I've finally gotten around to reloading for my 280Rem, a Ruger M77 MarkII. I've been running some Winchester Ballistic Silvertips in 140gr that I bought before I started handloading that are ridiculously accurate in my rifle. I started out with 140gr NBTs and IMR4831. I ran the factory loads over a chrono and I'm getting about 2860fps. My accuracy node - 5/8 inch - with the IMR4831 is 54gr at about 2830fps. I'm sure this will do fine and I plan to use it this season. I ran on up the ladder to almost 3100fps but accuracy was awful.
As I said, the 2830fps I'm getting will work fine but that's less than 25fps faster than my 7mm-08 and 140s. After this season is over I may play around with it some more using a different powder to try to get some more velocity before next season. Anyone care to share what they are using and the velocities?
I looked through the 280Rem thread under the Campfire loads sticky but there weren't many velocities listed.
In my Ruger M77 Mk1 .280 Rem 22" bbl 58.5gns RL22 & 140gn Nosler Accubond gave 2935fps. 57gns of RL19 produced 2903fps and 56gns of IMR4831 produced 2940fps.
60.5 RL22 will break 3000. But you might need a long drop tube to settle the powder. It is close to the mouth before seating
I used to have a ruger m77 in 280 that I loaded for a few years. About 2850 to 2900 was what I was getting out of it safely. Anything over that and it started piercing the Remington primers I was using or lose accuracy with the cci primers. I figured out that you could get the same speed with a 24 inch 7mm08 that you could with a 22 inch 280 with less powder. That being said, I used RL19 in my 26 inch 280 Encore that got close to 3100 with the Nosler book load of 57 grains.
I've been using 55gr IMR4350 under a Hornady 139 BTSP in Rem brass for about twenty years. Very accurate and delivers 2850-2900 fps. That brass is worn out so I'm starting over with some Nosler brass that seems to have a bit more volume. Will work up the old load but I'm going to give RL26 a try if I can find a can locally.
It's doing well in the 280AI and 270 so good chance that's the ticket.
I've found a good load with MagPro and 140gr ttsx.
I load Barnes 140 gr. TTSX bullets in my 22” barreled .280. I use both IMR 4350 and RL 19, with MV’s of 3050 and 3020 FPS respectively. Both loads are sub-MOA accurate.
56.0-56.5 of RL19 will get you 2900-3000fps. powdr
Not sure for the standard 280, but the most accurate powder in my AI was IMR4350. 4831 was decent along with RL26, but 26 comes with some extra speed.
Reloder 19, 22, 23, 26
H4831SC
H4350
IMR 7828 SC
VV N165
I had REALLY good luck in a Model 70 FWT with H4350
The only 140 gr. I tried in my .280 Rem. was the barnes TSX and it didn't group worth a damn. Got some 150 gr. Nosler ABLR's and got some great speed with IMR 7828SSC. (3010 FPS) Just have to find the right seating depth for accuracy. Just may try the 150 gr. PT's next. Alway have had good luck with those. Load for the 150 gr. bullets was the top load in the Nosler #7 manual.
Paul B.
My 280 Remington Wby Mk V UL posted one hole groups with H4831SC, 1/2 moa with Imr4350, 1/4 moa with VV N165....all with 140 AB's.
My 280 Remington Encore posted 3/8" with 150 Partitions & Imr7828SSC.
My 280 Ackley Borden custom posted 1/4 moa with VV N165 & 140 AB's.
Reloder 23 & 26 are awaiting testing.
Those are cookin'. Few years ago I found a good load for the 7x64 with Reloader 17 and the 160 grain Speer at a little over 2800 ft/sec. Maybe I should have a go with RL-26.
This is definitely worth a try. I can easily get well over 3000 fps out of my 24-inch .280 shooting 150-grain Partitions with Re26. I would imagine that 3100 fps with a 140 should be no problem. I wouldn't even begin to try and predict accuracy with that combo, but my 150 / Re26 shoots well right at 3000 fps.
56.0-56.5 of RL19 will get you 2900-3000fps. powdr
Rifle is a Sako AV in .280 Rem. with a 22.5" barrel. Loading 140g Accubonds over 56.0 grains of R-19 yields 0.5-0.6" groups. Velocity depending on ambient temp. is either just under or over 3000fps. At 56.5g and 57.0g the group was starting to spread.
TATELAW: In my 280 Remington I have been VERY happy with the 140 grain Nosler Partitions in front of a perky load of IMR 4831 - has worked well for many years for me.
Best of luck in the testing and this season.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
RL26 will probably give highest Velocity. In my 270 Win MRP is more accurate as is RL23 if you can get enough in the case.
RL17 and RL16 might work.