280AI and 168gr bullets

[LKEYES]

I have started loading for a 280AI chambered in a Kimber Montana
and I am wanting to run the 168 grain bullets, either Berger or the new LR Accubonds.
So far the Bergers are shooting pretty good for a hunting rifle,
printing groups at .72 at 200 yards, but they seams really slow at 2500 ft.
I just read the other 280AI threads and it looks like there is faster powder to use,
currently I have been using RL22 and magnum primers.

What other powder should I try and what would be a starting charge with it?
I looked at Nosler's site and they don't have a listed powder and charge for them in the 280AI.
Thanks for the help

 

[Elkbane]

LKeyes,
Nosler does publish data for their 168g Custom Comp bullets in 280AI, but as you noted none for the 168gr Acc LR. I have not started loading for my 280AI yet, but when I do, it will be with H4831sc (I keep it in inventory) and the 168 Acc LR. I have a box of them and have measured them - they have about 30% less bearing surface than the 160 Accubond; I don't have the 168gr CC for comparison, but just looking at their profile, they appear to have pretty long bearing surface also.

You should be good starting with the published data for 168CC as long as you start low and work up. I'd be interested in your results; please post.
From my research, if H4831sc doesn't give the velocity you are looking for, the next preferred powders seem to be RL-22 and IMR7828SSC
ELkbane

 

[LKEYES]

Thanks for the help Elkbane, we have 2 more weeks of general hunting season left and then I will go back and rework the load and I will gladly post what I find out.

Levi

 

[lhead71]

I have a Kimber 280AI as well, I am pushing the 168gr. Berger classic hunters at 3000 fps with Norma MRP at 58500psi, so I won't burn up the barrel prematurely.

 

[LKEYES]

I have a Kimber 280AI as well, I am pushing the 168gr. Berger classic hunters at 3000 fps with Norma MRP at 58500psi, so I won't burn up the barrel prematurely.

Have you found that the classics shoot better then the vld's?

 

[lhead71]

They do shoot a little better just because they are easier to mess with length seating sue to the OAL and the ogive tangent length, so I can seat them all the way to the lands and still fit in the mag box. You are not giving up much in bc either.

 

[kev77]

I shoot 168's bergers in a hunting rig H-4831sc fed 210m primers at 2950fps 25"barrel. shoots under .25moa to 500 yards. Kills big saskatchewan white tails very well. lol ;D. I think H-4350 would be a little better with the lite bullets 140 to 168s