Need load help 280AI and RL23, RL26

[longbowelk]

I recently posted this under Rifles, Bullets, Barrels & Ballistics, got one reply but no details.
I am testing some rounds for my 280AI with 26" barrel and 1 in 9 twist. I am working on some 160's. Nosler AB and Speer SPBT. I have some RL 23 and 26. I have others but they are all posted on the Nosler load data. If anyone wants to chime in on these powders they are H4831SC, IMR 4350, RL 17 and 19. I have tested the IMR7828ssc with a 162 Hornady Interlock SPBT. The results were decent enough to take another look at that powder. My main interest here is I would like to see what the 23 and 26 will do since they seem to have a good following on this site. Thanks, Alan

 

[JMW67]

I recently posted this under Rifles, Bullets, Barrels & Ballistics, got one reply but no details.
I am testing some rounds for my 280AI with 26" barrel and 1 in 9 twist. I am working on some 160's. Nosler AB and Speer SPBT. I have some RL 23 and 26. I have others but they are all posted on the Nosler load data. If anyone wants to chime in on these powders they are H4831SC, IMR 4350, RL 17 and 19. I have tested the IMR7828ssc with a 162 Hornady Interlock SPBT. The results were decent enough to take another look at that powder. My main interest here is I would like to see what the 23 and 26 will do since they seem to have a good following on this site. Thanks, Alan

look on the speer sight I believe they show the rl 23 and 26 data

 

[L.Sherm]

P.M sent

 

[Troutslayer2]

So many threads on this subject/cartridge that there should be a sticky thread. My experience has been good with RL26 and if you can find any you should try it.

 

[Dmagna]

I have loaded for three 280ai's, re26 seemed to get good velocity but I couldnt get rid of fliers in the groups. H4831sc works awesome with 140s (3200fps). I switched to VV N565 with 175 elite hunters, they shoot 1/4 inch at 2950fps.

I have 30 pounds of rl 26 and I seem to be finding better alternatives the more I shoot. VV makes amazing powder.

 

[L.Sherm]

Dmagna my findings with 26 are the same as yours. 23 and 26 had the same velocity but accuracy was way better with 23.

 

[newmexkid]

Shooting 140 gr Accubonds I got my best velocity and accuracy with RL 26.

 

[1982k30]

I get just over 3000 FPS with r23 out of a 22" barrel. With nosler brass and a fed 210 primer.

 

[Bob Wright]

Alan,
I ran a simple speed test (145 Barnes LRX) between these powders up to book max:
RE19. 2984 FPS
H4831SC 3007 FPS
RE23 3158 FPS
26" Proof stainless 1:8.4 twist
I found promise in RE23 and switched primer to FED215M to tamp down the ES under 10
I also will try Fed Gold Medal 210M
Most of my problems are fighting a donut in the neck. I am unseating all test ammo and turning necks to eliminate this devil.
My opinion is stay with H4831SC and RE23, for a round of ladders.
My accuracy node is around 3100 with 143 Hammer and about 2965 with145 Barnes.
Haven't had a chance to move to the 168 SMK bullet until I get this mono problem put to rest for the lead free hunt we have in the fall.

 

[DRock]

Dont overlook RL16 for that bullet weight. Im getting 3000fps with a 22" barrel. RL16 seems to be easier to find these days than RL23 or RL26 and Very temperature stable.

 

[dougduey]

59.2 gr of RL23, Fed 215, Nosler brass, and the 162 ELDX is getting 3030 fps. In the final stages of load development now. Playing with seating depth.
With the 143 gr Hammer Hunter and RL23, I'm getting 3268 fps. 0.50" moa with new brass (ES 15) and 0.290" moa with fireformed brass (ES 4).

 

[montana west]

L your 160 accubonds are the elk gitters. now with a 26" tube you can get better vel with a slower powder. i agree R26- imr 7828- and you may get real good results with Ramshot Magnum.. the magnum works real god with a 25/06. and the 26" tube will for sure work better with the slower powders. im my 24" 280 AI i loade the 160 AB with the same charge of the 270 win with a 130 and my results wore the same about 3050 in both rifles with 60 R 22 but I think it woud improve in the 26 " with magnum or H1000.

 

[SavageHunter11]

I get just over 3000 FPS with r23 out of a 22" barrel. With nosler brass and a fed 210 primer.

What bullet are you using and what kind of charge? About to start developing a load with RL23 myself

 

[montana west]

my 280 rem with 57 gr of REl 22 give me 2950 from a 23" the 280 AI giveds me 3050 with 60 gr of 22 .. I think 23 is about the same burning rate as 22.. I know I sure do like the Sweden Powders and that inclued winchester WXR-- which is REl 22.