Reloading for the .280AI

[huntinfool87]

So I just joined the .280AI family with my purchase of a factory. 280AI in the browning Xbolt stalker long range. The gun has a 1:8 twist in a 26" barrel. This gun will be used primarily for target shooting at range but I have not ruled out hunting with it at this time.

For those of you that have or do reload for this caliber where do you get your reloading data from? I have 3 manuals and none of them have this caliber in them. I would also like to know what powder you have had good success with? I'm thinking about trying some reloader 26 to start with. I have a few pills to choose from being the 168VLD and the 162 ELDX and 150 nosler BT. I also have some 139 interbonds but I use them in my standard .280. Have you ever loaded with these? If so what kind of results did you see? Or did you find something else that worked well? Any information on this would be much appreciated.

 

[AJC1]

https://www.nosler.com/280-ackley-improved

 

[AJC1]

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

 

[huntinfool87]

https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

This is the one I use but it doesn't list the .280AI

 

[AJC1]

This is the one I use but it doesn't list the .280AI

It's 2 slots below 280.

 

[huntinfool87]

It's 2 slots below 280.

It doesn't even list .280 for me.

 

[huntinfool87]

It's 2 slots below 280.

I found it. Thank you

 

[rayatphonix]

I picked up a 280 AI yesterday and will begin working up loads after Christmas. I’ll let you know what works for me. Please do the same and we’ll both benefit.

 

[huntinfool87]

I picked up a 280 AI yesterday and will begin working up loads after Christmas. I’ll let you know what works for me. Please do the same and we’ll both benefit.

Definitely and thank you. What is your .280AI in?

 

[horsemen61]

Ttrl

 

[rayatphonix]

Christensen Arms Ridgeline. Barrel length is the same as your Browning, so I’m hoping that may help.

 

[TEXASJD]

H4350, H4831sc

 

[huntinfool87]

H4350, H4831sc

I have an abundance of both of those! Thank you.

 

[WVRJ]

H4831,RL22,IMR7828 have all worked well in mine with160-168 bullets.IMR7977 is what it likes the most,but it's discontinued supposedly.Slow burn rates are best for bullets over 150 grains.IMR 4350 is good for lighter bullets.The 280AI doesn't show pressure signs very much,so keep a close eye on it as you get close to max.Very easy cartridge to load for and very accurate.

 

[stillquietvoice]

Shooters refrence has data from many manufactures listed. I just started loading for mine also I've done load workup with imr 4350, h4350 and h1000 under Hornady 139 spbt.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I liked H1000. My brother likes IMR4831.
Congrats on a excellent choice. The 280AI is the perfect combination of power, recoil, and trajectory in my opinion.

 

[huntinfool87]

Shooters refrence has data from many manufactures listed. I just started loading for mine also I've done load workup with imr 4450, h4350 and h1000 under Hornady 139 spbt.

What is the twist rate in your rifle?

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Reloder 26 and Norma MRP have worked very well for me with 160 and 168 grain bullets.

Reloder 26 is the best, but MRP ain't half bad either.

 

[huntinfool87]

Reloder 26 and Norma MRP have worked very well for me with 160 and 168 grain bullets.

Reloder 26 is the best, but MRP ain't half bad either.

Thank you! I have some Reloder 26 and 168 pills so I think im gonna start there. Thank you.

 

[BreechFace]

Excellent choice, the 280ai is a rifleman’s cartridge, excellent bullets, flat, very efficient. As a reloaded you get the benefits of all the above at affordable prices.

RL26, RL22, H1000 and 140, 150, 160 and 175 Nosler partitions are hard to argue with for proven performance.

 

[troy fairweather]

What is the twist rate in your rifle?

Think his is a 1-9.25 twist, it's a old a&b barrel.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

In case some don't know....Reloder 22 and Norma MRP are the exact same powder just different labels.

 

[stillquietvoice]

What is the twist rate in your rifle?

I honestly I'm not sure, I bought it slightly used from @troy fairweather's dad, he wanted a 308 win barrel for his commercial fn 98 mauser action. I, we, fitted it to my LA Coruna 98 action. I still have work to do on this rifle but hunting season, getting sick opening day and work hours slowed my build down a bit.

I believe it started out as a 7mm08 or 7x57 and finish reamed to 280 ai. So either a 1:8 or 1;9 twist is most likely I'll check it out for sure after christmas.

 

[huntinfool87]

I honestly I'm not sure, I bought it slightly used from @troy fairweather's dad, he wanted a 308 win barrel for his commercial fn 98 mauser action. I, we, fitted it to my LA Coruna 98 action. I still have work to do on this rifle but hunting season, getting sick opening day and work hours slowed my build down a bit.View attachment 1123070 View attachment 1123071 View attachment 1123072 View attachment 1123073

I believe it started out as a 7mm08 or 7x57 and finish reamed to 280 ai. So either a 1:8 or 1;9 twist is most likely I'll check it out for sure after christmas.

Beautiful gun

 

[stillquietvoice]

Beautiful gChristmas
[/QUOTE

Thank you it has a timney featherweight trigger in a fajen stock. I'm doing a second stock for it so as not to Mar up the fancy fajen on hunting trips.