280 Ai shooting Bergers

[huntjoep]

I have a 280ai and Iam looking for any info on the 168 vld hunting bullet. I shoot 140 Bergers with 60 grains 4831. Shoots great. Have a box of 168 I want to try.

 

[elkthumper]

Tagging in on this one, mines at McGowan getting finished up right now.

 

[huntjoep]

Mine is a model 700 lefthand with a 25.5 inch Shilen barrel H&S precision stock. It shoots 140 Bergers great. I can not find any so I am gonna try the 168 Bergers I have. You will lvoe the way it shoots.

 

[stanley52]

I use a br2 primer, nosler brass, 58.5gr h4831sc, 168gr hunting vld, .004 off the lands. Shoots 1/4 MOA out of my rifle under perfect conditions. 2815fps out of a bartlein 26". Most people find a node right around 57.5-59gr of h4831sc with a 168gr vld. Good luck!

 

[MudRunner2005]

I think you will like the way the 168's shoot and how well they drop deer. I shoot them as my go-to bullet in my 7mm RemMags for whitetails.

As for load data, I would contact Berger via email, and if they have load data for the .280 AI (I know they have data for the regular .280 Rem), then I'm sure they'll be more than happy to help. They're a great company with very good customer service.

Also, here's a good site I use for wildcats to get an idea of a starting point for my ladder tests for loads.

Unverified load 6575 in caliber .280 Ackley
Unverified load 6590 in caliber .280 Ackley
Unverified load 6435 in caliber .280 Ackley
Unverified load 6436 in caliber .280 Ackley
Unverified load 6362 in caliber .280 Ackley
Unverified load 7577 in caliber .280 Ackley
Unverified load 9472 in caliber .280 Ackley

 

[huntjoep]

Berger told me to start with 280 loads and build up from there. Thanks for the info.

 

[MudRunner2005]

If you need a starting point I have a Berger manual in front of me. I can give you a starting point for your rifle, if you tell me what powder you plan on using.

 

[7magcreedmoor]

26 inch PacNor barrel, 3 groove 9 twist, Nosler case, BR2 primer, 63.5gr Retumbo, VLD168, 2.791" base-to-ogive, @ 3015fps.

 

[huntjoep]

4831 or 4831sc is what has shot best for me with the 140's

 

[mountainman56]

I recently built a 280 AI and am still working up loads, however I have shot several loads with 168 bergers. At this point 62 grains of Retumbo is looking pretty good.

 

[BEEMAN]

I am shooting the 168 Berger classic hunter out my my Cooper 280AI with a 24" barrel. Using 4831SC with 58.5 gr. Not overly fast at 2880 fps, but accurate.

 

[venatic]

I have just a plain ole 280 rem with a 23 inch barrel and I just loaded a few with the 168gr Classic hunter as well and they seem to shoot very well. Was pleasantly surprised at velocity from the Magnetospeed.... 2920fps
Shot a cow elk last week (only 40 yards) it put her down quick.

 

[huntjoep]

26 inch PacNor barrel, 3 groove 9 twist, Nosler case, BR2 primer, 63.5gr Retumbo, VLD168, 2.791" base-to-ogive, @ 3015fps.

Thanks I am going to see if I can find retumbo

 

[cowboy]

I have just a plain ole 280 rem with a 23 inch barrel and I just loaded a few with the 168gr Classic hunter as well and they seem to shoot very well. Was pleasantly surprised at velocity from the Magnetospeed.... 2920fps
Shot a cow elk last week (only 40 yards) it put her down quick.

That is moving out of a 280 Rem. What quantity/type of powder are you using at what elevation?