280AI questions

[LoneWolf103]

I just got a 280 AI and am starting to reload for it. Does anyone use the Lock N Load when starting out and do you recommend it? Also what powder have you found that's producing the best groups? I'm planning on running 160grain Nosler or 168 grain hornady bullets. Thanks.

 

[actionshooter]

Tag to see feedback... buddy is having a 280AI built right now.... means I'll be loading ammo for him..

 

[LoneWolf103]

Anyone use Varget for 280 AI?

 

[MThuntr]

Anyone use Varget for 280 AI?

I don't use Varget but if you're aiming for a heavier bullet, then I'd consider something a bit slower.

Before I started shooting Hammer bullets I was using 7828SCC with 162gr ELD-X but RL23 worked for me too. Honestly I'd consider 4350 or 4831 before Varget but Hodgdon does have load data so it is an option if you already have it.

 

[LoneWolf103]

Ok thank you, I have a bunch of Varget is why I asked but I just ordered some 4831SC as I've read it produces a great load.

 

[manitou1]

7828 is a great powder for those bullet weights in the 280ai. You will get faster velocities with the 7828, rl23, rl26over 4831.

7828
RL23 (probably extinct)
RL26 (thought to be extinct)
Would be my top three pics for 160-175 gr bullets in the 280ai.

 

[jfk69]

I’ve never even played with Varget in my.280 let alone .280AI. I think there are a fair number of powders I’d try ahead of it.

 

[handwerk]

In the couple of 280 AI's I've had I used either barnes 150 TTSX /RL 22 or in my current one is 145 LRX and RL 16. both are around 3050 FPS.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I'm using RL19 now as I have 10# of it. Tried some RL15 but didn't get good results.

 

[Scotto]

7828 is the way.

 

[280Ackley]

H4831SC has been the best out of mine with the Berger 168 VLD’s

 

[tom338]

In the couple of 280 AI's I've had I used either barnes 150 TTSX /RL 22 or in my current one is 145 LRX and RL 16. both are around 3050 FPS.

What would you suggest for a starting load with RL 16. I'm having a hard time finding any data for that powder with my 280AI

 

[MThuntr]

What would you suggest for a starting load with RL 16. I'm having a hard time finding any data for that powder with my 280AI

 

[6mm Remington]

My 280AI is a Winchester Model 70 Classic Sporter I had made into a 280AI. Original barrel was a 270 Winchester. It shoots great with either 140 gr. Partitions or Accubonds and shoots to just about the exact same point of impact. Same load for each of the two bullets.

140 gr. Nosler Accubond using IMR7828SSC chronographs at 3180 fps.
140 gr. Nosler Partitions using IMR7828SSC exact same load chronographs at 3230 fps.

 

[wind gypsy]

RL23 (probably extinct)
RL26 (thought to be extinct)

Can you elaborate on this?

 

[manitou1]

Can you elaborate on this?

Cannot find any for the past two years.

 

[JD Jones]

Cannot find any for the past two years.

Not quite extinct but when it was available 6 months back or so it went fast. Got 8# 26 and 1 23

 

[Sawtooth284]

H4831SC has been the best out of mine with the Berger 168 VLD’s

What grains? What setting depth? what speed?

 

[280Ackley]

What grains? What setting depth? what speed?

2960 FPS

 

[Sawtooth284]

View attachment 531542

2960 FPS

Thank you, big help!
Thats impressive! What barrel and twist is that 280ai?
By chance remember how far that is off the lands in that rile? i tried 58g at .010 off today h4831 nothing to write home about