280 ai short barrel load data

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Feb 16, 2026
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Sorry if this has already been talked about but I haven't seen anything that relates to my scenario closely.
Im building a 280 ai off a tikka action will have a 22" proof barrel 8 twist and a max coal of 3.5". Want to shoot 155 terminal ascent but that is harder to find than n560 so im more than likely going to chose between a 175 eol and 168 ablr for my go to hunting round. Anyone have experience with this kind of a set up? What powders and velocities are you guys getting? My first custom rifle and first rifle i will be loading for when she is done.
 

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With a 22" barrel, you'll get about 2850-2900 fps with the 155 Terminal Ascent, 2800-2850 fps with the 168 ABLR, and 2750-2800 fps with the 175 EOL using the right powders. RL23 is the best all-around powder for this combo. N560 works but is finicky. RL26 gives top velocity but needs careful temp management.
 
Same as a Golt on the 175’s. Using 57.5 grains of H4831 sc and getting speeds in the 2750 to 2765 range with a 22” Carbon 6 barrel. I ran the charge higher trying to find pressure and had higher velocities, but the accuracy wasn’t there.
 
7828ssc gets me 2850 with 180 eldm and 2925 with 168lrx and excellent accuracy. I use h4831sc for 165 and lighter.
 
I'll second RL23. It is all around the best powder I have found for my 280 AI. I just started tinkering with the 155 TA's.

I also have 2 boxes of factory 155 TA to try out soon, just for comparison.

I would also agree that N560 is finicky, or maybe inconsistent, at least for me anyways.
 
Thank you guys for the replies I appreciate it. Going to run the gun suppressed so I wanted the 22" but now im thinking I should have gone 24". Seems like a lot of the powders you guys have suggested are pretty slow burning powders. What about h4350 or reloader 19 to help with the shorter barrel?
 
I have a 20 inch, I'm getting 2800 with the 175 EH with magpro and 3100 ish with a 140 AB with RL16
 
My .280 Ackley has a 22" Brux. RL-26 nets me 2875 with a 168 VLD and 2950 with a 162 ELDx. Hard to find powder but its been very accurate and consistent for me. RL-23 would also be a great choice.
 
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