Powders for 280AI w/ 140 gr bullets

[hayman1]

Working on loads for my 280AI on a ruger 1 action. Have had good success with H4350 and 140 gr Sierra Prohunters-touching at 200 if I work at it and we are still under 200rds through the barrel-27" length. Unfortunately, not so impressed with the Barnes 140 TSX so far-not near as accurate as the Sierras. Tried some H4831 SC at 60 gr on the Sierras and not near as accurate as the H4350 or IMR 4064 at 45gr. the 4064 load shot comparable to the 4350. I am also starting to pack the 4831 at 60 grains with the Barnes bullets.

I really want to stay with the 140 gr bullets and I have plenty of 4064 and think I know where I can get more H4350.

So my questions are:

How much IMR 4064 has anyone shot through a 280AI with a 140 gr bullet and how much H4350-just looking for the upper limits for the barnes since I understand they need to be a little hot for best performance. Thanks for any thoughts or experience with these.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

4064 is a bit fast burning for the 280ai with a mid weight pill. That said it does a bang up job in my 7rem with 140 sierra bullets. It's only 100 fps behind the rl22 load I also use in that rifle.

Standard 280 data from the sierra book shows 47.7 grains i4046 as the top end for their 140. I'd surely look at rl22 also here but that load plus a few percent for the ackley chamber should do you well; work up of course.

 

[IDbound]

If you can find it, VV165 works great also.

 

[hayman1]

Thanks for the comments. Been trying to not add reloader to my powder stash, but keep hearing good things about it. Would really be nice to go to a store that sold reloading supplies and see powder for sale. Did manage to make a call on a whim today and get more H4350 which was nice.

 

[TOM H]

Hodgdon and Nolser both have reloading data for the 280AI and I wish I could help but haven't tried 140gr in my 280AI.

Since my 280AI likes IMR-7828ssc with 160gr bullets and Nolser has data for that powder with their 140gr bullet that be the first powder I would try.

I have a 27" long barrel on my 280AI and mid loads I'm at max velocity give you good example. Hodgdon has max load of 61.5gr/IMR-7828 with 160gr AB @ 3043fps and in my rifle 59.5gr/IMR-7828ssc with 160gr AB @ 3038fps.

I've got a # 1 rebarrel to the 30-338mag.

 

[Hogrydr55]

This may be slightly off base but have you considered using Retumbo? Your barrel may be a smidge shorter than what it likes to really perform but I still shoot it in my 700 25-06 w/24" . Where it really shines is in my 25-280 AI w/30" Lilja barrel w/ 65grs of Retumbo w/CCI Mag 120gr Speer. 3350 FPS in 3 shot group @ .30 200yds. It's pretty hot so start 5-10% under and work up.