280 ai going from 140 to 160 accubonds

[bpotter]

Hello:

This is my first post to this board.

I'm fairly new to reloading and looking for suggestions.

I have worked up an acceptable 140 gr AccuBond load for my 280 ai (1 in 9, twist 25 inch barrel). 60 grains H4831SC, WRL primers at 2950 FPS with very low SD. I can get over 3000 FPS with this powder but groups open from .38 to .75 MOA or a bit more.

I would like to shoot 160 grain accubonds at 2900 FPS or more if I can get same accuracy.

Any suggestions on powder/primer combinations for the 160s. I can get better than 3000 FPS velocity and < 1 MOA with RL22 but seems to be temp sensitive. I was thinking H1000 or 7828 SSC. Any advice to jump start the process would be appreciated.

Regards
BP

 

[widgeon]

What are you intensions for this cartridge?

 

[DrMike]

Welcome to the forum; it's good to have you aboard.

H1000 will give you marginally less velocity than RL22. However, either should give you 2900 fps quite easily without significant pressure problems. I would be more inclined to look at medium burn rate powders like IMR4350 or IMR4831 with the 160 grain AccuBond. I see little need to use magnum primers with the charges required. Thus, any standard rifle primer should work well for you.

 

[FOTIS]

RL22 as stated is your powder.

Welcome to the forum BTW.


viewtopic.php?f=49&t=16492

 

[Songdog]

Humpin' a 160 AccuBond at 3k is 7mm Rem. territory... but, the .280AI should get there if properly stoked. My .280AI could run the 168 Berger at 2950 out of my 24" spout (also 1/9")with a case full of Retumbo or Ramshot Magnum (figuratively of course...). I also shot 140s at 3150 using RE22 (around 63 grains I believe).

 

[jmad_81]

Both of these were over 2950, and about max in my gun. RL-22 gave me the same results.

 

[JD338]

bpotter

Welcome to the forum and congratulations to you on your 280 AI. It is a fantastic round.
I have found RL 22 to be the best powder in the 280 AI. Fed GM215M primers also enhanced accuracy.
60.0 grs RL 22 should get you where you want to be with 3000 fps and excellent accuracy and case life.

JD338

 

[6mm Remington]

Jim I sure like that rifle! I never get tired of seeing pictures of it. Is that what you are going to use on your antelope hunt next fall?

David

 

[JD338]

Jim I sure like that rifle! I never get tired of seeing pictures of it. Is that what you are going to use on your antelope hunt next fall?

David

Thank you David.

If I get drawn, I plan on taking the 280 AI loaded up with eithrt the 140 gr AB or BT.
Not sure about the second rifle, maybe the 338 RUM with 300 gr AB's. I don't want to be under gunned in Fotis's antelope camp. :mrgreen:

JD338

 

[vodekzz]

160AB I have great luck with RL-22, Federal Mag Match primers G215M.
My load is 60.5 gr RL-22 coal 3.35. Nosler case.
Velocity 2950 fps and consistent.

Vodekz

 

[Oldtrader3]

I shot 140 Partitions in my .280 Rem for 14 years until I tried the 160 Accubonds. I was getting about 2950 fps with the 140 grain bullets and sub MOA accuracy to 300 yards. With handloads and with W-W Supreme factory ammo.

When I switched to the 160 Accubonds, I very carefully, with my chronometer, worked up to a maximum but no pressure signs load that yielded 3010 fps at 15 instrumental velocity. This load was with W-W flash chromed cases, Fed 215 Match Mag primers and 58.0 grains of IMR 7828 SSC which is a full case loading density using the Partition 160 grain bullet. Accuracy was consistantly 3/4 to 7/8 MOA to 200 yards. I did not shoot any long range groups with this load and my grandson has the rifle now.

 

[JD338]

Amazing performance from the 280 Rem!

JD338

 

[DrMike]

I'm certain your grandson appreciates having the rifle, Charlie. I do love the 280; it will deliver the goods.

 

[Oldtrader3]

He had to do some work for his dad to earn it but he is very pleased with the rifle so far. It is a Composite Stalker Browning and is extremely accurate. It was the last of my composite stocked rifles and he wanted that style so, everybody is happy about this. I threw in a Busnell Elite scope and he is in business. I gave him the dies and still have some AccuBond bullets. He is invited him over to learn how to handload when he has time.

 

[bpotter]

Thanks for the replies.

Widgeon: Wanted a heavier bullet for elk. 140s would work but ...
Easy sub MOA to 300 with this rifle but smaller is better and am spoiled with how it's shooting the 140s.

I had originally planned on RL 22 but just can't seem to get consistency with RL22 from day to day and assuming temperature driven. I may need to play with primers or jump some more.

Have some IMR 4831 that I'll try as well. This rifle also seems to hate VV165 or at least the batch I have.

Regards,
BP

 

[nvbroncrider]

I would try 7828 SSC if RL22 isn't working to keep your velocity up. I believe in the manual you can reach 3k with 4350 too those are pretty non sensitive in my experience. It reach 115 in the summer and -40 in the winter. Coldest I've shot at is -20 and I had no problems with my 280.