely well. I'm mostly shooting the Accubond though now. I just like it.

 

[SloppyJ]

All I have been shooting in my 280AI since I built it on a Winchester Model 70 Classic Sporter rifle has been 140 gr. Nosler Partitions and Accubonds. Both have performed superbly in my rifle and shoot very well. I used 140 gr. Accubonds when I was blessed to go on a guided hunt in Alaska in 2019. The bullet worked as it should and one shot I had my bear. Besides my grizzly bear I have shot antelope, mule deer, and elk with my 280AI. Both the Partition and the Accubond have performed extremely well. I'm mostly shooting the Accubond though now. I just like it.

Would love to see a picture of the build. Who did the work for you?

 

[eyeguy]

Does the 175 hold together on shots under 150 yds well? I have had issues in 6.5 PRC (140gr Hunter) and 30-06 (168gr) on those close shots ...also with Hornady ELD-X/M. Quick kills usually but so much fragmentation it destroys a lot of meat... I like high shoulder shots to try and drop them in tracks and not have to track through swamps and pine plantations..... Appreciate all the responses for this thread...the 280 AI is a new caliber for me...been a 30-06 and 300 WM most of my life...until got 6.5 PRC and now 280 AI.

Sorry I cannot yet comment on on game performance I am guessing at close ranges they will be a little on the explosive side. I have a 6.5 prc and shoot the 156 eol and on one mule deer buck and 2 antelope it performed well and exited but made a bit of a mess on the way. More used to the way my 30-06 and 168 ttsx performed. Not such violent expansion... My post above is my choice to start with my new 280ai and that combo is accurate in my 9 twist chris arms 26 inch ridgeline at 2950 fps

 

[6mm Remington]

Would love to see a picture of the build. Who did the work for you?

It was a local gunsmith Bob Peterson at Peterson Precision Rifles here in Missoula MT. I kept/used the walnut stock which came on the rifle. It was in perfect condition. He pillar and glass bedded it. Trigger adjusted to a crisp 2 1/2 pounds. He put a match grade Shilen 1-9 twist barrel on it. Metal work was coated in Norrell's Moly Resin and he trued the action. He did just an excellent job for me. 406-360-4765 Bob's number.

 

[SloppyJ]

It was a local gunsmith Bob Peterson at Peterson Precision Rifles here in Missoula MT. I kept/used the walnut stock which came on the rifle. It was in perfect condition. He pillar and glass bedded it. Trigger adjusted to a crisp 2 1/2 pounds. He put a match grade Shilen 1-9 twist barrel on it. Metal work was coated in Norrell's Moly Resin and he trued the action. He did just an excellent job for me. 406-360-4765
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Beautiful, thank you for sharing. I have a burning desire to build a lefty with a wood stock and proof barrel for a mix of old/new. I've started selling some stuff off that I don't use to fund that project.

 

[Unckebob]

I shot a deer with a 150g ELDx for my deer loads.

 

[Mtndawger]

I shoot 143 hammer hunters at 3100 fps out of my 22” 9” twist on a tikka T3x. Sub moa 10 shot group at 100. On several muleys and a cow elk they were outstanding. For 280 AI and monos I think you should stay away from heavy for caliber. You Want max velocity with monos to perform.

 

[Brock63]

I shoot 143 hammer hunters at 3100 fps out of my 22” 9” twist on a tikka T3x. Sub moa 10 shot group at 100. On several muleys and a cow elk they were outstanding. For 280 AI and monos I think you should stay away from heavy for caliber. You Want max velocity with monos to perform.

That is what I have heard as well....velocity is what does the trick on mono's....will have to give them a try.

 

[Weldor]

I've been using 165 sierra gamechangers as well as 168 lrx. No complaints from me. Both around 2925 fps. Barnes has a new 152 lrx coming out made specifically for the 280 I'd like to try.

What your COAL? Here's one set at 3.310 that's my magazine max length.

 

[bigunit]

I'd have to check but I think about 3.360 which is my max mag length