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280ai /Berger 168VLD load data

Mcarso1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2016
Messages
179
Location
Pennsylvania
Trying to get a good starting load , none of my books have 280ai. I was going to start off in the middle of 280 load info but thought I would run it by you guys who are using the 168 VLD. I have Peterson brass, federal 210 and 215 primers and the only powder I can get my hands on is Retumbo and 4831sc. Any help would be appreciated!
 
Hodgdon's lists Retumbo load data for the .280AI as follows: 168gr bullets starting load is 59gr and max 63gr. I prefer large rifle magnum primers in my .280AI using slower powders. I use RL26 for 168gr VLD's with very good speed and accuracy. Curious to see how Retumbo works for you. Keep us posted. Thanks
 
I ran QL for both Retumbo and H4831SC. Retumbo is too slow as it requires a 16% compressed charge of 69.5 grans to get to max pressure. A 100% fill rate only gets to 2551 fps.

H4831SC data is attached.
 

Attachments

  • 280AI Berger 168 VLDH H4831SC.txt
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Nosler manuals 8 n 9. Not sure how helpful seeing what these guys are doing. LolView attachment 405770
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My load for the 280 Ackley is 60 grains H4831SC, PETERSON BRASS, CCI LR MAG PRIMERS, 10 thousands jump with the Berger HVLD 168. I'm 2950 fps. My chamber isn't Sami, I had it cut long because I also shoot the Hammer Hunters 155 and they are long, I tried for the 169 hammer Hunter but they wouldn't shoot as well as the 155 hammer Hunters. I'm in California so I spent more time with the 155 hammer for hunting.
My buddy has a rifle built by Dallas Lane and his load is 59.5 of H4831SC WITH NOSLER BRASS, CCI LR MAG PRIMERS, HE IS AT 3050 fps. Please don't start at these I looked at the post before me and they said they are near max load.
Hope this helps,
Jason
 
I have no experience with retumbo. So I can't help there. But all I run in my AI is H4831sc. It's a very consistent powder in ALL temperatures. Not a hot rod, but no slouch either.

I'm running 59.5gr of H4831sc with 162 eldx. Went to around 61-62 grains before I had pressure. Settled around 2900 as it is just over quarter inch group on multiple occasions. Plenty for my uses. I'd start around 56-57gr and work up if I was doing it again. Good luck with your AI. I love mine. It's usually the rifle I go to.
 
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