Looking for 280 AI load data with N160 powder

[YaakRiver]

I had a good load worked up for my rifle with IMR 7828 SSC. I can't find that powder anywhere nearby, at least not for a reasonable price. The burn rate chart puts N160 right in the same burn rate but I can't find any load data for that powder. I had been using 162 ELD-X bullets but I have a few others. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[YaakRiver]

crickets

 

[YaakRiver]

I'm going to start with 56 grains of N160 behind a 162 gr ELD-M

 

[xebadir]

Nothing to offer, but curious to hear your experience as I'm working up a load in a similar grain weight and looking at powder choices.

The 280AI Nosler manual has a 140gr bullet working with N160 from 55.5-59.5gr but then favor N165 starting about that range. They also have a 160gr bullet running 56-60gr of N165. From what I've read seems like most don't go far past the Hogdon powders. Seems like N160 is a little faster burning than what you've been running, N165 is closer.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Here is a max load simulation from Gordon's. I used a 22" barrel and SAMMI COL. In a 24" it calculated 2933 MV.

62 grains of N165 only gets you 2844 MV in a 22". 2906 MV in a 24". It is a less efficient powder with the 162.

 

[SCHUNTER73]

If you have access to RAMSHOT Hunter, my 280ai does very well with 54 gr of with the 162 eld x.

Getting an avg of 2850 ft lbs in a 24” barrel.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Ram shot big game and SB 6.5 would be worth a look too. I’m getting 2628 MV in an 18” barrel with 46.5 grains of SB 6.5 and 162 ELDX in my 7-08.

 

[YaakRiver]

Nothing to offer, but curious to hear your experience as I'm working up a load in a similar grain weight and looking at powder choices.

The 280AI Nosler manual has a 140gr bullet working with N160 from 55.5-59.5gr but then favor N165 starting about that range. They also have a 160gr bullet running 56-60gr of N165. From what I've read seems like most don't go far past the Hogdon powders. Seems like N160 is a little faster burning than what you've been running, N165 is closer.

I'll let you know how it goes. I do have 165 as well.

 

[YaakRiver]

Here is a max load simulation from Gordon's. I used a 22" barrel and SAMMI COL. In a 24" it calculated 2933 MV.

62 grains of N165 only gets you 2844 MV in a 22". 2906 MV in a 24". It is a less efficient powder with the 162.

View attachment 835777

That's really helpful. Thanks for taking the time to run that. I would be happy with 2844 if it grouped well.

 

[YaakRiver]

Ram shot big game and SB 6.5 would be worth a look too. I’m getting 2628 MV in an 18” barrel with 46.5 grains of SB 6.5 and 162 ELDX in my 7-08.

My son shoots a 7mm-08. We had a great load with RL17 but .... I will drop a grain off of your load and try it in his rifle. Thanks.

 

[YaakRiver]

If you have access to RAMSHOT Hunter, my 280ai does very well with 54 gr of with the 162 eld x.

Getting an avg of 2850 ft lbs in a 24” barrel.

I don't have any but I will try to find some.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

My son shoots a 7mm-08. We had a great load with RL17 but .... I will drop a grain off of your load and try it in his rifle. Thanks.

Good luck and the COL on that round with the 162 was 2.925. If you’re shooting a Tikka, you’ll need LA bolt stop and L mag.

 

[YaakRiver]

Just to give an update. I didn't work up a load with N160. I was wrong about the burn rate chart - it showed N165 as being slightly slower than 7828SSC. So I worked up a load 57 grains of N165 behind a 162 ELD-M. Velocity was 2803 for 5 shots and the groups weren't great.

I had a partial box of 280 AI Hornady Precision Hunter that a client had left in my truck this past season (he did not want me to mail them to him) and figured I'd give them a try. Muzzle velocity was 2859 fps and 10 shots were just under an moa. ES was 29 and SD was 10.8.

Sooo, I went back to the Hornady reloading guide and settled on 54.5 grains of H4350 behind an ELD-X (my rifle must like the ELD-X ogive better than that of the ELD-M). Loaded up 5 rounds and they were all touching in a nice tidy group at 100 yards. Muzzle velocity was 2948. ES was 28 and SD was 9.8. Granted - it was only 5 shots (I ran out of daylight). I loaded up 20 more and will see what the group really looks like.

My rifle is a Remington Sportsman 78 action trued and blueprinted (it was my Dad's .30-06 which shot terribly so I had it rebarrelled to 280 AI). 24" Douglas barrel with a 1-8 twist. AG Composites Visigoth stock. Customized factory trigger. Topped with a Maven RS.5 4-24x50. --- All work done by Corey Steuve at Selkirk Mountain Arms.

Thanks for the help. I can post the results if anyone is interested.