.280 AI

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longrng73

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Just finsihed a new build and went with the 280AI. starting break in and playing around with differnt charges with H4350 and bullet weights, so far 140's/150's and 160gr Sierra Gamekings. Gonna try some ELD-M's. Was just curious what other found as the sweet spot are to start looking at, I know every rifles different. Also curious if anyone has tried any of the Barnes Bullets, specifically the LRX. Looking for just a good all around load for anything from pigs & yotes up to Elk (If I can ever get drawn). Kinda picturing & wanting to stay around a 140-150 gr bullet.

Also have a couple lbs of IMR 4451 might try some loads with that.
 
The 152 LRX was designed for it. I bought a ton when they became available for sale as a component. Loaded them over Reloder 16 in a 1:8 26" X-Bolt and they shot lights out around 3050. Only bullet to do so in that rifle. I shot them in my 24" Shilen 1:7.5 and they did ok with 16 and N560, but the 145 HHT was a bug hole and holds that accuracy out to distances I'll probably never take game at. That barrel will keep with the 145's

I have a 22" Mac Bros build in the works with a carbon wrapped K&P 1:8 and plan to use them for it.

Only one kill on a doe at 112 with the 152 Never lifted her head and was on the ground.

I've never loaded with H4350 in my .280's, but it's in the sameish burn rate as others listed so it should work.

Can't comment on the heavier pills. 152 will be the max for my needs. I have 7 PRC's that shoot 160-170 pills past 3200 for those needs.
 
Re23 is the best powder and a mag primer. Will shoot monos very well and the heavier cup and core bullets. H4831 will be a good powder just not as fast as the double based Re powders. Mine is a SAAMI chamber so I opted to stay with 131-143 class monos. Shot a few deer and one bull elk so far. No complaints.
 
I'm not going to argue with what is best, but, in all '06 bases cartridges, the following powders give a broad range of use with bullets 145g and up.
H4831sc for the lower weights, RL19 for 145g and up to 160g and H1000 for the heavies.
I would prefer a 168g bullet in this cartridge, but, the 145g LRX is a real contender. It works very well in my 7-08 and 7STW on our small Fallow deer. I haven't tried the 139g LRX, maybe that could also be a consideration.

Cheers.
 
I have purchased 4 280 AI's since 2020. Started out using TTSX bullets and then went to the 145 LRX for elk. For powder I have used H4350, Sta bil 6.5. R19 and Ramshot Hunter. Velocity with 24" barrel has been 3100+ FPS. I highly suggest Peterson Brass for the stouter loads as they seem to not only last longer, but the brass stands up to max loads better. Have killed two elk with hammer bullets and they do a terrific job.
 
The 139 and 145 LRX shot well at the range. Accubonds were fussy for me. Currently using hammer bullets, no load work up needed as they always shoot small groups. For my son I loaded up 143HH with H4831SC and Peterson brass at about 3220 fps and he drilled bull elk in the heart at 459 yards. This is a 9 twist barrel.
 
H4350 is temperature stable and boringly reliable. IMR 4451 is almost as good, but it burns slightly faster.
 

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