What's the difference in length between the ones you're comparing them to as Hammer doesn't make a 150 and the BC on the similar weight bullets is significantly lower on the hammer?
Last edited:
Badlands Precision Bullets thread - From BC to terminal ballistics
- Thread starter codyadams
- Start date
Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum
I compared them to the 143HH. I understand that the BD2 150 is a longer bullet, but the COAL and CBTO at the lands was .040 shorter on the BD2. I will need to get back down to reloading room and do some additional testing with other bullets this morning.
I'm not attempting to turn this into a Hammer or Berger vs. Badlands debate, but I was finally able to get back to reloading room. I really wanted the 150 BD2 to work out. The BC is great, but they just can't be loaded long enough in my chamber. I can seat a 155HH with .045 more length and 168VLD .0425 more length. I still might give the BD2 a try, but may have to go with a faster powder (maybe RL17).
What velocity are you trying to achieve in your 280ai. I'm not very familiar with the 280AI but I run the 150 in my 7WSM with RL23. Stopped at 62.5 with no pressure.
Last edited:
3000 fps would make me smile.
Might be difficult to achieve looking at numerous manuals it looks hard to achieve 3k with 150 cup/core bullets. Although some data on Barnes shows RL17 and HUNTER may get you there. Good luck.
coyotezapper
Well-Known Member
H4831sc or RL26
Case fill and compressed loads would seem to be the biggest issue with the BD2 and the 280AI SAAMI chamber with the slow burning powders. I'm not hung up on hitting 3000 fps, but we will see what I can get. RL17 scares me a little with temp sensitivity. i have plenty of different powders to try, but no RL26.
RL26 is not temp stable either in warmer temps over 90
I'd load up some rest rounds and give it a go. Do you have any of the new StaBall powders? Ie. StaBall HD
akmtnhnt
Well-Known Member
I run RL17 in my 3006. Picked up a lot of velocity with it. Temps are pretty stable where I live, but I've never had an issue.
Did you ever try the 150gr in the 270 WSM? I am curious where jam ends up with that combo.
I'm stuck at a 1:10 twist on my factory barrel for now, eventually I'm going to put a 1:7 twist on it, but that's not in the budget for me right now.
06caurru
Member
I'm going to keep working on working up a load for my 25-06 and 95gr BDII. This group here was the best I've gotten, however, as you can see SD is not something to write home about. My rifle is a 1991 Browning Medallion ABolt with a 1:10" twist. I know the BDII specs are for a 1:9" to stabilize, but I'm wondering if anyone here has a similar twist/rifle and has had success with the 95gr BDII?
