Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Long Range Hunting Building a 280, couple of questions...

I have great accuracy with 150 ttsx and reloader 17.

That 27" fast twist barrel is calling for a 280AI reamer. No flies on the 280, I've used one for twenty years, but the extra weight and barrel length could really be utilized by an
AI. You'd be in a much better position with the 175+ bullets. Either way, I'd go with the 160 AB or 168 Berger to start with. I picked up some 175 LRABs last month and they look interesting too, if thy shoot.

Yes I don't understand why such a long barrel heavy rifle in 280.

For light game such as deer and antelope, I have had great results with 120, 140 and 150 grain ballistic tips over H4831sc powder in a Rem 700 chambered in.280AI. It has a Shilen ss barrel, Bansner stock and trued action. 3.5-10 AO Leupold scope works fine from 50 to 450 yards which is as far as my opportunities have been.

This rifle is built for shooting deer off of sandbags, in blinds, over huge corn and soybean fields. I didn't make it for carrying. Got Kimbers for that task. This rifle is going to be fun to hunt with this year, for sure.

I am about to load the 168 Berger VLD hunting and the 168 VLD classic Hunter in my 280AI. I have a 1-9" twist. RL 22 has been doing well for me lately. You are in the position not to worry about scope weight with that rifle. One of the 30mm tactical style scopes will be perfect. I would stay with 160's and above with that twist and barrel length.

I tried a bunch of different combos with RL22. Just couldnt get it tight. The 160 Accubond and 4831sc seem to be showing promise in mine. Running a Zeiss 3.5-10 on it right now and liking it!

u will need to do some tuning of ammo for the barrel harmonics.it just might work better with a slightly faster burning powder than what is normal. but pressure might be an issue so start low.yes 27 inch will be a tote,and may be hard in stands. i have for years used several different 270s with 24 inch barrels for shots out to 500 yards on deer. u should get several hundred fps more for muzzle velocity with the 27 inch barrel but powder burn rate will be an issue and pressure.

162 amax.

Have you tried the 150grn Scenar L's? I think it's the easiest accuracy I have ever achieved in any of my 7mm rifles. In y limited experience it works very well on deer sized game as well.

David

I'd start with the 160gr AB over H4831.