280AI and 168 Berger Classic Hunters **OCW added**

[JLDavid]

I have been working on a 280AI and I can't get 168 VLDs to shoot for a damn. I ordered 2 boxes of Classic Hunters to try. Where do you guys start seating them when you are starting your load development? I have a pile of 8133 so I plan on using it and doing a ladder test. I will moly these bullets as well. Any direction or advise is appreciated. I also posted this in the Reloading Forum. Have a good weekend.

David

 

[L.Sherm]

Get some RL23, beg borrow or steal LOL

 

[L.Sherm]

I know there's other threads on 23 do a search

 

[JLDavid]

Will look for some RL23 but for now, I shot a OCW test with IMR 8133 and moly 168 Berger Classic Hunter bullets. I set this up like Erik Cortina recommended. Bullets seated .020 off my jam point. Not sure I have enough different powder charges to see a definite node or not. Please look at it and tell me your thoughts. This rifle is a 280AI hunting rifle with 28" 8 twist 3B Bartlein barrel on a trued Reminton 700 with a PTG bolt and Jewell trigger bedded in a Christensen Arms sporter stock. I fired it off a bench with Harris bipod and rear bag. Temperature was 87° and I had a 4mph gusty breeze from about the 11 o'clock position. I did not have any pressure signs on my brass so should I keep going up? In the past I would focus on the 66.5 load and go from there but that may not be where the node is? I did not wait for conditions to settle. Thanks.

 

[AckleymanII]

Not much help here but I will add if you are lost, I am shooting 175g Nosler LRAB with IMR 7828 with the Federal 210 sealing the deal on small clover leaf groups....not much load development was needed, seated the bullet .005 off the lands MAX.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Minimal vertical, hunting rifle play some with seating depth or if the combo is repeatable go with it. The velocity is right in the classic hunter zone, those bullets work well for turning organs to jelly.

 

[FeMan]

I shoot the 284 in many configurations but have no personal experience with the 280AI. I would have thought 8133 was too slow for that combo but it looks like you are on the right track. As long as you are watching for pressure signs and haven't seen any, I would not be worried about moving up.

In addition to RL23, you might try H4831sc or H4350 if you have any.

 

[Jud96]

Looking at your POI and velocity data, I would guess the node is around 65.3-66.0 grains. I would probably load up some at 65.5gr and adjust seating depth to shrink the groups.

 

[Orr89rocz]

Lookin at your velocity posted, seems like node is in that 65.5-66 range. Might wanna try 65.8 and do a seat test now

 

[JLDavid]

I have a set of loads in .2gr increments from 65.0 to 66.5 and will try and shoot them tonight. Will post the target and data if I have time.

 

[jkohler]

I just got one I built for my dad shooting. 4831sc and 7828ssc both shot very well but I went with 7828 as it was the fastest and shot just a little better. I started with the bullet just at the lands. It’s shooting 168 Nosler Accu bond LR

 

[JEFFPPC]

I shoot a straight .280 with 168 SMKs of 4831. Devestating on deer . Mag primers with both 4831 and 7828.

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Always found RL22 best with all bullet weights

 

[WVRJ]

I have had good results with the classic hunters,and not such good results with VLD's also.I'm shooting 57.5 grains of 7828SSC in my 280AI,and it's pretty accurate,usually half MOA for 5 shots.I'm keeping them very close to the lands,just .005 off.IMR7977 also worked well until I got a pound from a later lot number and it wouldn't shoot an inch at 100.H4831 has worked well,and I've got decent accuracy with RL-22.Mine sings its best tune with 160 grain Tipped Matchkings.Best group with them and 7828 was 5 into .194 at 100,and they work great at 1,000 yards.But alas,they are currently extinct.

 

[JFrank]

I would test the high side of 66.5 in .1gr increments to determine when it goes away.