Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles .280 Rem Loads

RiverRider,

Hodgdon has already dropped some slow-selling powers. That has been happening for years, and not just at Hodgdon. I doubt IMR4350 will disappear anytime soon, because there are too many long-time reloaders who still use it, because that's what they started with decades ago.

760 and H414 have always been the same powder. As noted, different lots will test a little differently but the biggest difference will be between different test labs. You can't equate 760/414 test results from one lab with those from another. The barrels and even bullets are usually different, even if the bullets are of the same weight, and different labs may use different pressure equipment.

This was especially true 20-30 years ago, when testing procedures weren't nearly as uniform as they are now, but it's still true to a lesser degree today. Copper-crusher equipment isn't used as much anymore, but there can be definite differences between the results from strain-gauge and piezo equipment. It's especially easy to get wonky readings from strain gauges if they aren't set up absolutely right.

H335 and W748 have never been the same powder, so it's no wonder the data is different.

You sound like Hodgdon is the gunpowder equivalent of the Obama administration.

LOL! I hope not.

I guess I'm mistaken on the 748/335 thing. I know there are a number of H and W products that are exactly the same powder, but I don't recall the best and most authoritative reference. I don't know how long this has been going on, but I can't get into Hodgdon's homepage---only the loading data pages.

Anyway John, on the subject of IMR4350 vs. H4350...do you believe that if one works for you then you should be able to get the other to work just as well?

That's been my general experience in a number of rifles.

Good to know. Thanks,

BigBearGuy: My custom pre-64 Model 70 in 280 Remington is deadly lethal and very accurate using the WONDERFUL Nosler 140 grain Partitions and 57.0 grains of IMR 4831.
I also use Remington 9 1/2 primers in Remington cases for my loads.
With this combo I have efficiently harvested all manner of game animals from Antelope to Elk and Black Bear to Moutain Goat.
Best of luck to you.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

JB, I ran across this thread from back in 2008, and honestly it was quite by accident:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/2386864/1

...and I quote:




Evidently you believed at this time that W748 was indeed the same powder as H335, so I would surmise that you learned something between then and now. I'd be interested in knowing what that was if you'd please share it.

This is the load I've used for almost 20 years with various 139/140 gr bullets. I get just under 2900 fps from my 22" M700 Mountain Rifle tube and very consistent groups.

Thanks gziz5
It looks like 55gr of 4350 is the sweet spot. I hope this is correct as I am out of about everything else.

In my tang-safety Ruger 77 in .280, with the 160gr Nosler Partition, I've been able to work up to 56.0 gr of IMR 4831, with CCI 200, and R-P brass. It groups consistently under an inch and is a magnificently effective slayer of big game, even on stuff as big as elk.

With the 140gr NBT I've been able to work up to 57.5 gr of RL-19, with same primer and brass. The groups are so small that you wouldn't believe me if I told you. But less than 1/2 MOA. It's a fantastic long range deer and antelope load.

With that 160gr NPT load, I'd hunt anything on this continent except for the big bears. And I'd use it for most African plains game, too.

I can not say that these loads are safe in your rifle. You'll have to work up to them carefully, with experience and knowledge and watching for pressure signs. Legalese blah, blah, blah......