Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles .280 Ackley and 140 gr VLD

Just looking for some starting points for the 140 gr VLD in a .280 Ackley. I have IMR and H 4831 RL-22 7828 and some 4350 in the loading cabinet. Thanks.

Outlawlineman ,

I think the -not too high- bc of the 140berger has kept a lot of people at bay.
I'd suggest you email berger for some data.

The ballistic coefficient is the same as the Ballistic tip and Accubond .485 or .486 anything over 400 is good for typical sane hunting ranges.

The 168 & 180 Bergers maximize the VLD concept more but it will only come into play beyond 500yds or so. Wind drift is also improved with the heavier bullets but the higher speed of the 140 offsets this advantage at closer ranges to a certain extent.

R22 and VV160 work well for 140 grain loads. All of the powders you mentioned are worth a try.

I've not shot the VLD's, but with 140 TTSX I maxed at 64 grains of RL22, getting around 3150 fps and good groups besting at 7/16" RL22 has been my go to powder for my 280AI for 140's and 150's.

RL 22 in the 280 AI with 140 gr bullets. 63.0-64.0 grs should get you where you want to be.

JD338

58.5 grs IMR 4831 over a CCI 250 primer gave me on average 3,025 fps from my 24" .280 AI barrel. Three shot groups ran btwn 6/10's and 8/10's of an inch @ 100 yds. The only other powder I tried, Rel 19, didn't fare as well accuracy-wise.

I suppose I could have managed a little more velocity from this load, but saw no need.

I have emailed Berger and they do not have loads for the 280 AI.

Thanks for the info guys I'll try the R-22 and IMR 4831. IMR 4831 worked good for me with the 140 TSX.