Verms .280 AI load work up

[Verminator2]

For info on the gun there's a post a little ways down. I loaded up some more of the 145 Speers and H4831, charges between 52 and 53.5 in .5 gr. increments, 3 shots. 52 and 52.5 loads shot around 1" or a little more. I was pleasantly surprised with the 53gr. load that shot at .663. Once I got back up to 53.5 it opened up again. I loaded some more up with 53 grains to finish my fireforming. In my old post, Rick mentioned that the 140 Nosler Accubond would be a good deer bullet. We were out of 145 speers so I picked up some factory second 140s to try. I loaded up some with H414 because it worked well in my .243 AI and I was hoping to get some better velocities with it. I loaded up 50.5 grains to 52 grains, three shots. 50.5 grains was probably 2.5"-3", didn't think it was worth measuring. 51gr. was about .75". Definately getting better. My first 3 shots with 51.5 grains was off of paper, but I loaded up some more and they turned out a group just under .5" I was pretty dang tickled with that load, haven't tried it again yet with 5 shots, but if it stays down there that will be good. Velocity was 2897, 2948,2952,and 2959 for the ones I got chronoed. I was pretty pleased with the velocities. The 52gr. load opened back up to 1.25" though. I'll be retrying the 51.5 grain load again tomorrow or Sunday. Hopefully have pictures then.

[Guy M]

So, you're getting very good accuracy with a good 140 grain bullet at about 2800 - 2900 fps?

Looks like the load is about worked up and ready to hunt!

I used to tinker incessantly with my loads, trying to shave the last quarter inch off the groups or wring that last 25 fps out of them, but now I set some realistic goals, and when I reach them, I stop messing around. At that point I just load up a whole mess of 'em, solidly establish my rifle's zero and use them for practice. I'll save a box or two for hunting too!

Congrats on finding a good hunting load - it's always a nice feeling to have a reliable load all set.

[Verminator2]

Yeah i figured for deer that would be a great load if it wasn't a fluke. I'll also see if it holds the .5 MOA out farther to 500-600 yards.

[Verminator2]

Well I finally got it shot again this morning, the weather has SUCKED all week, and we had the first semi-calm day today. I loaded up 5 51.5gr. H414 with 140 Noslers. I had cleaned my rifle since then, and my group was about 2". I just couldn't except that, so I made up another 5 and these were .736 and 4 were .511. I guess my rifle just likes it dirtier. I think that will use this load for deer.

[jperk]

Love the 280 AI. Just had a post 64 model 70 rebarrelled and chambered to the 280 AI. Dan Lilja built the 26" barrell and Toni Fanelli at Blue Arms did the chambering,stock inletting and blueprinted the action. I have been playing with a few bullet and powder combinations and here is what I have come up with:

Berger 140 VLD and 63.5 of RL 22: Chrono's at 3310 fps and average 3 shot group is 0.270
COAL is 3.380 (.0010 into the lands). Nosler Brass and Winchester large Rifle Primers.

Berger 168 VLD and 61.0 VHT N165. Have not Chrono'd but guestimate around 3050 fps. Average 3 shot group is 0.315. Again, .0010 into the lands using Nosler brass and Winchester Large Rifle Primers.
COAL is 3.395. I will Chronograph later this month and post results...

Hope this helps...