280 AI Range Report

[jb1000br]

velocities??

JB

[JustC]

H4831sc edges out RL22 in mine by a tiny bit. If you are the experimental type, try a ladder with that powder. It is the preferred propellant in both my 280AI and 6.5-06AI

sounds like your barrel is a good one, nice groups.

[hvy barrel]

I am interested in seeing your results. I have a 280 AI also that I have just started testing with. So far I have tried IMR4350 with 140gr Ballistic tips. I did not like the results so I have moved on to IMR4831. There seems to be a big improvement but, it is early yet.

[sewwhat89]

Seeing posts like this keep me in trouble. In the not so distant future, I want to have a "series" built on either the 308 or 30-06 case. In other words, either .243 AI, 260 AI and 708 AI or .25-06 AI, 6.5 AI and 280 AI. With the 308 cases, I have been toying with the idea of building a short range hog/brush gun to meet my hunting demands in East TX (and AK and Africa someday). I've been leaning towards a 9.3-08 or .375-08 for that purpose.

I don't know of any advantage the '06 family has over the 308-based rounds other than velocity and LA instead of SA. I want to set them all up identical, with the exception of the big-bore. It will be based on a 20-22" Model 7 clone, only better. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Anyone care to offer advantages/disadvantages to either class based on experience. About 75% of the gun's rounds would be shot at LR paper due to my schedule. They would all see some time afield, but that would be a secondary function.

[jab22]

JD, any new results to report. Am considering a similar project. I wonder how your rig would shoot the 162 gr. Amax or 175 gr SMK. Thanks in advance.

[JD338]

red dog,

I am a Nosler guy so I can't help you with the Hornady or Seirra bullets. My guess is that they would shoot fine.
I settled on a load for the 160 gr AB with 62.0 grs of RL22, R-P case, and Federal GM215M primers. This load consistantly shoots in the .2's with the smallest group measuring .218" center to center.
I plan on finding a load for the 140 gr AB. With 64.0 grs RL22, I am getting groups in the .6"-.7" range. I want to try RL19 and H4831sc to see if I can get smaller groups.
I did try the 120 gr BT just for grins and hit paydirt with the very first load I tryed! Using 62.0 grs of RL19, I had a 3 shot group of .277" @ 100 yds. The first 2 shots measured .100". The COL is 3.387". Keep in mind that the scope is a Leupold VXIII 2.5x8. I am planning on getting a 4.5x14 and am leaning towards the B&C reticle.
This is my first custom barreled rifle and I must say that I am very pleased with the accuracy I am getting. I would strongly urge you to look at Hart barrels. I was told that they are the most consistant and based on accuracy, it must be somewhat true. Cleaning is a snap. A few patched with Sweets and MC7 and I'm done.

As for velocity, I can't tell you because I do not own a chronograph. My smith told me that my 160 gr AB load should be right around 3000 fps but this is only a guess. I plan on getting a Oehler 35 by spring and will be able to post figures then.
Hope this helps you out.

Regards,

JD338

[jab22]

Thanks, sounds like you have a good shooter there.