140 bulldozer 2's in 280 ai

bushwackr

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Feb 21, 2014
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Hello all. I'm asking for some help with loads for my 280ai. I want to try some 140gr's. Any suggestions, as far as powder, charge. Or is there some data out there somewhere. Thank you all
 
I was going to start with 55gr of imr 4350. I'd like to use some of the hunter ,and staball 6.5.
 
4350 might be a little fast for the 280AI with 140gr bullets. I got very good accuracy using H4831 while building a load for my 280AI with 140gr NBTs. Started getting slight pressure signs at 64gr - nothing before that. Note that Hodgdon lists max at 62gr. Good accuracy node at 61gr with velocities running 3050fps from my 21" barrel. Probably add 35fps for every inch of barrel longer. Started at 58.5gr H4831.
 
I've had excellent results with H4831sc, RL-19 (my favorite for 140 - 168gr pills)

I constantly use the Nosler and Barnes load data sites for powder and charge weight reference, they're excellent resources.

I want to try some of the VhitaVuori N1xx series powders next, they're much cooler on the heat index chart than the RL powders that have been my "go to" for years now. I'll get slower velocities but longer barrel life with less throat errosion and fire cracking/crazing.
 
I've had excellent results with H4831sc, RL-19 (my favorite for 140 - 168gr pills)

I constantly use the Nosler and Barnes load data sites for powder and charge weight reference, they're excellent resources.

I want to try some of the VhitaVuori N1xx series powders next, they're much cooler on the heat index chart than the RL powders that have been my "go to" for years now. I'll get slower velocities but longer barrel life with less throat errosion and fire cracking/crazing.
Another you might like to try is N-555. Runs 120 Barnes at almost 3385 in my rifle and 101% case fill
 
Just started working with the 140 BD-2 in my boy's 280 AI, ran a pressure ladder using RL23 and so far looks pretty good. We started at 57 grains and worked up to 60.5. Never really saw pressure at 60.5 but the cases were warm and the recoil was pretty snappy for a Teenager. We had a node at 59,59.5 and 60 grains so we loaded 5 at 59.5 and accuracy is decent but not stellar. We started with the bullet .020 off the lands and may test a farther jump. We will take a few of those out to 600 yards and see how they do. Rifle is a trued Rem 700, Bartlein 1-8.7 twist at 23" using Peterson Brass. Hope this helps, Jason
 
I haven't tried the 140's yet, but tried the 150's. The StaBall 6.5 worked great for case fill and got to 3013 FPS. Pressure spikes were significant with this combination. It went from no pressure signs to very heavy bolt lift and ejector marks with a .3 grain powder increase. H4350 has been my go to for 140 gr bullets.
 
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