Load for a 280 AI

[hunter4764]

I just built a new 280 AI, need some help with the perfect load, with a 140gr. bullet. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[dave7mm]

I ran 64g H4831 with a CCI BR primer and a 140g Ballistic Tip for..... YEARS.
Worked well on deer.


dave

 

[hunter4764]

Do you know what your FPS was and what kind of groups were you getting. Can you give me your barrel length and twist. Thank you, Jerry

 

[dave7mm]

It was a 280 AI built by Nelson Berger.
M700 Action
Douglas No4 SS air gauged finish length at 24 1-10 twisted.
McMillian GP/HTG.
1.5-6x42 S&B 4a reticle.
Neil Jones worked over M700 factory trigger.
Build date would have been the summer of 1985
I used it the following season and ran it for about the next 15 years or so.
It was a soild MOA or better rifle.
In other words if you could get any kind of a decent rest even in the field.
It shot very well.Shot many 4 inch 5 shot groups prone off the ground,in the mud,at 400 yards.
MV was 3140fps
I always ran Rem cases and sorted the crap out of them.
On deer I was pretty happy.Anything I hit square never got away.
Eventually the barrel got rough and fouled alot.I retired it.But I've never rebuilt it.
I figure ill be buried with it.
Best big game rifle I've ever had.


dave

 

[merll284]

I am putting the finishing touches on a load for my custom 280AI. I am using Nosler brass, Fed 210 primers, 140gr Nosler accubonds seated 0.100" off. With 58.5gr of H4350 I am getting AV of 2260fps with a 0.4" - 0.6" group at 100yds. 25" Lilja barrel. I still see no pressure signs, but I think that is fast enough.

 

[hunter4764]

Merll, was that fps 2260, or 3260. Thank you, Jerry

 

[hunter4764]

Dave, thank you for the info. My rifle is a 700 action that has been blue printed, the barrel is a Shilen 27" with a 10 twist, h-s precision stock.

 

[merll284]

Jerry, That is 3260fps.