280 Ack Powders

[hunter24605]

Hopefully next week I'll start with this 280 Ackley I picked up (savage 110 22") Given that RL-22 and so many of the preferred powders are unavailable, I'm searching for alternatives. I'm shining toward starting with the 150 ELD-X.
The potential powders I have generous supplies of are:

IMR 7977 (although I'm Leary of building a load based on a powder that's discontinued)
H4831 sc
IMR 4831
N165
IMR 4350

These are just what I have on hand, and think are decent choices. I'm leaning toward N165 as a top candidate. definitely open to other suggestions of powders that may I have, or be able to obtain.
Thanks a bunch!!

 

[nhenry]

With 120gr TTSX I use IMR 4350 and get great velocity and accuracy. With 140/150gr bullets I’ve used H4831 but haven’t worked much with heavier projectiles in my current rifle. 4831 is pretty much the standby in 280AI

 

[AFG270]

Any of those would work. Nosler data shows H4831sc as the most accurate, so if it were me I would start with that.

 

[6.5_sWv]

I have developed and used a great load with the 150gr ELD-X and H4831sc. The charge I settled on was 60.5GR with a velocity of 2963fps. I killed 3 deer with that bullet ranging from 60yds to 175yds. 2 of the 3 were bang flops. I've been pleased with that bullet.

I also have a pound of 7977 along with 4955. I haven't tried them yet, but I'll burn em up with another bullet. If you get the chance try StaBall6.5, Reloder 19, and 23 in your Ackley.

 

[JD338]

Howie,
H4831SC is an excellent choice for the 280AI.
Shouldn't take long to find a good load.

JD338

 

[hunter24605]

Thanks fellas! Lucked into some brass at SPS, so hopefully next week I’ll get into it.

 

[RL338]

IMR4350 really shines in my brother 25/06 with 117/120gr bullets. I think it should work well in the 280AI.

 

[redryder66]

Both IMR 4350 and H4350 give me 0.5 MOA at right around 3200 fps with the Barnes 140 TTSX from my 24" barreled KImber.

 

[BruceP]

While it's probably as scarce or even more so than RL22 If you can find Norma MRP it's my understanding that they are either the "same" powder or very close.
Aside from that maybe H4831, H1000, IMR7828, AA MagPro.

 

[xphunter]

I would start with H-4831 myself

 

[hunter24605]

Welp, seems I'm lucky to have an unopened 8 pound jug of H4831sc that I got about 3 years ago for quite a bit less than the $350+ its going for now ..Following y'alls input I'll probably start with it. I'm also going to burn some of the VV 165, something in my gut just keeps pointing to it. If anybody is looking for brass SPS has blems for a great price!! Nosler 280Ackley Imp
Thanks guys!

 

[JD338]

Is your chamber 280AI or 280 Rem Improved 40*?
Easiest way to figure would be who did the chamber and when.
My 280AI has a tight chamber and technically be a 280 Rem Improved 40* shoulder and my wife has a Nosler M48 280AI which is the SAAMI spec. Nosler 280AI brass won't chamber in my rifle.
Just wanted to make sure you were aware.

JD338

 

[hunter24605]

Is your chamber 280AI or 280 Rem Improved 40*?
Easiest way to figure would be who did the chamber and when.
My 280AI has a tight chamber and technically be a 280 Rem Improved 40* shoulder and my wife has a Nosler M48 280AI which is the SAAMI spec. Nosler 280AI brass won't chamber in my rifle.
Just wanted to make sure you were aware.

JD338

Thanks, I read all about the differences a while back when I first started looking into it, then the idea just fell by the wayside until this one was offered to me. But I'ts a factory Savage 110 with the SAAMI chamber.

 

[JD338]

Thanks, I read all about the differences a while back when I first started looking into it, then the idea just fell by the wayside until this one was offered to me. But I'ts a factory Savage 110 with the SAAMI chamber.

Perfect. I suspected that was the case but just wanted you to be aware. I built my 280AI close to 20 years ago so when my wife got her 280AI, I treated as if it was a different cartridge. Hers uses Nosler brass and I fire form R-P brass. Really not a big deal other than her brass doesn't fit my rifle.
You're going to love the 280AI. Easy to load, shoots flat and hits hard.

JD338