.280AI Loads

[Jpistolero02]

I ran a few tests at reasonable distance (400 yards) this past weekend to see if I could find a load to use for an elk hunt next fall. Both of these groups were with the 160 Accubond. The first group was RE26 which gets me much better velocity. I felt pretty good on all the shots, but I suppose I could have yipped the first round. The second target with 3 shots at the bottom is 4831SC. I never changed the dope, so you can see the RE26 is slightly more than 1MOA better at that distance. The two shots to the right of the bull on the second target were fired by a buddy who had never shot that far. He probably canted the rifle a little differently from me. Would you guys take the extra velocity with the 26 or the super accuracy of the 4831? For reference, the 4831 group is about 1.75". I am guessing the outfitter won't allow me to take shots past 400 yards or so anyway.

 

[L.Sherm]

Accuracy trumps velocity any day in my book. Give RL23 a try.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Well....you never gave the velocities.
And accuracy difference looks minimal, both under MOA.
If you are talking 3000 vs 2600, I would take the 3000 if 400 is your hard limit. If you plan to stretch it out, take the accurate load.

 

[Jpistolero02]

Sorry, the RE26 was 2915. The 4831 was about 2790.

 

[L.Sherm]

What length of barrel? and charge weights

 

[Jpistolero02]

It's a 24" 1:9 Brux.

 

[L.Sherm]

Thats alot slower than any 280AI that I've loaded for in the same weight class

 

[L.Sherm]

Have you hit any pressure signs

 

[Jpistolero02]

I have not hit any yet. The RE26 is 61.5gr. The 4831 group is 57.6gr.

 

[L.Sherm]

The RL26 charge sounds about right.
How many rounds down the barrel

 

[L.Sherm]

I had better accuracy with RL23, speeds were identical with 26 and 23

 

[IDbound]

Those are similar speeds that I get with RL26 and similar loads of powder. I could only get over 3,000 fps when the action was set up originally as a 7RM.

 

[BigDon]

Under 600 yds....?.....Switch to the absolute Hammer - velocity, accuracy and terminal performance. RL23 is your friend........

 

[Bob Wright]

RE23 and a mag primer worked well for my 280AI. 143 Hammer Hunter.