Favourite powder for 280 AI
 

Hi folks, dusted off the 280 improved and shot some rounds that I’d made in the past. 180 berger’s with 56.5gn IMR 7828 this load shoots really well in this rifle.
Unfortunately I’m getting pretty low on the 180 Berger’s but do have quite a few of the 168’s. I’ve never had the best of luck with these. I’ve tried retumbo H1000 and IMR 7828.
Just would like to hear what has worked for you. Thanks.

280
 

IMR 4350 and Reloader 19, have worked well for me.

Awesome. I actually have quite a bit of IMR 4350. Any idea what kind of velocity you got?

I’m running IMR 4831, and 150’s.

Mine really likes 4955 with 140s but that’s probably not an option for you at this point. 4831sc is close

Spend the time and find some 7828 SSC. As much as I like 4831, 7828 really is the Schizel.

I’ve got 7828. Just not the short cut.

I'm loading RL19 with 150gr bullets

I found the most accurate in mine was retumbo really really compacted with the 162 grain pills. Also worked really well with the 180s but I'm shooting extremely tight groups with 162 and retumbo. Like 4" groups at 1000 yards, from my cooper lightweight hunting rig!

The burn rates are the same, just that ssc kernels are shorter and so you can get more powder into the case, ssc also meters better

Really both the same powder burning rates ,you can get more speed they say due to volume in your case,ssc like 4 percent more.

But i don't look at all this crap about speed ,if you 75 feet slower less pressure and better accuracy it's all good.

I like to not pound the snot of my primer pockets , over stretch bases of my brass , treat my barrel like it should be treated , plus I think you have got really all what you need .Bullet choice ??? Reloader alliant powders are hard to find , 22,19,23 ,26. The 26 is good powder ,but it spikes very fast so there is no magic powder .Just common sense reloading ,don't over think it .Biggest mistake guys do is they have something really good,yet they want better .why???

Accuracy beats speed all day long . I helped a buddy to start reloading with his 280 AI all he wanted was how fast and it's taken some time for him realize that a 400 yard accurate rifle will do very well on anything at bit slower speed.

Cheers
JD

I had the best results with lighter bullets, 150 eldx got me a .3” group with H4831 at book max, right around 3000 fps. Couldn’t get the 162eldx to group well, that was with Staball 6.5, also H1000. The H hpbt 162 were actually better at .75” using H1000, but they only grouped that at over book max. Imr4350 didn’t group well for me, with 162 btsp

I got better groups with the 150'seldx then the 162 eldx, H4831 is a good powder .

280 AI powder
 

My go to at the moment has to be H4831SC with the 180 ELDM. Not fast at all, but very accurate.

Also have used 4000MR to play with some 162's. Got 7828SSC as well but waiting to pair that with some 171 grain match burners I have been itching to try.

Honestly, if you stay around the 4831 burn rate, you should be able to find a good load. To me, Retumbo and H1000 seem a bit slow to be effective in the 280 AI. Not saying they won't group, but in my opinion, there are better options out there for the 280 AI.

Just my 2 cents from this small town bird loader.

Lots of good replies here. I do like the fact that the 7828ssc meters better but I’m not filling the case completely so I guess being able to fill the case more doesn’t matter in this case.
I’ve made some test loads with IMR 4350 and will see how it goes.

Ramshot Magnum is worth a try...but imr 7828ssc worked best....I could not get retumbo to work for me

My go to was R22, but that was for 140gr bullets.

Shot a 280 AI for years. 4831 SC and 145 gr Barnes LRX provided excellent accuracy and generally one shot bang flop. Never needed the heavy bullets.

Currently using rl22 with 150 eldx. Now trying 4831sc and 145 lrx. Having trouble grouping as well as the eldx. I saw a post from a guy from bc and he was shooting lights out with rl26.

This right here is a great combo .

Honestly, if the data you have calls for the standard 7828, there is no real need to change to the short cut, especially if you have the standard 7828 already. The only reason to switch to the short cut is because the data calls for it. You will still find a good load with the standard version as efficiently as the short cut version. Just be thorough with your load development and test all velocity ranges available.

I hope you have good luck with your 4350 test loads. Looking forward to seeing the results.

I used r26 and 160 accubonds

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/ee/14/D3288454-C0B7-4BBB-B934-08FD2761C7D8/IMG_0097.heic

Can’t get pictures to upload!
The IMR 4350 did pretty well. Shot 7 groups and 4 of them were in the .4/.5 range for three shots. 53.5 to 54.7 charge weight was the most accurate. Not sure what the velocity is at but I’m guessing 2850 to low 2900’s.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...33b62bf22a.jpg
There got it to work!


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Good shooting. Most guys won't post multiple groups on one target. :)

As long as you have no pressure signs I would use that 55.5 load and work on the COAL, I bet you can get it down under .5 pretty easily.

Good groups. Just as a suggestion, try 54.6 grains to round out the testing. I am noticing that the "flyer" gets tighter at 54.7 and a bit further at 54.5. I am thinking that 54.5 is a bit slow and 54.7 is starting to get a bit fast for the rifle, causing the groups to open up.

You can play with COAL as well, especially with 54.7, but I would try 54.6 grains before changing the case capacity by adjusting COAL.

Just my 2 cents.

Decided to revisit the IMR7828 with what Attachment 189504I thought was a mid range charge with these 168’s. Good thing I took the time to set up the chronograph my starting load was quite a ways north of 3000 fps. Nothing locked up but needless to say it spooked me a bit. Pulled all the bullets and started over about 3 grains back. Happily all fingers and eyeballs intact.
Nice velocity just over 2900fps and great SD.
I guess 7828 really is the shizz for this cartridge!

Once the snow melts. i look to try N560 with the 175gr NABLR. if that doesn't work, then H4831sc

Looking real good. Nice velocity, great ES/SD and all in one hole. Not a lot more development to do with that load. Glad it worked out so well.