280 rem 120 Vmax

Polaris · Nov 19, 2011

Picked some of these up on sale yesterday. Wife got a horse and chickens and I now feel the need to dust off the odd coyote. I know they'll make a mess out of the fur but shooting one will make the wife REALLY Happy.

Anybody have any luck with loads in these for 280 rem? I have IMR 4320, H380, H414, IMR 4350 and IMR 4831 on hand. Probably no extreme range shooting so a lower vel. load will work for me. Would also like to use them for occasional target practice and other varmints around the place. I have some neighbors across the way so the frangible bullet is a must.

Mountain Goat · Nov 19, 2011

I have a 120gr load for the 280 that uses RL-15, and it is a real pleasure to shoot. It makes a mess out of coyotes and squirrels, too.

Of the powders you listed, I'd start with IMR-4350, 52.0 grains or so. H-414 would be a good one too starting around 51.0 grains. I don't like anything slower than 4350 in the 280 until I get to the 140gr and heavier bullets.

Even the starting loads for the 120gr bullets are around 3000fps, more than enough to demolish a V-Max, and any critter unfortunate to meet its aquaintence.

JD338 · Nov 19, 2011

I think IMR4350 would be a really good powder to start with.

JD338

nvbroncrider · Nov 19, 2011

I'd just use 4350 it's all i burn outta mine. With 140s I can shoot 1/4 inch groups. It's probably the best powder for the 280.

wildgene · Nov 20, 2011

...you might want to try the 100gr. Sierra HP's. I've had surprisingly good results & accuracy w/ them in my 7mmRM...

RiverRider · Nov 21, 2011

My first center fire rifle was a .280, and the first MOA hand load I managed to assemble for it was topped with a Sierra 100-grain hollow point. I drove it with IMR 4064.

ScreaminEagle · Nov 23, 2011

IMR 4350 is my go to powder in the 280. The second best powder is H414 with CCI mag primer

cloverleaf · Nov 24, 2011

Squacks with a 280! :shock: Hope you are barkin' 'em. :lol: MEssy,messy, messy...CL

Polaris · Jan 14, 2012

Over 57 grains IMR 4350 (verify Lyman 48th, doing this from memory at the moment) with Rem 9 1/2 pr got .73" CTC on 3 shots from prone at 100 yards. Sweet little load. Vaporized a small frozen mudpile on the swamp I was shooting on.

wildgene · Jan 15, 2012

...haven't tried the 120gr. V-Max, but have been shooting the 100gr. Sierras'/ 73.5grs. IMR-4831 @3650fps out of my 7mmRM for years, as a "plinkin load". Enough bearing surface to stabilize, they're surprisingly accurate & definitely frangible, fairly mild recoil. I use 'em for the occasional "short" pdawg, & pack a couple in my pocket during hunting season for removing the heads off grouse...