Loading for the 280 Ackley...

[Ridgerunner665]

Darn good looking rifle JD338...I do like fine lumber on a rifle!!!

But for a hard use hunting rifle that can double as boat paddle and be no worse for the wear...I like a quality synthetic too.

The Patriot has a darn good stock on it too...but none of the synthetics will ever look or feel as good as the walnut though.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

See...it just can't compete with fine walnut, it ain't got no soul!!! :lol: But that has an upside...with no soul it is immortal, and very hard to kill.

 

[DrMike]

See...it just can't compete with fine walnut, it ain't got no soul!!! :lol: But that has an upside...with no soul it is immortal, and very hard to kill.

Well stated! I prefer fine timber for my stocks; but there is no question that Kevlar will stand up to hard use. Beautiful rifle. Glad to see it finally arrive.

 

[JD338]

See...it just can't compete with fine walnut, it ain't got no soul!!! :lol: But that has an upside...with no soul it is immortal, and very hard to kill.

Beautiful rifle you have there, and very much a work horse.
Your rifle will fair much better on a rough hunt.
I'm looking forward to you getting her scoped up and on the range.

JD338

 

[Ridgerunner665]

See...it just can't compete with fine walnut, it ain't got no soul!!! [emoji38] But that has an upside...with no soul it is immortal, and very hard to kill.

Beautiful rifle you have there, and very much a work horse.
Your rifle will fair much better on a rough hunt.
I'm looking forward to you getting her scoped up and on the range.

JD338

I doubt I'd fare any better... Maybe even worse, lol... I just won't be so worried about a few dings and scratches.

 

[JD338]

I hope I am not the one who puts a ding in it! In fact, it sits in the case in the safe!

JD338

 

[longrangehunter]

I hope I am not the one who puts a ding in it! In fact, it sits in the case in the safe!

JD338

I hear Ya on that one JD........... Don't think about it, it's a tool, use it and love every minute of it.

That rifle of yours is a superb example of working art for the woodsman. Very good looking lines and balance that show true craftsmanship.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Delete

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Correct weight of complete rifle (scope, mounts, sling, ammo)

9.25 lbs.... Right where I wanted it... Same weight as my beloved (deceased) M70 30-06.

Good weight IMO.... Light enough to carry, heavy enough to shoot.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

A note to Nosler... Offering the 280 Ackley with standard sporter contour as an option might be a good idea... I like the magnum contour just fine, its exactly what I wanted.... But others might want a real "walking around" rifle and the option of saving a 1/2 pound or so might appeal to some.

Maybe at least give it a try as an option on the customs.... To gauge interest.

Just a thought.... May be all wrong.

 

[longrangehunter]

I think you'll find that weight a really good balance between being either too light or too heavy RR.

My Jarrett 280AI with a USO 1.8-10x37 in steel rings and a picatinny base weights 10.75 lbs.

My Montana Kimber 6.5WSM w/a leupold M3 in steel rings, a picatinny base and bipod weights 10.25 lbs.

My Tactical rifles weight between 13 1/2-16 lbs if running them suppressed and a bipod. Now, those can get heavy until you get use to the weight.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Barrel thickness compared to an M70 Featherweight (270)...used OnTarget software to measure it...it is .650", as advertised.

 

[longrangehunter]

Looks good, the extra material around the bore will defiantly keep the group size down.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Some things at work got switched around... I'll be home 2 days this week...

Coming up.... Case capacity measurements, bullet seating depth, finding the max load so I know where to stop the OCW, scope mounting, and pictures.... Among other things.

No range trip this time around...

 

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you're ready to get that thing out! I was surprised at how heavy that one is- 9.25lbs. It should shoot great and settle in nice. Not much walking around hunting in your neck of the woods!

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Nope...too damn many fences!

I've always preferred glass and shoot hunting anyway...at least where firearms are concerned...archery is another ballgame, and I enjoy that one too.

That Zeiss HD5 is a heavy scope...I could have kept it under 9 pounds easily, with a lighter scope...but I prefer a 9 pound rifle myself.

 

[Anonymous]

With the Zeiss Conquest on mine it hit 8.25lbs with the sling an a magazine of ammo. Light enough to pack and enough weight to not kick me out from under my hat.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

I can't wait to put some rounds on a target...I don't think I'll have time this trip, but maybe.


I guess I could drive the 14 miles over to the range and shoot up one of the boxes of Nosler ammo (160 PT), just to see what it does....need some brass to do case capacity measuring with anyway

All depends on time...gotta get the scope mounted and plumbed up so it dials right first....making tall targets and all that stuff, and only have 2 days.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm thinking you can pull it off!

 

[longrangehunter]

I can't wait to put some rounds on a target...I don't think I'll have time this trip, but maybe.


I guess I could drive the 14 miles over to the range and shoot up one of the boxes of Nosler ammo (160 PT), just to see what it does....need some brass to do case capacity measuring with anyway

All depends on time...gotta get the scope mounted and plumbed up so it dials right first....making tall targets and all that stuff, and only have 2 days.

Yes you'll want to do that once you're sure the load is accurate enough to place the bullets in a decent group. You'll want to polish the throat by breaking in the barrel for the first 20 rounds. I usually like to just test fire some bullets/powder for that without getting too serious. The factory ammo would work just as well for that, test them over a chronograph to see what speed they're running at the same time. Once you're sure everything is settled in, begin your load development.

Good luck RR and enjoy it.