280ai hunting load

[bmicek]

I hate making these posts because there’s so much information out there with a google search, but there’s almost so much information, it’s an overload. So I’ll just keep this simple.

I recently purchased a Kimber Montana as a do-all hunting rifle. For now I’ll only be hunting antelope and whitetail unless I draw a mule deer tag. Is there a 120-150gr bullet people swear by for 7mm Cartridges for medium sized animals? My opinion has always been bullet selection matters, but what matters more is a well placed shot.

 

[MuleyFever]

There are multiple threads about 280ai loads you can search for on here.

Mine likes the 142gn Controlled Chaos bullet and the 160gn Accubonds. Using 4831sc.

FYI the Controlled Chaos is the same design as the Hammer for way cheaper and is a 1/2” shooter in my Montana.

 

[mvrk28]

Can’t go wrong with Hammer’s.

.284 Cal-143gr Hammer Hunter™ - Hammer Bullets

Recommended twist rate is 1-9.25" or faster Bullet length is 1.40" Nose length is .8012" Bullet weight is 143gr Recommended use: Big game hunting G7-BC=.230 From shot drops

hammerbullets.com

Super accurate, easy to load.

 

[Bsnyder]

I second the hammers. Loaded some up for a friend 12 shots total for load development when she gets back will be switching to the 140 absolutes. Current load is 59 grains of n560 in peterson brass. 143 hh. If you don’t want that style bullet I’d say the 168 Berger vld and make sure your tips are clean and clear put it in the pocket and be ready to open a soup kitchen.

 

[Trigger06]

Ive gotten good accuracy in mt 280 Ackley Montana from the 162 ELD-X with 59.3gr of H4831SC and the 143 Hammer Hunter with 61gr of Reloader 26.

 

[rootacres]

I know its an unpopular opinion on here but the 168gr berger classic hunters folded my bull at 325 yds this year (2850fps MV w/ a shoulder POI).

I too am interested in what everyone likes in the 135-150 range.

I wish there was more info on the 139gr LRX. To me that would see like a good option. People on here really love their mono bullets. Ive only witnessed 1 in action and it performed exactly as expected.

 

[MThuntr]

Another vote for Hammers. I'm using 143HH with 62.5 grains of RL26 at 3168fps. I know I could squeeze more out if it but I'm getting .5" groups so I'm happy with that.

As soon as Peterson Brass is back in stock I'll use their brass and rework the load. I want to try the absolute hunters but I'm not real sure I have the powder or the supply to try anything new right now.

 

[williaada]

I postedsomething similiar earlier this year. Hope this helps.

.280Ai loads

Worked up a load using Barnes 150gr TTSX and it was only running about 2875fps 60 grains H4831sc. Coal was 3.245. My barrel is 22 inches. Had 5 rounds the size of quarter. With this information, am I reaching the full potential of the .280AI. If not what powder should I be trying instead...

www.rokslide.com

my personal choice is Barnes or Noslers.

 

[6mm Remington]

In my Model 70 custom made into a 280AI I am using either Nosler 140 gr. Partitions or 140 gr. Accubonds with IMR7828SSC. It sure shoots nice and is deadly. I really like both bullets. I shot my grizzly bear a year and a half ago with the 140 gr. Accubond.

 

[mvrk28]

Another vote for Hammers. I'm using 143HH with 62.5 grains of RL26 at 3168fps. I know I could squeeze more out if it but I'm getting .5" groups so I'm happy with that.

As soon as Peterson Brass is back in stock I'll use their brass and rework the load. I want to try the absolute hunters but I'm not real sure I have the powder or the supply to try anything new right now.

Man we are cut from the same cloth, haha. I've got a 280 ai being built right now, I bought 2 boxes of Peterson brass and plan on using RL26.

 

[onetohunt]

140 gr accubonds with H4831sc works great in my Cooper Backcountry 280ai.

 

[MallardAddict]

162 eld-x and 7828or r26 for me

 

[.270]

Another vote for Hammers. I'm using 143HH with 62.5 grains of RL26 at 3168fps. I know I could squeeze more out if it but I'm getting .5" groups so I'm happy with that.

I am at 62 grains of rl26 at 3160 with the 143HH. I can shoot 3/4" with a 6lb kimber hunter. I am not messing with that load. Hammers shoot great, I just loaded at mag length and messed with powder charge.

 

[handwerk]

I've been happy with the Barnes 145 LRX.

 

[sneaky]

I've got accurate loads with 145LRX, 140 SGK, and 168 Bergers. I despise Bergers so I shoot them at rocks and paper and hunt with the LRXs. 4451 with the LRX, IMR4831 with the Sierras and the Bergers.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Trogon]

I just bought a 280 Montana used. Haven’t shot it yet but previous owner provided old data:

55gr imr4350
Barnes 145 lrx
WLR primers
3.305 oal

Looks hot so work up to that one if you do.

 

[Jim1187]

I know it doesn't have stellar BC numbers but the boring old 154 interlock has been easy to work up accurate loads for and provides good on game results. I haven't played with it in a .280 AI but original recipe, 7mm-08, Rem Mag, STW, WSM and RUM it has laid down a hill of critters from whitetails and black bears to Moose for myself and friends.
120 grain Nosler Ballistic tips and TTSX are also easy to get shooting and won't bounce off anything. The NBT may not be my first choice as an all around bullet but the evidence supports it being a great deer bullet and terrible to the health of anything else it is steered into the ribs of.

 

[mvrk28]

I just bought a 280 Montana used. Haven’t shot it yet but previous owner provided old data:

55gr imr4350
Barnes 145 lrx
WLR primers
3.305 oal

Looks hot so work up to that one if you do.

I thought about 4350 but I feel like it just leaves a little too much case capacity unused.

 

[Trogon]

I thought about 4350 but I feel like it just leaves a little too much case capacity unused.

Load data doesn't say what the velocity was. Im going to try it, because why not. Ive also got some IMR4955 to try as well. Because I can't resist messing with a good thing.

 

[mvrk28]

Load data doesn't say what the velocity was. Im going to try it, because why not. Ive also got some IMR4955 to try as well. Because I can't resist messing with a good thing.

I too feel the urge to fix things that are not broken, haha.