280AI load development

[bassassassin104]

I use H1000 to push a 175 ELDX. I have a good node at 2940 FPS. I have 4831SC pushing the 162 ELDX with a decent node at 3030 FPS. 4831SC will probably be better with the 150. I am not 100% sure, but I don't think you could get enough H1000 in the case to get the most from that 150.

 

[James DeTorre]

CA Ridgeline, 1-9 twist

 

[aalyea]

I'm shooting the 143 Hammer Hunters and Re 23.
Re22 will work, but not as temp stable. H4831SC is a good stable powder. Not as fast as RE but reports are solid groups.
ABLR 175 in my 7 mag were beyond disappointing at distance. Many others complain of flyers. Regular accubonds may be fine.

Rl23 and 143 Hammers are what I settled on for my sons Cooper. Getting 3080 with 59.6 gr and .5 moa.

 

[BigGriz]

Keep us informed. I have purchased the same rifle recently and am planning to load the 160 accubond. I have gathered brass, bullets and a few primers but no luck yet on powder. I am looking for H4831SC and H4350. From what I have read I'm thinking the 22" barrel may make the 4350 the choice so that velocity can be reached. I should qualify this statement by saying that I am a novice to this caliber and load development in general and am only reporting an opinion gathered from reading the thoughts of others. I look forward to hearing from your experience and others.

 

[C S Fever]

I recently bought a 110 Ultralight in 280 AI. I have finally acquired some 150gr accubond to try to work up a ladder test. I wanted 168gr ABLR but that's not happening at this time. Wondering if anyone has used these components and a particular powder was a standout. If so where you seen a node or do we see a certain velocity that give better grouping. I'm thinking I'm going to really like this gun. Thanks in advance for any help.

I have the identical rifle. Most forget that the ultralight is a 22" barrel. I'm using R-19 with great results with 168 VLD's. Anything in the 4350 range of burn rates will work great in it. My worked up load is 59.5 of R-19 on Hornady brass with Federal 210M and very happy with it at 2950fps. My wife liked it so much she commandeered the rifle! It's a shooter for being so lightweight.

 

[Swamphunter]

+1 on 4831.

 

[Badlands Griz]

This is a bit deceptive, because the groups on either side of this one weren't in any sort of graduation from good to bad. (I'm attributing it to using virgin Nosler brass)
I had already found my powder/velocity node, and this was a session of seating depth testing.

 

[john k]

I have not shot 150's but have shot 140 and 160 Accubonds using IMR 7828ssc with good results in my CA 280 AI. Unfortunately, My Accubond inventory is disturbingly low.

 

[dougduey]

RL23 is magic and just overall better than RL26 in the 280AI. That being said, I've got a great pet load with the 150 LRAB and H4831. 3100 fps and a 0.50" moa group or better depending upon how I'm shooting

 

[Mike Matteson]

RL23 is magic and just overall better than RL26 in the 280AI. That being said, I've got a great pet load with the 150 LRAB and H4831. 3100 fps and a 0.50" moa group or better depending upon how I'm shooting

Depending on how I'm shooting. Some days you win and others you don't Got Ha! Ha! out of your post.

 

[GauleyRidge]

Big 280ai fan, can't get Hammers to group. Doing best with factory 168 Berger's. Anyone have a favorite recipe that would come near Federals 168 Berger's?

SAME! I have the Ridgeline 280 ackley and had been struggling to get sub-MOA, bought a box of Federal with the 168 Classic Hunter and boom...half MOA out to 600 yards. Kinda frustrating, really...

 

[L.Sherm]

Big 280ai fan, can't get Hammers to group. Doing best with factory 168 Berger's. Anyone have a favorite recipe that would come near Federals 168 Berger's?

Get some RL23 if you can find it.

 

[James DeTorre]

What's more annoying is that I have same gun in 300WM that shoots sub MOA with anything you feed . Probably pizza would work.

 

[sextonds]

I use 62grs of 4831sc, Federal 210M, Nosler case, 140 gr accubond... Shoots amazingly well. I can't remember the velocity though off the top of my head.

Here are some of the groups I shot during load development. Pictures are sideways but you get the idea.
View attachment 245679View attachment 245680View attachment 245681View attachment 245682

Nice!!