I was hoping someone could help me with some quick loads for my 280 AI. I’ve been working extensively on a load with the 140 AB and haven’t had any success. I bought a box of 160 grain AccuBond bullets and am ready for a new start hopefully with better success! I have a Savage 110 with a 22” barrel and 1:9 twist. A lot of the books and manuals don’t list the 280AI and there is a lot of gray area if you do find some . Often they have different max load data which can be challenging to decipher. I currently have IMR 4831, IMR 4350, Hogdon 4831SC, Magpro, Superformance, Winchester Staball 6.5, Ramshot Grand, Ram Shot hunter, Reloader 19, and RL 23. additionally can get my hands on Vitahvohuri powders at my local sporting goods store. I’d like to be above 3000fps and full case capacity. Sounds like I should have gotten a longer barrel but I can’t change that now. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
280 AI load Quickload help
- Thread starter Nadawah
- Start date
- Nov 4, 2004
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My go to powder for the 280AI with 140-160 gr bullets is RL22. Accuracy is excellent.
Of your powders, I think I would start with IMR4831with 140 gr bullets.
For the 160 gr bullets, H4831SC and RL19 would be a good place to start. You should be able to get close to 3000 fps.
JD338
Of your powders, I think I would start with IMR4831with 140 gr bullets.
For the 160 gr bullets, H4831SC and RL19 would be a good place to start. You should be able to get close to 3000 fps.
JD338
- Thread starter
- #3
- Nov 4, 2004
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Keep us posted on your load development. Another option is the 150 gr class of bullets. They shoot flat and hit hard. I run the 150 gr ABLR with RL22 . I'm getting 3100 fps and sub .5 MOA consistently. They absolutely crush deer where they stand.
JD338
- Thread starter
- #5
I’d love to find some RL 22 or 26 but I haven’t seen it in years! Besides, even the Alliant powders that are available are around 80$ per pound! Additionally would hate to work up a load with that and have to start all over if it wasn’t available hence looking at other options in powders.
Charlie-NY
Handloader
- Mar 11, 2005
- 1,504
- 1,080
It's unlikely to get 3,000fps with a 160gr bullet in a 22" bbl without being well over pressure IMO. I'm currently running a "warm" load of VV565 under a 162gr ELD in a 26" bbl. Velocity is 2,950fps. Higher velocities will take heavier charges of slower powder. I've run Retumbo up tp 3,000fps with a 168gr bullet but that's pushing it and I'm using a barrel that is 4" longer than yours.
Look for an accuracy node and accept the velocity wherever it is.
Look for an accuracy node and accept the velocity wherever it is.
- Nov 4, 2004
- 26,616
- 12,462
I agree with you Charlie. I'm getting 3000 fps with the 160 gr AB and BT from my 24" Hart barrel. The long throat and the Remington long/magnum action allows me to seat the bullets way out there and giving me more case capacity.
JD338
