Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Finally fired the Cooper 280AI

Below are the first nine shots fired from this rifle.I was using the 140gr accubond,Federal 210 primers,Nosler brass,and imr 4831.The powder charges were 56gr,57gr and 58gr.The first three rounds(56gr)went into just over an inch and an eighth,with the second group(57gr) being .750",and the third group measured .600".The range was 100 yards fired off of sandbags,and the temperature was -2 degrees.No pressure signs were evident,but I will be doing more load development when the temperature is warmer.The recoil was very mild,so mild in fact that a lady or young shooter would not be at all intimidated.The trigger was very crisp and quite light.
I did not manage to achieve 1/2" as is guaranteed by Cooper,but given the cool temperature,only a 3x9 scope,undeveloped loads,and most of all my cataract infested eye,I believe that the rifle easily has the potential to better 1/2".Once I get the load worked out,and have my cataract removed,I will find out just how accurate the rifle is.

stubblejumper
That sure looks like a nice gun you have there. I know in time you will find a load that will work just fine and make you happy.

When I had my 280-AI, I used Rl-22 and VihtaVuri powder.
My RL-22 load gave me good speed and acceptable accuracy. While the VihtaVuri 165 gave excellence accuracy with grate speed. With the VV-165 I would get 1/2 inch groups with 140 grain NAB with 3190 - 3200 fps.

Best of luck to ya.

For now,I am just going to fine tune the 140 accubond/imr4831 load.My biggest issue is the cataract,which is soon to be operated on.With no cataract and warmer weather,I have no doubt that I will achieve 1/2" or better.1/2" and 3150fps or so will be very satisfactory for this rifle and scope.And I am also very pleased with the Kales Helia CT 3x9x42 scope,as the clarity and brightness are exceptional,especially for such a compact scope.

Yep that is a nice looking rifle.

My Dad just had his eye's done with cataract surgeries. His vision went to 2020 by removing his cataracts. I wish you the best with your surgeries.

Have a good day.

Looks like it will shoot, how much does it weigh as pictured?

Good luck with your surgery

It's no lightweight,it's between 8-1/2lbs and 9lbs fully rigged.

stubble..a great start to a fine rifle...best of luck with the cataract procedure(more important)

I have already had the cataract dealt with in my left eye,and the result is very positive.I am now on the waiting list for my right eye.I am looking forward to hunting again since I have missed the past two years due to eye issues.

Yes, ditto what Old Guns said. Hope you get that issue resolved so you can get back at the hunting.