280 AI Loads

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slas

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Just went out with my first group of loads with my latest buy, a Cooper Model 52 280 AI. Been waiting on the new Leica scope to put on it. Tried some Retumbo, some H4831sc and some IMR-4350. Bought some Berger 168 VLD's and Nosler Accubond 160 grain to start with.

So far the H4831sc with the Bergers look good, several of the 168's looked better than the 160 Accubonds. It's early on so time will tell.

If you have any good 280 AI load feel free to pass them along.
 

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DRC458

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Congrats on the 280AI and the Cooper! Both excellent choices! I'm still working on loads for my 280AI. I've spent more time working on 120- and 140-grainers so far, though I have shot some Sierra 160-grain Game Kings. I'll shoot you a PM with some details.
 

slas

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I shoot 120/130/140 grain in my TIkka 260 so I figured I'd focus more on 160/168 grain in the 280 AI. Will work up from there to see if 175/180 do well.
 

Jcann

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Jcann was it you that posted up about some 180gr Bergers, or maybe even heavier? It's been several months ago. I've not shot my AI in months.

I'm unsure of what you're referencing but yes I shoot 180 gr Bergers in my 7wsm. I've shot all three types; Hunting, Hybrid, and Match. When the barrel was new I could push them a little over 3000fps but settled at about 2950fps. Now that the barrel has slowed down I'm doing good to get 2850-2900fps. My go to load was 65.8gr of H1000. I've got 2 new bags of Winchester brass that I need to brass prep and start all over looking for an accurate load.

With the 7wsm being a short action I haven't even looked at Berger 195gr, although my barrel is twisted sufficient enough for them I don't think I can get the speed to take full advantage of their high BC.

The 280ai is an excellent chambering. It's hard to say what weight bullet will work the best in it but I would try anything from 162-180gr in it.

Here is a stability calculator to help determine if your twist rate is sufficient to stabilize a particular bullet:
http://www.bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/
 
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Okie4570

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I'm unsure of what you're referencing but yes I shoot 180 gr Bergers in my 7wsm. I've shot all three types; Hunting, Hybrid, and Match. When the barrel was new I could push them a little over 3000fps but settled at about 2950fps. Now that the barrel has slowed down I'm doing good to get 2850-2900fps. My go to load was 65.8gr of H1000. I've got 2 new bags of Winchester brass that I need to brass prep and start all over looking for an accurate load.

With the 7wsm being a short action I haven't even looked at Berger 195gr, although my barrel is twisted sufficient enough for them I don't think I can get the speed to take full advantage of their high BC.

The 280ai is an excellent chambering. It's hard to say what weight bullet will work the best in it but I would try anything from 162-180gr in it.

Here is a stability calculator to help determine if your twist rate is sufficient to stabilize a particular bullet:
http://www.bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/

Maybe they were heavier than 180gr then. Was thinking somebody posted up some heavies but everyone was leery of the investment if they weren't going to work.
 

Jcann

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Maybe they were heavier than 180gr then. Was thinking somebody posted up some heavies but everyone was leery of the investment if they weren't going to work.

I had thought about the 195 gr when they came out but didn’t want to spend the money to find out I couldn’t get the performance out of my rifle. If I was shooting a 28 nosler or 7mm STW I would already be shooting them. I’ve had very good results with both 168 & 180 gr Berger hunting VLD’s. I know they are devistating on thin skinned animals.
 

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