280 AI Loads

[ben280]

Looking to load for my Kimber Montana 280 AI. I've got 160 grain AB, Berger 168 grain VLD's, Varget, R 17, WLR, CCI 250 primers to work with. Any load suggestions? I would really like to work up a load with Varget and the Bergers. Thanks.

 

[Jon Pynch]

i really wanted to shoot the 168 vld's from my custom 280ai, but just couldn't get them to shoot like i wanted them to.

i settled on 4831sc and 162 amax's. super accurate load. i think the varget is going to be too fast for you. i have 16lbs of it, and wanted to use it, but after much research i realized i may as well buy powders that are actually better suited for that round.

i think your rl17 would be a better match than the varget, but you won't know for sure until you try it.

good luck.

 

[Stid2677]

This is my 280AI load using R17, 160 grain AB with 250CCI primers in my Kimber Mountain Ascent. Standard disclaimer,, work up to this load.


This was my seating work up.

 

[mtnwrunner]

54.9 grains of RL17, BR2 primer, 168 berger, nosler brass. Right at 2950 and it shoots in the .3's.

Randy

 

[bpotter]

IMR 4831 does well but is a bit temp sensitive(predictable though). The attached is a load workup and a big sweet spot around 55.5 gr or so - it is what I keep a couple boxes loaded in.

60 gr H4831 SC shoots 140s @ 2950 about 1/2 MOA to over 300 yds and is very consistent. I am sure I can get this powder to run over 3000FPS accurately with 140s.
I may try the 150 Longrange accubombs with the H4831SC and this rifle is begging me tor try IMR7821 with the 160s.

All rifles are different but these (and maybe H4350) are the powders I'd try. H4831 would be golden if it shoots fast enough in your rifle for your needs.
Be safe and work up.

View attachment 12759

 

[HellsCanyon]

I shoot the 168 bergers at 2950 with I think 62 grains 4831sc. Very accurate and stable over a wide temp range. RL22 was a wicked accurate and fast powder but very temp sensitive. This is out of a 24" rock creek cut rifled barrel. I got about a .025" seating depth range that is same POI and speed. If you can't get the bergers loaded to the lands try backing them off in .015" increments (go as much as .080" off lands) and see if you can find that sweet spot.

Also, this is a pretty hot load and you should make sure and work up to your rifles max load!! I'm well above reloading manuals suggested max load per this bullet/powder and I'm gettin some pressure signs and had to back off to this powder charge.

Mike

 

[30-338mag]

Nosler got a load for the 280AI start 57.5gr/IMR-7828 to max of 61.5gr @ 3043fps with 160gr AB. I'm loading 60.5gr/IMR-7828ssc with 160gr AB @ 3046fps. For the 168gr Bergers I'm using Hodgdon data IMR-7828ssc and H-4831sc and I haven't chrono any of those loads yet just like to get some more shooting in with those loads.

I've shot little R-17 with 160gr AB good load is 56gr/R-17 @ 3058fps so far haven't found too much that rifle doesn't like also working up some loads using Berger 180gr VLD. I also have Berger manual reading his suggestion on seating depth I'm .050" off the lands for the 168gr/180gr VLD he said sweet spot should be .030" to .040" if that doesn't work try .010",.050",.90".130" and if you find one that shoot good then try adjust SD -/+ .005". for the 160gr AB I'm .030" off.

I also have 284 on a long action and I'm using H-4831sc with Berger 168gr in that rifle. Well good luck

 

[ben280]

Thanks guys, lots of good info. Looks like I may need to keep an eye out for some H 4831 SC. Still plenty of time before sheep season to find something that shoots well.

 

[GrantMan]

I just got my 30-06 re-barreled to 280 AI and have been doing some research on loads. Looks like H4831 SC is the ticket for the majority on various forums but it is nearly impossible to find. IMR 7828 looks to be another viable powder choice and somewhat more available.

I am fireforming brass now and found my rifle to be extremely accurate with 59.0 gr of H1000 and Hornady 162 gr BTHP bullets. I have not chrono this load as it is more of a practice/fireforming load.

I plan on using the Nosler 160 AB's for a hunting load and will keep an eye out for this thread.

 

[pacific-23]

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Just got back from the range ten minutes ago. I appear to have a slow barrel on my hands. Max Nosler listed load is 59 grains of h4831for the 160 grain bullets. Mine appears to like 57 grains. I don't have a chrono so I will have to play around some more as far as reliability and then see if I can borrow one. Hunted this year with the 150 grain TTSX but never got the load dialed to my liking. This is with the 160 grain TSX. WAY more accurate across the board! Shooting the ladder with the 150's made for a pretty large pattern. Of course I am a new reloader and my technique/quality control is getting much better so I will revisit the 150's but not really a big fan of the plastic tips, seems like after the first shot all the ones in the mag were hammered anyway so begs the question of how much that theoretical BC edge actually helps. This is all with a Kimber Montana with an inch chopped off the barrel...