280 AI Retumbo

[BucksNDucks]

Hello All,

I'm looking for some info for the suggested starting and max powder load using Retumbo for my
280 Ackley Improved
Bartlein 29 1/2" barrel with muzzle break
Nosler Brass
FED 215 GM Primers
160 Nosler Accubond

I have loaded a lot of H4831SC & RL22 and like what I'm getting. I would like to get a hold of some RL26, hearing good things but that seems impossible at this time.
I have good amount Retumbo and just wanted to see what I could get out of it..

Any info would be great.

Thanks

 

[freebird]

When I had my 280AI, I used retumbo and 168gr long range accubonds. Could get quarter sized groups at 100 yards.

 

[codym]

RL23 is supposed to be just about as good as 26 in the 280 AI. I’m gonna try it with the 175 Berger’s. I’ve had good luck with 4831sc and h1000 in my other 280ai’s and 160-168 class bullets

 

[Halleywood]

I haven't tried Retumbo but R26 has served me well with 162 gr ELD-X's. I threw in Retumbo and the 160AB's into Quickload and it looks to me like it is too slow a powder. It will fill up your case before you get anywhere close to even 2800 fps. With R26 it showed you could get into the 3100 fps range with your long barrel before you reach a max pressure load.

 

[RaggedHunter]

No info on the 280 AI but I run retumbo in my 6.5-06 Ackley Improved (61gr) with 140 gr bergers and get phenomenal accuracy and good speed. So I think it would be a really good powder to try out of your 280, I don't think it is too slow especially with 160-180 grain bullets.

I can't remember if the nosler manual lists retumbo for 280 AI loads or not, I can check when I get home if someone else doesn't chime in first.

Also you might search the reloading threads on here and on Longrangehunting.com, I'm sure someone out there has posted load ranges for retumbo in the 280 AI.