Load data help for 168 gr bullets in 280 AI

[Navaluk]

I am looking for this weight only. Right now I have 168 gr Berger VLDs and Barnes LRX bullets. Thanks.

 

[n2horns]

Not perfect match but i am in 168 berger vld in 7MM, running BR2 primer, with Reloder 22 at 65.8 or 68 grains. My load data is not with me, so going off my memory.

 

[Stid2677]

My Kimber 280AI would not stabilize the 168 s, LRXs I tried. They key holed.

 

[Navaluk]

I thought the keyhole issue might be a problem so I put a 1:8 twist barrel on mine and it shoots both the LRX and VLD very well but only 2700-2800 in a 26" barrel with max book loads and filled cases. So I'm looking for a different powder proven to approach 3000 with this weight bullet in a 280 AI. Thought someone might have done this but maybe not.

I don't want the speed if I have to use RL or other less temp stable powder, because I hunt in many different areas with vastly different temps. Might not be possible, but I thought I would ask.

 

[Cahunter805]

What powders have you tried? I'd suggest h1000 or imr 7828 if you don't want to shoot rl22.

 

[Justin Crossley]

Mike at Hells Canyon shoots a 280AI and I believe he gets good speeds out of his. I'll send him a text and ask him.

 

[HellsCanyon]

You're going to be hard pressed to hit 3k fps with that bullet! I shoot 2935fps with H4831SC and 168VLD's. 1:8.5" twist 24" rock creek barrel. This load is way over max listed and was very finicky with seating depth. I just worked up a load in another 280AI I just built and was hittin 2870 with 59 grains H4831SC and it shot great and still has some room to push it but not much.

Mike

 

[mtnwrunner]

54.4 grains RL 17 in a custom left handed sako, 26 inch benchmark barrel, 2930 fps. Shoots 1/3 to 1/2 moa with the 168 berger VLD. And that's seated to magazine lengths.

Randy

 

[HellsCanyon]

I know you don't want to shoot RL22, but it was smoking 162 Amax's at 3075 with it.... Still not sure why Hornady discontinued that bullet!!!

 

[Navaluk]

I will try the H4831. Getting to 3k is not absolutely necessary. I would like to get close, but in the end accuracy and decent velocity are my goals. I was hoping someone had luck with Retumbo or H1000 because I haven't been able to find data with these 2. Thank you all for your input.

 

[7stw]

I use h4831sc in mine as well. I shoot the 150gn barnes in mine with great results. I run rl 19 in my straight 280 with nosler accubonds as well with exceptional accuracy. Both rifles are loaded over max data. Both my rifles are 1:8.5 twist haven't tried the vlds I've tried them in several other rifles and never could get them to shoot to my standards.

 

[7stw]

I use h4831sc in mine as well. I shoot the 150gn barnes in mine with great results. I run rl 19 in my straight 280 with nosler accubonds as well with exceptional accuracy. Both rifles are loaded over max data. Both my rifles are 1:8.5 twist haven't tried the vlds I've tried them in several other rifles and never could get them to shoot to my standards.

 

[n2horns]

A thought, try out the Nosler Accubond Long Range, has higher BC than Berger VLD, it is a longer bullet. Testing it out on mine and so far it matches the 168 berger vld quite well. Next run is a 1 for 1 run at 500 yds. I did something stupid, I bought a kenton turret for my 7mag, then found these new Noslers and sad but I may like them better, well if the load matches well I may keep the turret if not Ill spend another 100 bucks for a new one.