Hand loaded speeds for a 30-06 and 280AI

Elite

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Hey everyone. I am looking to pick up a new ultralight rifle and I have narrowed it down to a 30-06 or a 280AI. Both are running 22” barrels. I currently have a 30-06 and love it but want a higher quality rifle that is lighter for mountain hunting. I currently have over 180 pieces of nosler factory ammo once fired brass for the 30-06. This is steering me to just buy another tried and true so I am wondering what everyone can squeeze for velocity out of a 30-06 by hand loading them? I am set up to load just haven’t played with the 30-06 yet. (Need dies). Playing with the ballistics of both the 280ai pulls ahead at 400 yards and beyond.

A new Caliber would be cool but looking for opinions. Gun will be 7.4 lbs ready to hunt and used for sheep/elk/deer/moose


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Joined
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I have reloaded since I was 12 years old with my father supervising. Handloads are all I've ever used on game except for my first deer and antelope. The following are the velocity I get in my rifle with my particular load and bullet.

Ruger 1B single-shot 30-06 - 26" barrel
165 gr. Nosler Accubond or Partition
57.4 grs. IMR4350
2940 fps

Winchester Model 70 280AI - 24" barrel
140 gr. Nosler Partition or Accubond
64.5 grs. IMR7828SSC
3230 fps. 140 gr. Partition - 3180 fps. 140 gr. Accubond
 
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brushape

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rohnert park, Ca
Guys are posting some pretty amazing speeds with the absolute hammer bullets in 30-06 rifles but I haven’t confirmed them myself


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I like both those chamberings. Have loaded for an '06 and std 280 Rem for years.

The most velocity you should squeeze out either one is what you get at published max load data. There is good data for most everything out there. Even working up a load for a bullet that doesn't have specific data, use published loads for similar bullets (monos or cup and core) and those velocities as your guide. There isn't free speed, it all comes with pressure other than longer barrels which you aren't looking at.
 
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I’ve got a tikka 30-06 with 22” barrel that loves almost anything I feed it. Current load is a 151 absolute hammer going 3230 fps. It’s a very hot load and lapua brass will only last 3-4 firings.

I used to use lapua scenar 155gr and had a stupid accurate load at about 2940fps.

I’ve got different rifles for long range so I have not needed to play around with much else.

For best results get some lapua brass and don’t look back. I’d avoid any federal brass, even mild loads are not lasting more than a few firings.
 

SamsonMan22

Lil-Rokslider
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Dec 9, 2018
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Northern NY
Loaded 180 partitions up to around 2800 but the accuracy for me was at 2720. With 165 ballistic tips I was up at 2950 both loads using h4350. I still had not hit pressure with either loading but it was getting close on the 180s. The 180s were a factory kimber 24” barrel and the 165s were the same rifle with a hart 24” barrel. I used 57g for the 180s at 2720 and 58.5g for the 165 loads.
 

Gingerman

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Guys are posting some pretty amazing speeds with the absolute hammer bullets in 30-06 rifles but I haven’t confirmed them myself


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30-06 with 151gr AH...you could point that at nearly anything.
 
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Mine has a 24" barrel, and not reloading for max speed, just best speed/accuracy combo.

180 partitions right at 2800, 162 hammer hunters at 2925. Those are the only 2 hunting loads I'm currently using. FWIW, 180 partitions at 2800 in a 5.4 pound Fieldcraft has some pretty good jump and is a little snorty!
 

sndmn11

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Morrison, Colorado
My barrel is 24" plus a brake.

168ttsx at 2990fps
130gr ttsx at 3300fps
Factory Barnes 180ttsx at 2830

For reference, in my wife's 20" plus brake 7-08.

145lrx at 2950
120ttsx factory at 2890

I don't know how much more powder can be put in a 280ai vs 7-08, but I don't know why one would. If I were to build A (singular in the sense that it's my one) rifle, I'd probably go with a 6.5mm or 7mm because of the bullet choices. (6.5-284/6.5prc/7prc) So of your two choices, I'd take a 280ai.
 

MThuntr

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280AI 3255fps 143 Hammers 62.5gr RL26....I could push it hotter to get above 3300fps but not worth it. Haven't loaded any other bullets for this rifle. 24" barrel but it has a muzzlebrake so actual length is closer to 22"
 

sndmn11

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280AI 3255fps 143 Hammers 62.5gr RL26....I could push it hotter to get above 3300fps but not worth it. Haven't loaded any other bullets for this rifle. 24" barrel but it has a muzzlebrake so actual length is closer to 22"
I'm too lazy to check; is that a hunter or absolute bullet?
 

MThuntr

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I'm too lazy to check; is that a hunter or absolute bullet?
Hunter. I don't generally have the powders needed to use the Absolute plus they aren't the most efficient design when it comes to BC so the fast muzzle velocity is quickly lost however within most hunting situations that's a non-issue. Also in the example of the 140AH vs 143HH the two express similar enough velocity and BC that they're too similar.
 
OP
Elite

Elite

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Those are impressive speeds everyone from the old and faithful 30-06. Looking for opinions on what everyone would do in my situation.

Buy the 280ai and have to find brass/ammo

Buy the 30-06. I have a lot of nosler brass and some 190ablr and 180ab bullets.

Rifle will be used in the mountains for sheep and the thick bush at home for moose and elk


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Rich M

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I get considerable brass longevity and minimal stretch or growth. Getting 12-20 reloads per brass minimum. I also have not trimmed brass yet - been reloading 3006 >10 years. Measure and it doesn't grow. A couple of the old brass split/crack just above the base. That's it.

The 3006 has a lot of room for speed and is an excellent round. .280 is essentially the same thing. The less you push the limits, the longer the equipment lasts.

What would I do - you already have the 3006 stuff - use it while you look for the .280 AI. Nothing says you can't do both.
 
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Flip a coin - which do you like? The 280ia will be flatter shooting further out. The 30-06 a little more umph on the bigger game (like moose) closer in. Both of those very general statements all other things being equal. That said I shot my Shiras with a 6.5x55 and the last 2 AK moose hunts I've been on friends have used 280ia's on some impressive bulls. Really splitting hairs here - heck they're the same cartridge family.
 
OP
Elite

Elite

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I do agree it is like splitting hairs. I can see the 280ai doing better in the mountain setting where it can handle the wind better.

I think I am trying to get talked into the financially smart decision of the 30-06 with having all the brass and bullets already. I have found some 280ai and 280 rem stuff
But it is grossly over priced


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sndmn11

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I do agree it is like splitting hairs. I can see the 280ai doing better in the mountain setting where it can handle the wind better.

I think I am trying to get talked into the financially smart decision of the 30-06 with having all the brass and bullets already. I have found some 280ai and 280 rem stuff
But it is grossly over priced


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Just pick the 30-06 then. You're looking at minute differences and when playing the tradeoff game between BC and velocity you can make either one look like what you desire.

Spend the $300 investment on 280ai components on other cool stuff.
 
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