Nosler M48 Heritage 280AI

[JD338]

It appears that this rifle is going to shoot.
We completed step two of the break in process by shooting
5 3 shot groups and cleaning after every third shot.
I did shoot 1 group that went around .75".

I'm going to determine my maximum COL and change my seating depth
for the next outing. I will also try the 140 gr BT.

JD338

 

[JD338]

Here are a few pictures.

Sue taking the first shot with her new M48 280AI

Getting serious on the bench during the 3 shot and clean break in.

Here is the target from the 3 shot and clean break in period.
Best group went .756" c/c with a 120 gr BT and 62.5 grs RL19 in a Nosler case and WRM primer. COL 3.330".

JD338

 

[nvbroncrider]

That's nice buddy shorten them up and it will fall in.

 

[SJB358]

Very nice Jim. I'd say you have a winner right there. Both in the rifle and lady!

 

[Oldtrader3]

JD, that is a super looking rifle! If she shoots half as good as she looks, Sue has a fine looking rifle for hunting what ever she choices?

 

[FOTIS]

Great! waiting on updates

 

[sask boy]

Jim you will have that new rifle shooting tiny little cloverleafs real soon!
Thank you for the photos & report.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Oldtrader3]

Looking good!

 

[EOD Diver]

Congratulations to the guy that started the majority of us on the 280AI journey. Absolutely beautiful rifle and she looks to be a shooter bud!

Take Care,

Joe

 

[DrMike]

Interesting cartridge, to be sure. Great to see your post, Joe.

 

[EOD Diver]

Doc,

Hope all is well friend. Germany is finally starting to warm up a little and the days are getting longer! I miss my rifles and hunting, but am staying very busy in Europe with work and family. With our OPTEMPO, time is flying and I'm already coming up on a year. I sure enjoyed reading about you taking that First Nations boy out and helping to work up a load for him. Good stuff my friend and hope the knees are healing up well.

Take Care,

Joe

 

[DrMike]

Improving all the time. Stay safe, Joe. Mild spring here and bear opens soon. I do intend to get out and tag a bear or two. Won't be a 280 AI, but it could be a .280. :grin:

 

[EOD Diver]

Hope you'll use the 150 ABLR load you have worked up! Looking forward to a hunting story and bullet performance report.

Joe

 

[JD338]

Joe,

Good to see you here buddy. I'm going to get serious with the M48 this coming weekend.
I'm sure I will get her to sing.
Stay safe and keep in touch.

JD338

 

[JD338]

Saturday we finished the break in and shot the following groups.

The 120 gr BT with 62.5 grs RL19 went .690" with a COL of 3.320". Not bad but I think
we can do better. I will try 3.315" next and run it through the chronograph. I will also try
63.0 grs RL 19 and the shorter COL to see what I can do.
We also shot the 140 gr BT with 63.0 grs RL22. A shorter COL should prove to be where I want it to be.
I gave the barrel a through cleaning and found a minimal amount of copper fouling, Cleaning was a snap.
I think I will have loads developed with the 120 gr BT and the 140 gr BT in the next couple of weeks.
I also shot the 168 gr ABLR in my 280AI and was disappointed with the accuracy. I need to look at some powder options and see what I can get.
JD338

 

[cloverleaf]

Beautiful rifle (Jealous again ) promising groups from the 120's and 140's. (better than I can shoot). I like your targets too CL

 

[NYDAN]

Jim, that is a beautiful rifle and a great cartridge. It looks like you are going to have great accuracy. Congratulations on a fine purchase.

Dan

 

[DrMike]

Quite impressive, Jim. I do like where you are going with the 120 and 140 grain bullets. Perhaps the 150 grain ABLR would be the ticket rather than the 168 grain?

 

[SJB358]

Once you figure out those ABLRS Jim let me know. They've ran me through the ringer a couple of times.

Sue's 280 looks good. I don't think it'll be long before you've got a couple of good ones.

 

[JD338]

Quite impressive, Jim. I do like where you are going with the 120 and 140 grain bullets. Perhaps the 150 grain ABLR would be the ticket rather than the 168 grain?

Mike,

The M48 is moving along with the 120 gr BT and the 140 gr BT and I expect to have loads for both shortly. I may give the 150 gr PT and ABLR a try but for now, I really want the 140 gr BT to shoot. This will give Sue a deer/antelope rifle.

The 168 gr ABLR out of my M700 280AI is something I have been wanting to try for quite some time. I already have a great load with the 150 gr ABLR and it has proven its self on deer. Just trying the 168 gr ABLR for grins.

JD338