280 Ackley Improved

[jpfrog]

This was about 2 weeks ago. Client and friend of mine, 280 AI 168 Berger's 325 yards.

I don't know how you managed to sound so calm- My heart was beating through my chest just watching that bull come through the trees and move in on that cow. Wow!

 

[lancetkenyon]

Have you tried the 175 Berger load with a regular 210 primer or only the magnum? That's the load I hope to work up for my 280AI build but currently only have the standard 210s

The Fed GM210M is a "match" primer, not "magnum".
The Fed GM215M is the "magnum match" version.

 

[LongWalker]

Doh! I'm a happy idiot. Should have read more than I did. Thanks a ton for the load data

 

[257Tony]

I don't know how you managed to sound so calm- My heart was beating through my chest just watching that bull come through the trees and move in on that cow. Wow!

It's my job to stay calm and help the guy seal the deal. We let loose big time after he was down

 

[Coemgen]

With all the hype on velocity I'm a bit of a dinosaur because I stick with my .338 Win Mag. I guided elk hunts for 17 years and found a minimum 30 caliber with a 180 grain bullet to be most reliable. Mass and energy (an entry hole and exit hole) always seemed to trump the high velocity (fragmenting) rounds. Of 18 bulls lost by hunters, 17 were hit with 7mm. I would still advise using the heavier bullets that retain energy after impact as opposed to those "flat shooters". So, despite a lot of disagreement, from the current fads, go heavier with a 300 yd zero.

 

[the hunter]

With all the hype on velocity I'm a bit of a dinosaur because I stick with my .338 Win Mag. I guided elk hunts for 17 years and found a minimum 30 caliber with a 180 grain bullet to be most reliable. Mass and energy (an entry hole and exit hole) always seemed to trump the high velocity (fragmenting) rounds. Of 18 bulls lost by hunters, 17 were hit with 7mm. I would still advise using the heavier bullets that retain energy after impact as opposed to those "flat shooters". So, despite a lot of disagreement, from the current fads, go heavier with a 300 yd zero.

Am I good to go with my .300wm shooting 190gr NLRAB at .5 moa?

 

[RockyMtnMT]

With all the hype on velocity I'm a bit of a dinosaur because I stick with my .338 Win Mag. I guided elk hunts for 17 years and found a minimum 30 caliber with a 180 grain bullet to be most reliable. Mass and energy (an entry hole and exit hole) always seemed to trump the high velocity (fragmenting) rounds. Of 18 bulls lost by hunters, 17 were hit with 7mm. I would still advise using the heavier bullets that retain energy after impact as opposed to those "flat shooters". So, despite a lot of disagreement, from the current fads, go heavier with a 300 yd zero.

I agree! I will throw in that maybe more important than fast or not is bullets that can handle the impact vel slow or fast and react predictably the same. Fast impacts with bullets that will always retain the same weight and take on the same deformation are very lethal.

Steve

 

[wsq]

I'm a big fan of the 280ai but I agree with the above statement but the 280ai is one hellov a whitetail round in my opinion also like my 270 wsm

 

[CWM-RHG]

I am in the market to build my next hunting rifle. It will primarily be used on whitetail. However I would like to have the ability to use it on mulies and elk. After alot of research, the 280 AI seems to be the caliber that checks the most boxes. With 140 grains at 3200 FPS and 180 grains at 2800+, it seems to be able to bring the speed and KE needed without stepping up to a magnum round, while still maintaining decent barrel life (2500+ rounds). Before I pull the trigger, I wanted to get some first hand opinions on the 280 AI and how it compares to relatively similar calibers. (7mm-08, 270, 280 Rem, 7mm Rem Mag) Also, what twist would you recommend, 1:8 or 1:7.5? I will probably stay with the 160+ grain bullets.

- I reload, and Nosler Brass seems to be easy enough to get. Worst case, you have to fireform 280 Rem. So I am not worried about availability of factory ammo.
- I want to stay under 8lbs bare rifle. So the shorter barrel the better (I am talking 22'' or 24''). That may steer me to the 7.5 twist.

Hello, I have a 270 Win that shoots Berger's 170 gr EOL between 2925-2950 Fps. Stock cheap Winchester brass, low recoil, 1000yd velocity at 1785 with 1200lbs energy also. High BC hunting bullet. email with questions [email protected]

 

[B-P-UU]

And a hot big game hunting round.

Nosler .280AI brass
Fed GM210M
58.0 gr RL23
175 Berger Elite
2975fps

Lance, never tried RL-23 but did play with RL-26.. 26 gives crazy speeds in .280 AI, I just stopped playing with it before finding a consistent load.

Where did you start with RL-23? Any temp stability issues?

 

[lancetkenyon]

Lance, never tried RL-23 but did play with RL-26.. 26 gives crazy speeds in .280 AI, I just stopped playing with it before finding a consistent load.

Where did you start with RL-23? Any temp stability issues?

I started at 55.0gr RL23. Worked up to 59.0gr before I hit pressure. But 58.0 was the accuracy, and safe. I have shot it from 4° to 110° with no major discernable speed changes. About 22fps between the 106° temp extremes.

 

[Slick8]

I started at 55.0gr RL23. Worked up to 59.0gr before I hit pressure. But 58.0 was the accuracy, and safe. I have shot it from 4° to 110° with no major discernable speed changes. About 22fps between the 106° temp extremes.

Man I like the sounds of that. I've been wanting to try some in my 65x284 but have feared the ole temp swing issue.

 

[LongWalker]

Lance, never tried RL-23 but did play with RL-26.. 26 gives crazy speeds in .280 AI, I just stopped playing with it before finding a consistent load.

What weight bullet(s) and starting charge weight were you trying with RL-26? I've got RL-23&26 and if my barrel ever shows up I'd like to try and work up both with the 175 Berger EH.

 

[Tidus56]

RL26 will push a 180 berger 2900fps in my 280 Ackley

What powder charge? Just a starting point would be helpful.