Hunting bullet recommendations for .280 AI

[Scotto]

No mention of the Berger 175 EH. My rifle loves 'em.

 

[grimm158]

I love my accubonds but haven't seen them on shelves in almost 3 years now. It's about time to switch to Hornady/Hammer since you can actually buy them. I just haven't been impressed with what ELDX's do on game. They've dropped everything but have been a little too explosive for my taste.

 

[Harvey_NW]

I love my accubonds but haven't seen them on shelves in almost 3 years now. It's about time to switch to Hornady/Hammer since you can actually buy them. I just haven't been impressed with what ELDX's do on game. They've dropped everything but have been a little too explosive for my taste.

Don't be afraid to try the eld-m. I'm loading them in my 280ai and at 2800 fps MV and they flat hammer IMO. I'm a double lunger though, not a high shoulder guy. But great terminal performance, 3/3 on 1 shot kills from 210-580 on 2 bucks and a bull.

 

[grimm158]

Don't be afraid to try the eld-m. I'm loading them in my 280ai and at 2800 fps MV and they flat hammer IMO. I'm a double lunger though, not a high shoulder guy. But great terminal performance, 3/3 on 1 shot kills from 210-580 on 2 bucks and a bull.

I know a few guys running those and they say great things. I've got a mental block about using target bullets for hunting.. Seems like everyone's running 215 hybrids in 300prc and I can't bring myself to load those either. Sounds like a me problem

 

[ZWA]

Keep the velocity a little lower on an ELDM and it performs well. If you like a complete energy dump it is perfect. If you want two holes and no limitations go mono.
The 162 shoots great in my 280AI and I have thought about giving the 180 a try.

On the 160 partitions I have 50 handloads made up with 4831 but can’t bring myself to shoot them until they become available.

 

[Harvey_NW]

I know a few guys running those and they say great things. I've got a mental block about using target bullets for hunting.. Seems like everyone's running 215 hybrids in 300prc and I can't bring myself to load those either. Sounds like a me problem

I think it just depends on the application. I'm all about that full energy dump into the vitals behind the shoulder, so I got great results. If I had tried to high shoulder for a DRT I may not have, I don't know. I also find terminal performance reviews on dead animals ironic.

Keep the velocity a little lower on an ELDM and it performs well. If you like a complete energy dump it is perfect. If you want two holes and no limitations go mono.
The 162 shoots great in my 280AI and I have thought about giving the 180 a try.

That aligns with my experience, I was content when I hit 2800fps because it was a sweet spot of acceptable ballistics and comfort to shoot. I was surprised that I did get a full pass through on the buck at 580 though. I grabbed a couple hundred 180's recently but I think they're going to be too fast out of my 28 Nos, and I think I found a powder that the Bergers are gonna jive with. If you're interested in them shoot me a message.

 

[Petwa]

The best hunting/accuracy load I have tried is the Barnes 150gr ttsx loaded to 3050fps. I have only shot two deer with this load. One at 60yds and the other at 150yds. This bullet/load combo shoots 1/2moa out of my rifle. I tried the Hornady 150 ELD-x bullets with a bunch of different loads and my gun does not shoot them well. I wished it did. I would like to try some accubonds but can never seem to find any in stock.

 

[Pharmseller]

160 Partitions are available if you look.




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[Habs22]

If you can find, 155 terminal accent have been great. Best of both worlds of lead and copper.

 

[doc holiday13]

The new hornady 160g CX mono looks fairly promising. Once i actually get my new rifle I'll test them but a .596 G1 ain't half bad if thats how it actually shakes out

 

[Harvey_NW]

The new hornady 160g CX mono looks fairly promising. Once i actually get my new rifle I'll test them but a .596 G1 ain't half bad if thats how it actually shakes out

Really considering trying them in 28 Nos because screw barrel life if you have a frickin laser beam.