280AI VihtaVuori N160 150 gr bullet

[204_ruger]

I have a Browning Xbolt 280Al rifle. Has a 1@8 26-inch barrel. Guys told me to buy N160. I am wanting to shoot Berger 150 gr and 168gr Classic Hunter bullets. Nosler brass Federal 210 match primers. I can't find any data for N160 and 150gr bullets. I dont have Gordon's reloading data. I have some N165 and N560 coming. But after getting the N160. I was hoping to get it too work. I will take any help. Thanks

 

[Weldor]

Can you get info from their customer service?

 

[HandgunHTR]

I just happened to get a VV reloading data book with my last powder order. While it doesn't have 280AI load data, here is what it has for the regular 280 using 150 grain Berger Classic Hunters and N160.

Starting Load: 50.2 grains - 2592 fps
Max Load: 55.1 - 2835 fps

In my experience with a few different AI cartridges, you should be able to take the "regular" cartridge loads up another 5-8%, so I would start around 54.5 grains and work up slowly until you find one you are happy with or hit pressure.

 

[204_ruger]

Thank you. I have data for the Berger 168gr Classic Hunter. But couldn't find any for 150gr. I ended up ordering N560 and some MagPro.

 

[z987k]

N160 and 560 are not powders I'd use in 280ai for the 150gr. Too much bulk and too slow. You can stuff the case to 100% and you will not be able to get to max pressure.
Higher numbers will be worse.

The heavier 165+gr stuff it'll do better, but will still be limited by it's bulk.

 

[204_ruger]

N560 is what Nosler's newest book showed. It showed N165 but N560 was better. I can use it with 168gr bullet too. That is what Berger sent me.

 

[z987k]

N560 is what Nosler's newest book showed. It showed N165 but N560 was better. I can use it with 168gr bullet too. That is what Berger sent me.

They're loading over 100% fill. That's something I don't do. I bet if you take that down to 100%, N550 would be higher.