162 A-Max @ 2950 out of a .280 AI????

[.25AOD]

I just got my new Lilja #3 contour SS (1/9" twist) barrel yesterday and it's headed off to the 'smith on Wednesday. It'll be chambered for .280AI and I'm thinking I'll go with a 25" barrel length. I'm considering shooting the 162 A-Max at pretty much everything from coyotes to deer & black bears. What kind of performance are y'all seeing on game out to 600 yards or so? Also, if anyone has any data for the .280 AI using this or any of the other mid-weight bullets I'd sure be greatful. I'm going to use the new Nosler .280 AI brass and I'm thinking RE22 & RE25 should be just the ticket. Thanks in advance, ~JT

[lerch]

Lika all the AMAX bullets i would expect reliable expansion at long distance and low impact velo. At close range i would expect very rapid expansions, maybe to quick for some larger animals. I have seen the 105 amax expand to roughly nickel size on a pdog at nearly subsonic speeds.

take it easy
steve

[JD338]

25AOD,

Congratulations on your 280AI project. Your choice of caliber and class of bullet weight are excellent.
I have a 700 280AI with a Heart #5 24" flutted barrel and am getting excellent accuracy with the Nosler 160 gr AB and RL22, 3020 fps. I am also using Nosler brass, very nice.

JD338

[.25AOD]

Looking at the 160 AB too... seems like guys are getting pretty good velocity and awesome accuracy out of it. I do like the BC of the A-Max a lot, it's about 100 points higher than the A-Bond. I dig your rifle too... that LSS stock is sweet, and groups in the .2s are dang good! I went with the CDL stock on mine to keep the weight down a little.

[remingtonman_25_06]

I think your on the right track...

I got the same thing in my 7 RM right now. I'm going to be doing some LR testing out to at least 800 yards with it very soon.

I think of the AMAX as kinda like a NBT. They should expand pretty rapidly at close range, but still expand way out there when the velocity has dropped off. I think it will be an excellent coyote/deer bullet. The jury still out whether or not I'd use it for bear/elk...

[Dan B]

I'm running the 168gr SMK to 2900 from a 24" barrel w/ no pressure signs. From memory, my load is 58gr RL-22. When the SMK's are gone I'll be going to the 162gr AM for sure. Currently using the 162gr AM from a 7mm-270WSM XP-100 @ 2825fps and have harvested deer and turkey to 400yds w/ great performance...especially on the turkey! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[JD338]

[ QUOTE ]
Looking at the 160 AB too... seems like guys are getting pretty good velocity and awesome accuracy out of it. I do like the BC of the A-Max a lot, it's about 100 points higher than the A-Bond. I dig your rifle too... that LSS stock is sweet, and groups in the .2s are dang good! I went with the CDL stock on mine to keep the weight down a little.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you 25AOD. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out and the accuracy too.

Nothing wrong with the "Classic" look and feel of the CDL stock. Sounds like she will be a looker! Make sure you post some pics when you get her back.

JD338