Im New and looking for advice

[Skeeter4890]

So I'm brand new to reloading haven't reloaded anything yet, I will be reloading for my .280 AI and i already have some AccuBond Long Range 168gr bullets, the only components I still need are primers and powder and I am looking for suggestions for both of those things, any help is greatly appreciated! Thabks!

 

[Slimfinn]

First of all welcome to the group! and getting the reloading bug. Below is from the Nosler Date for the 280 AI to give you an idea on powders. Primers I would use what ever Large Rifle you can find right now, or even large rifle magnum. Others will be chiming in on what powders work for them in the 280AI, and will be a wealth of informantion.
Again welcome to the Forum

 

[hunter24605]

I would start with H4831-SC, you’ll have no trouble finding a good load. There’s plenty of others, like RL22, and 26, but you’ll likely not find them. I found Ramshot magnum to be excellent, especially with 160 grain and up.

 

[JD338]

Welcome to the forum and to reloading. Lots of experience here.
I use Magnum primers in my 280AI.
IMR7828SSC gave me stellar performance with the 168 ABLR.
Remember the start low and work up

JD338

 

[xphunter]

Welcome!

 

[Aussie Wanderer]

Have not used the 168ablr, but if you can’t get that to shoot, the 150nbt is a great bullet and h4350 is a really good match. I’ve never recovered a 150nbt, they have sailed on through leaving a path of destruction in its wake. 280ai is probably my all time favourite cartridge. Best of luck and welcome

 

[hunter24605]

Welcome to the forum and to reloading. Lots of experience here.
I use Magnum primers in my 280AI.
IMR7828SSC gave me stellar performance with the 168 ABLR.
Remember the start low and work up

JD338

Dang, buddy! I don’t think there’s much more one could wring out of a 280AI. Very nice

 

[rmarshall]

I use R26 with a 160 AccuBond, but 7828ssc was outstanding as well. I’m pretty sure it will be easier to find than R26. My buddy shoots that bullet in his but he also uses a pixy dust powder. Hard to find R23. You’ll like the caliber. I love mine, 4 elk, 1 deer, 1 hog and 1 coyote under its belt. The 280 ai is a solid choice..

 

[Skeeter4890]

I appreciate all the Replys already! Has anyone tried N565 i read in some other forums that was also recommended a couple times, I plan to head to the store this weekend and see what I can find for powders so I'm just looking for a good list of a couple or a few to grab if they are available.

 

[JD338]

RL22 is my go to powder but it's non existent.
IMR7828SSC, IMR4831, Hunter, and H4350 would be good powders in the 160-168 gr weight class.
The 150 gr ABLR is another excellent bullet. I've shot several crop damage deer with that bullet at 3100 fps and no deer has ever taken a step. Same powders for the 150's.

JD338

 

[Skeeter4890]

RL22 is my go to powder but it's non existent.
IMR7828SSC, IMR4831, Hunter, and H4350 would be good powders in the 160-168 gr weight class.
The 150 gr ABLR is another excellent bullet. I've shot several crop damage deer with that bullet at 3100 fps and no deer has ever taken a step. Same powders for the 150's.

JD338

Thanks JD338 I was hoping you'd see this one and chime in i saw your name prominently in some of the other threads too giving advice! Appreciate it. Is 4831SC any better than the regular 4831? I know it means it's a smaller size but will that help in the 280ai?

 

[username J]

FOR ME H4831SC is my accuracy go to. SC meters better than 4831
But first things first
What twist barrel do you have?

 

[Skeeter4890]

FOR ME H4831SC is my accuracy go to. SC meters better than 4831
But first things first
What twist barrel do you have?

I have a 1 in 9 twist barrel

 

[username J]

I have a 1 in 9 twist barrel

Good

 

[PJGunner]

I don't shoot the .280AI, just the plain old original .280 Rem. I've received excellent accuracy from the 160 gr. Speer Grand Slam bullet, the older two core version and just haven't gotten around to trying the new cup and core type. Also, I use a powder no longer available, Winchester's WMR. (Winchester Magnum Rifle) My load snaps at the heels of the AI running at almost 2900 FPS.
The first bullet I tried was the Nosler 150 gr. ABLR which was a dismal failure in three rifles chambered to the 7x57. Accuracy in the .280 wasn't much better and it appears that seating depth is quite critical, at least in my rifles. A bullet that has worked well for me in other cartridges is the Sierra 160 gr. Game King. Also I've had good groups with the Speer 160 gr. Hot Core. I haven't run the 160 gr. Partition but I've had good results with the 150 gr. Partitions in three 7x57s.
Just suggestions on bullets you might want to try if the ABLRs don't work out for you.
Paul B.

 

[Aussie Wanderer]

What are you planning to use the 280ai for in terms of game?

 

[Skeeter4890]

I don't shoot the .280AI, just the plain old original .280 Rem. I've received excellent accuracy from the 160 gr. Speer Grand Slam bullet, the older two core version and just haven't gotten around to trying the new cup and core type. Also, I use a powder no longer available, Winchester's WMR. (Winchester Magnum Rifle) My load snaps at the heels of the AI running at almost 2900 FPS.
The first bullet I tried was the Nosler 150 gr. ABLR which was a dismal failure in three rifles chambered to the 7x57. Accuracy in the .280 wasn't much better and it appears that seating depth is quite critical, at least in my rifles. A bullet that has worked well for me in other cartridges is the Sierra 160 gr. Game King. Also I've had good groups with the Speer 160 gr. Hot Core. I haven't run the 160 gr. Partition but I've had good results with the 150 gr. Partitions in three 7x57s.
Just suggestions on bullets you might want to try if the ABLRs don't work out for you.
Paul B.

Thanks Paul I appreciate it!

 

[Skeeter4890]

What are you planning to use the 280ai for in terms of game?

Really going to be an all around rifle, I plan to hopefully do some Elk hunting in the near future maybe some Mule Deer and definitely whitetail.

 

[Aussie Wanderer]

160 AccuBond would also be worth throwing into the mix. It is a super accurate bullet, far less finicky than the 168 you were asking about and none of those animals you listed will walk away from a well placed shot. I bought my 280ai as a do it all rifle and it has proven highly adept at being exactly that.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Welcome to the group and reloading. It is a worthwhile endeavor. Lots of good advice has been given and these folks are good to share and help. Dan.