280 AI new to me, question

[DHuffman]

Recieved this rifle as payment for moving a container. It's a 1983 Remington LA with a 1992 Leupold Vari-X III 3.5-10x50, chambered in .280 Ackley Improved.
It was barrelled by Shilen quite a few years ago with a 26" tube and has seen limited shooting since. After shooting it for the first time yesterday it's obviously a shooter and I'm pretty much hooked on the caliber. The only changes I plan to make to the rifle are a Timney Calvin Elite trigger and I'm hoping Leupold can install a target elevation turret and possibly change the reticle to something finer. Both should tighten it up considerably.

I'm working up a load with new Nosler brass, CCI 250 primers, Hornady 150g ELD X bullets & Hybrid 100 V powder. After a serious cleaning I shot 20 rounds yesterday morning loaded from 52.5g up to 54g. After 2 foulers the lightest charge shot about .550 then the next group went directly to scatter through 53.4 then it started to come back around. 53.7 was high .7's and 54 was low 6's.

Hodgdon shows two different loads for this powder and 150 grain bullets:

A 150 Swift scirocco maxes out at 53.6 with 52,500 psi, a 150 Barnes TSX maxes out at 54.5 with 60,100 psi, both running 2930-2950 in a 24" barrel.

With that large of spread between the two bullets I'm curious if anyone has any thoughts where the 150 ELD X would fall.

 

[L.Sherm]

Give RL23 a try you will be impressed with the speed and accuracy. I hit 3220 with 140's and 3080 with the 162 ELD-X's. The 162 was basically one ragged hole at 100 both with 24" barrels

 

[JBT47]

I’d use RL22 or 23.

 

[DHuffman]

Give RL23 a try you will be impressed with the speed and accuracy. I hit 3220 with 140's and 3080 with the 162 ELD-X's. The 162 was basically one ragged hole at 100 both with 24" barrels

How's the temp stability on RL23

 

[msinc]

I have three 280AI rifles and have played extensively with different bullets and loads. The absolute most accurate combo that I have found, and it shoots lights out in all three rifles is this; 140 Berger Hunting VLD bullet/55.5 grains of VV N-160 powder/Hornady brass and a large rifle primer. I have used Remington and Federal primers and cannot tell the difference.
My chamber is cut with a Manson reamer and the bullets like .030" off the lands. You might want to follow Berger's suggested method to find the best seating depth for these bullets...it's on their website. Best of luck and good shooting.

 

[FeMan]

How's the temp stability on RL23

It is supposed to be one of the least temperature sensitive powders out there. I am currently using it in my 284 hunting rifle with 175 eldx and it is amazing.

 

[Barlow]

A buddy just bought a Kimber Hunter in 280AI, and has had good success with RL22 and 160gr Sierra btsp's. Barlow

 

[L.Sherm]

I used to use RL22 I think RL23 is better.

 

[CTK]

Try RL 26 and 168 Berger HVLD or Classic Hunter. I got 2920fps from this combo out of a 24” barrel. Also be aware that you likely have the old spec chamber. You would want dies that say 280 40 degree ackley improved. Not 280 ack imp. For sure verify this yourself. Nosler Brass is the new Sammi spec.