280 AI bullet selection

If your chamber will allow it to be seated correctly, mine loves 160g Barnes TSX. Excellent velocity and accuracy.
 
My dream load for my 280 AI tikka build is the 170 Terminal Ascents at 2800 fps. Great BC and terminal performance at all hunting distances 0-600 meters. The 155 Terminal Ascents at 2900+ FPS would be my load of choice in my light weight 280 AI. If only TA’s were available!!
 
I have sent a couple hundred rounds down range with the new XBolt Pro Carbon in 280 AI......enjoyed reading all the comments here. I tested the 155g TA, the 150gr ABLR, the 150gr TTSX, and the 152gr LRX.
By far the XBolt Pro Carbon liked the 152gr LRX the best...... .4-.6 MOA and consistent out to 450 yds so far on steel.

I think I am good on most anything with the 152 LRX...shot two nice deer this past year...one at 75 yds and one at 200. Lungs on close one and was worried about performance that close...but found deer 50 yds inside pine plantation piled up. The other dropped from high shoulder shot...so no tracking necassary.
I may try some 160 LRX just for grins...and hope they shoot good as well.

I have never hunted elk but hope to in next year or two...and I know the 152g is more than enough on good shots....but how will that solid copper perform on a quartering toward or from shot on a big bull? Anybody got any first hand experience on larger animals with less than optimal shot angles?
 
The Barnes factory 152 LRX load is the most accurate I’ve found in my 280 AI so far.

I’ve been eyeing the 141 Hammer HBC. The BC to weight ratio is very impressive. 3200+ fps MV(likely 3300 is possible) seems very attainable in the 280 AI and if I’m doing my math right that HBC would still be over 2400 fps at 500 yards.

Anyone hand load these in their ai?
 
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