Yes, we do have a RMEF rifle this year. We will see you there if you will be attending. I am not sure if it will be the 270 Winchester or if the individual will be able to choose from the three. That will be up to RMEF.
The 280AI rifle will be shipping in April. We anticipate producing 30-50 rifles a month. That is of course provided that everything goes according to plan.
Jim, you are correct that each rifle is a new series, not a new year. An example is "Series one 300wsm" "Series two 280AI".
The series three rifle will be a 270 Winchester.
I think that I am starting to see some common responses. I have to admit that my personal choice might change due to all of the great responses.
What about something with open sights?
JD338, what caliber would you like to see offered in the third series of rifles? Don't say 338 RUM! We will announce the rifle at the Safari Club show. I will be sure to post the results after the show for everyone to read. Now is a great time to put your votes in for the series four rifle.
The Nosler rifles are coming along nicely. We have named them based on the series not by the year. For example the series one is the 300 wsm and series two is the 280AI. I do not know what the series three rifle will be. It is going to be announced at the Safari Club show.
We are very glad that everyone is pleased with the Nosler rifles. I do not believe that the forearm has been slimmed down on the 280AI, but this will be an area of interest for the next rifle.
The #5 Reloading Guide is the most current manual out, however the #6 book will be available late in 2007. The new guide will have data for the AccuBonds and all of the super short mags, ultra mags and the 204 ruger. Also there will be expanded data for all of the cartridges that had minimal data.
I have found that Viht N-550 is pretty good powder for the 300wsm. IMR 4350 works pretty well too. I agree that a person should load the 300 with a 180gr AB and consider themselves set for whatever they see.
The Ballistic Tip and the Ballistic Silvertip are the same bullet with different color tips and a different coating on one. The Lublox coating is a black oxide that reduces friction and barrel wear. It is more expensive though.
Here at Nosler we use Ballistic Gelatin, Glue and a new wax medium. The newspaper/ phonebook method does work great, but I prefer the old fashioned way. Recovering them from critters.
JD338, I am still looking for my recovered 338 210 Partitions. Great board with the shot samples by the way.
The powders should be the same between the can and bottle. I do know that they have different bar codes/ UPC numbers. Other than that they should be the same.