Initial load development with 280 AI

[bomberodevil]

Got out this morning to do some initial group shooting with the new Savage Ultralight 280 AI. The wind was 10-15 mph, but mainly head wind so it shouldn't affect it much. Target was at 100 yards, and tested H4831 and IMR7828, and 0.3 grain increments, 3-round groups.

Had 10 loads of H4831, and 8 loads of IMR7828. Bullets were Hornady 7mm, 162 SST, loaded .030 off the lands. The H4831 had 6 loads under 0.80 moa, with the lowest being 0.316. The IMR 7828 wasn't as good, but still have a couple loads to bracket and play with.

Overall, I'm impressed with the initial testing. I'll bracket on either side of the loads, and play with seating a bit. Wish I had a chronograph, but I'll borrow one to clock the most accurate recipe.

 

[dok7mm]

Gusts of 10-15 mph can certainly cause vertical dispersion just like cross winds cause horizontal. Enough to make you overlook some groups. Still, you managed to get some decent groups. A chronograph would have told you a lot, you may have missed.

 

[bomberodevil]

Gusts of 10-15 mph can certainly cause vertical dispersion just like cross winds cause horizontal. Enough to make you overlook some groups. Still, you managed to get some decent groups. A chronograph would have told you a lot, you may have missed.

I'll look again at groups with vertical stringing, see if the groups around them warrant a second look. Thanks.

 

[26Reload]

Wonder if changing the primer with the 7828 would make a big difference...or in this case.....a 'smaller' difference

 

[bomberodevil]

Wonder if changing the primer with the 7828 would make a big difference...or in this case.....a 'smaller' difference

Maybe, but I've got a brick of the Federal 210 for all four of my hunting cartridges and I'm not sure if I will try new primers. I like to have a hunting cartridge recipe with at least two powders, just in case. The H4831 looks really good, so that will be my primary. I've got H4350, IMR4350, StaBall, and Reloder 22. I should be able to find a backup in one of those powders

 

[LISBON]

I have all the components you guys are mentioning, I need help with a starting load.

 

[bomberodevil]

I have all the components you guys are mentioning, I need help with a starting load.

I've got my recipe on the top of the target sheets, that might be a good starting point. As always, start the load low and work up. The H4831 is a real common and popular powder for the 280 AI, lots of successful loads with it. The other common load powders are R22 and R23, IMR 7828 (which worked okay for me), H4350.

A lot depends on the bullet weight you're planning on. I will probably stay around the 160-168 range since I have other cartridges above and below that I'm real happy with. The Hornady and the Nosler websites have good information on starting and max loads for many powders for different bullet weights, a good reference place to start.

 

[LISBON]

ok,
i have that powder.
thanks I will start there.
anyone shooting hamners?
Loads?

 

[Tidus56]

Got out this morning to do some initial group shooting with the new Savage Ultralight 280 AI. The wind was 10-15 mph, but mainly head wind so it shouldn't affect it much. Target was at 100 yards, and tested H4831 and IMR7828, and 0.3 grain increments, 3-round groups.

Had 10 loads of H4831, and 8 loads of IMR7828. Bullets were Hornady 7mm, 162 SST, loaded .030 off the lands. The H4831 had 6 loads under 0.80 moa, with the lowest being 0.316. The IMR 7828 wasn't as good, but still have a couple loads to bracket and play with.

Overall, I'm impressed with the initial testing. I'll bracket on either side of the loads, and play with seating a bit. Wish I had a chronograph, but I'll borrow one to clock the most accurate recipe.

If you have RL23 give it a whirl it's been a great powder for my 162 bullets out of my 280 AI

 

[bomberodevil]

If you have RL23 give it a whirl it's been a great powder for my 162 bullets out of my 280 AI

Thanks, I know I have R22, I'll look for some 23. I've heard a few folks say it's pixie dust for the 280ai. I do try to keep my hunting loads medium temp, and I've been under the impression that the Reloders like to run hot. Did you find that to be true?

 

[Tidus56]

Thanks, I know I have R22, I'll look for some 23. I've heard a few folks say it's pixie dust for the 280ai. I do try to keep my hunting loads medium temp, and I've been under the impression that the Reloders like to run hot. Did you find that to be true?

It has been dependent on the rifle for me. My 6.5 creed likes RL powders near max but my 280 AI is in a middle node. The nodes were pretty wide on my 280 AI as well, it just shoots well period.

 

[bomberodevil]

ok,
i have that powder.
thanks I will start there.
anyone shooting hamners?
Loads?

I don't shoot the Hammer line but I know there's a lot of fans on this site. I also know that Hammer is very good about helping customers with load suggestions so I'd call them on Monday.

 

[LISBON]

Will do thanks to all for your help.

 

[bomberodevil]

Will do thanks to all for your help.

No worries, you'll get a lot of tips on this site. Probably more than you want!