Load data for 280 AI with berger heavies

[Park ranger]

I just ordered a 280 AI from Northland to go on my M700 prone gun. It’s 32” and 8.5 twist. I’d like to try the berger 190, 184, and 180 hybrids. Hodgen load data seems to think staball 6.5 to be a nice performer, velocity wise. Any experience or comments on powder that is available and provides high velocity. I’d like to see the 190 at 2750 or better. Thanks in advance.

 

[Willow]

You've got some options in terms of powder...I used to run one of these and primarily used RL23 - whether that's an option for you - 55gr produced great accuracy with Berger 184gr - running around 2810fps. This was a mild load with no pressure and was very easy on brass. I didn't go higher as the accuracy at the longs was just there. H4350 also works very well. 52gr for around the same velocity with 184s. H4831sc should also work but I had better accuracy with H4350. I would imagine that triple nickel stuff will work but we don;t have that in Australia. The 280AI is a much stronger case than the 284 so you should be able to explore higher velocities.

 

[bks22345]

I used Staball 6.5 for some 168 SMK loads but never tried it with anything heavier. My go to is 57.4 of IMR 7828 with a 180 Scenar. Cannot find chrono data but I have it listed as 2860 in my ballistic app. I worked up some loads with the hybrids as well as the VLDs and H4831. From memory it was good but not worth the extra cost of the Bergers for a steel banger. I can search my records a little more for the load if needed.

This was all with a 26” barrel

 

[SKWERLZ]

For the 190’s R26 or N565 and should get to 2800-2850 with good brass life.
Probably a safe start is 55ish and you might get into very low 60’s grains.

 

[Walt Krafft]

Is the throat long enough to seat those bullets without using a bunch of powder space?

 

[L.Sherm]

I second R23

 

[Park ranger]

Is the throat long enough to seat those bullets without using a bunch of powder space?

Well, I don’t know yet. I’ve read from others indicating they cut the throat long, but that I’ll have to confirm when it arrives

 

[SKWERLZ]

Well, I don’t know yet. I’ve read from others indicating they cut the throat long, but that I’ll have to confirm when it arrives

I’d contact whoever is doing the barrel, depending on the cartridge neck length a .150-.220ish freebore is nice for the 190’s.

 

[dthomas]

I second R23

If you don't have any already you won't find it for sale.

 

[L.Sherm]

If you don't have any already you won't find it for sale.

Beg borrow or steal some you won't be disappointed LOL

 

[SGT. Slaughter]

Retumbo works well with the 168 grain and I bet it will work great with the heavies.

 

[SKWERLZ]

Retumbo works well with the 168 grain and I bet it will work great with the heavies.

Problem with H1000 and retumbo is getting enough into the case to get the desired speeds In cases with that internal capacity with heavies.

 

[L.Sherm]

I would give V555 a whirl if I didn't have RL23

 

[JLT]

N-165 and N-560 work well with the heavy bullets in this case. N-165 has the added benefit of being a very cool-burning powder. It won't break speed records, but it'll add to barrel life. N-560 will get you some speed.

 

[SKWERLZ]

N-165 and N-560 work well with the heavy bullets in this case. N-165 has the added benefit of being a very cool-burning powder. It won't break speed records, but it'll add to barrel life. N-560 will get you some speed.

I second the N165, pretty mellow and friendly powdew.

 

[Fire Dog]

I’m running Berger 184’s at 2,810 with 56.7gr of 4831sc, 30 thou jump.