Almost there - load development

[MuleyFever]

I am just waiting for my seating die to come. I have my cases ready for some powder.

I am looking for advice on how to set up for load development on my 280AI. I am using 160gr Accubonds and H4831SC. The Nosler data shows the most accurate load they tested at 55grs and max at 59grs. Where should I start? Start at 55grs and go up 1grs or 1/2 grs? I think starting at 55 and going up 1/2 all the way to 59 may waste a lot of powder if I load 5 shots for every 1/2grs change.

Do I need a chrono? Last time out mine wasn't working and I don't really want to buy another one right now.

Seating depth. How far off the lands to start?

 

[Dcrafton]

So, with my 280ai I used a different load but the depth I went as long as my mag would allow. Then worked back from there.
On the load I would work up from the lightest amount of powder listed and go up.


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[Dcrafton]

Here is my chart

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[Dcrafton]

I am just waiting for my seating die to come. I have my cases ready for some powder.

I am looking for advice on how to set up for load development on my 280AI. I am using 160gr Accubonds and H4831SC. The Nosler data shows the most accurate load they tested at 55grs and max at 59grs. Where should I start? Start at 55grs and go up 1grs or 1/2 grs? I think starting at 55 and going up 1/2 all the way to 59 may waste a lot of powder if I load 5 shots for every 1/2grs change.

Do I need a chrono? Last time out mine wasn't working and I don't really want to buy another one right now.

Seating depth. How far off the lands to start?

What twist is your barrel?


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[MuleyFever]

It’s a 9 twist.

 

[Dcrafton]

My buddy has a cooper 280ai with a 1-9 twist, his load is 57.5g 4831sc 162 eldx. Very accurate.
I use the 180g eldm


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[MuleyFever]

Does anyone use this method? It seams like a pretty quick way to find a powder charge compared to loading 5 rounds at each charge.

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[Dcrafton]

A good ladder test is a great method. I shoot mine at 500 yards.


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[Trigger06]

My 280ai (Kimber Montana) likes the 162 ELD-X with 59.3g H4831SC. Also likes the 160 Partion with 59.8 of N165. Haven't found the 160 accubond load that shows as well as either of those two.

 

[Sekora]

I figure out mag length first if it is going to be a hunting rifle. From there, I load 2 rounds each starting low and working up in half grain increments for long action rounds. I shoot all through a chronograph to check velocities and shoot all at 100 yards. If your 2 shots are bad, load is bad and I only loaded 2 rounds. If it is good, I will revisit it in the future with a 5 round group. By using this method, I am getting good data on velocities, group size, and where I run into pressure without burning a lot of power and using a lot of bullets.

 

[FLS]

Load to bullet recommended length and find your optimum charge weight then use seating depth to find tune your load. Only Change one thing at a time. I would go in half grain increments, .3 is even better. I shoot. 3 round groups. To get in the ball park then fine tune from there.
A couple of years ago I started using a velocity ladder for load development. Once you find your node, you can fine tune your load. Saves components and worked well for me . You have to have a good chronograph to do it though.

 

[MuleyFever]

Nosler lists data for SAAMI spec. Just start there? Or should I start at whatever max length my mag length will allow?

I will check what the Hornady manual shows.

 

[Sekora]

I always start at mag length. By mag length I mean it will fit in the magazine AND cycle properly. That way I know there is only one way to go. Once I find the optimum charge, I adjust seating depth to fine tune. The manuals always end up being shorter than my guns will allow. I usually end up with better accuracy that way than just loading to SAAMI spec. I am no expert, but this method has worked well for me.

 

[trad_bowhunter1965]

I am not saying that there isn't sound advice posted above. Here are my 2 cents I don't shoot Nosler but I do have their reloading manual and I would start with what they recommend these folk do load development for a living you can always call them and talk with one of their customer service reps.