.280Rem and IMR4350 with 160gr PT
- Thread starter m1aggie01
- Start date
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,358
- 8,977
In my M700 Classic 280 Rem, I shot the 160 gr PT with 54.0 grs IMR4831, R-P case and Federal GM210M primer. Best group went .400" at 100 yds.
JD338
JD338
- Thread starter
- #4
I guess that I should also say that I am using Nosler brass and CCI Lg Rifle primers. I started my reloading hobby with 2 powders. IMR4350 for 6mm and 280rem and then IMR 4064 for my military 30.06 in bolts. The point I am making is that my powder choices are limited.
My ultimate goal is to get a load that I can count on. As long as it will hold 1" at 100yds I figure a TX whitetail won't know the difference. When do you know when you have found the perfect load for your rifle? This is my first load to ever work up.
TIA
My ultimate goal is to get a load that I can count on. As long as it will hold 1" at 100yds I figure a TX whitetail won't know the difference. When do you know when you have found the perfect load for your rifle? This is my first load to ever work up.
TIA
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,416
- 6,282
m1aggie01,
The perfect load doesn't exist for me since I am always tweaking or experimenting with another combination of components. I would be satisfied if the load gives me a good combination of velocity and accuracy. The velocity does not have to be the fastest velocity obtainable, but the accuracy must be the best of which the rifle is capable. A one inch load that gives decent velocity is quite acceptable for whitetail.
JD's load would give you some idea for a load. The current Nosler Reloading Guide tested 50.5 grains of IMR 4350 as a maximum charge with 160 grain bullets. From where you are currently, this gives you some leeway to work up your load.
I have certainly worked up loads with 160 grain bullets. However, I have not worked up any with IMR 4350. My favourite bullet weight is 139-140 grain. Generally, I focus on those weights. I do have a very good load using the 150 grain BT and IMR 4350, but the loads that I am using currently now use either the 140 grain PT and H100V or the 140 grain AB and RL19. These give me sub-MOA groups and good velocities.
The 280 is certainly one of my favourite cartridges. It is versatile and not particularly difficult to load for. It is certainly an excellent deer cartridge.
The perfect load doesn't exist for me since I am always tweaking or experimenting with another combination of components. I would be satisfied if the load gives me a good combination of velocity and accuracy. The velocity does not have to be the fastest velocity obtainable, but the accuracy must be the best of which the rifle is capable. A one inch load that gives decent velocity is quite acceptable for whitetail.
JD's load would give you some idea for a load. The current Nosler Reloading Guide tested 50.5 grains of IMR 4350 as a maximum charge with 160 grain bullets. From where you are currently, this gives you some leeway to work up your load.
I have certainly worked up loads with 160 grain bullets. However, I have not worked up any with IMR 4350. My favourite bullet weight is 139-140 grain. Generally, I focus on those weights. I do have a very good load using the 150 grain BT and IMR 4350, but the loads that I am using currently now use either the 140 grain PT and H100V or the 140 grain AB and RL19. These give me sub-MOA groups and good velocities.
The 280 is certainly one of my favourite cartridges. It is versatile and not particularly difficult to load for. It is certainly an excellent deer cartridge.
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,358
- 8,977
m1aggie01
When first starting out reloading, its common to only want a couple of powders. Over time, most end up with a variety of powders.
In the 280 Remington, RL 19, RL 22, IMR 4350, IMR/H 4831 are the go to powders. If I could only pick one, IMR/H 4831 would be my pick.
I finalize my load on accuracy first, velocity second. Most modern rifles are capable of MOA or better. I personally strive to break the .5"" and the velocity is what it is.
JD338
When first starting out reloading, its common to only want a couple of powders. Over time, most end up with a variety of powders.
In the 280 Remington, RL 19, RL 22, IMR 4350, IMR/H 4831 are the go to powders. If I could only pick one, IMR/H 4831 would be my pick.
I finalize my load on accuracy first, velocity second. Most modern rifles are capable of MOA or better. I personally strive to break the .5"" and the velocity is what it is.
JD338
Desert Fox
Handloader
- Aug 14, 2006
- 1,965
- 3
You can use IMR 4350 on your 280. It's a tad faster than IMR 4831 which is more suitable powder for 150 grain bullet. I don't think you'll have any problem.
6mm Remington
Ammo Smith
- Feb 27, 2006
- 5,258
- 646
I had a .280 and sold it. I never should have as it is a wonderful cartridge. I am looking at getting one again though. I never used the 160 grain bullets, but stuck with the 140 gr. for everything from coyotes to elk. I killed my biggest bull with this rifle and load.
Winchester cases and Federal Large rifle primers.
IMR4350- 54.0 grs
140 gr. Nosler Partition.
This load shot 1/2-3/4 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards out of my Remington Model 700 MTN rifle. Chronographed in the 22" barrel at 2940 fps.
I'm always looking to try things, and H4831SC 59grs with the same bullet and a Federal large rifle magnum primer gave just a bit more velocity, and grouped about the same. Both loads never showed any pressure signs and gave good case life, but always work up and start lower than these.
Winchester cases and Federal Large rifle primers.
IMR4350- 54.0 grs
140 gr. Nosler Partition.
This load shot 1/2-3/4 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards out of my Remington Model 700 MTN rifle. Chronographed in the 22" barrel at 2940 fps.
I'm always looking to try things, and H4831SC 59grs with the same bullet and a Federal large rifle magnum primer gave just a bit more velocity, and grouped about the same. Both loads never showed any pressure signs and gave good case life, but always work up and start lower than these.
I love my 280, it's just about the perfect rifle for most of NA hunting. I pretty much run the 160grNP exclusively, deer to elk. I find slower powders work best for highest vel. w/ best accuracy. H4831sc, RL22 & IMR7828 all work well. My best loads are put up in Nosler Custom or Norma brass w/ 57gr of IMR7828, Fed. 210 & 160grNP. Vel from my 23" bbl. is just over 2800fps.
lefty315
Handloader
- Sep 29, 2004
- 948
- 485
I may be the closest on an answer for you yet. I have a Browning X-Bolt in .280. I am using Nosler brass, IMR 4350, WLR primers and 160gr AccuBond. I worked up to 52.5 grains to make 2780 fps. I know the Nosler book maxed out at 50.5 but my velocity was only in the mid 2600 range with that amount so I kept going up 2/10ths at a time. I am sure I could get more speed from other powders, but like you I am trying to have as few on the shelf as possible. I am down to IMR 4350 for my .280, 7mm-08, 7x57, .30-06, .300 WSM and I use H4895 for about 5 other rifles. My lack of speed could be from a bore that is not very tight so I would not use my data without working up to it. Let us know how it does as I am curious what kind of velocity you will get.
