I'm having a 280AI barrel installed on my Remington 700. Looking for barrel twist recommendations and bullet recommendations.
It's going to be for hunting deer, elk, etc. Although I own a 280, I've only used 140's in it and plan to use at least 160's in the 280AI.
Would a 1:8 be an all around twist ?
I have a 9tw works fine with 180 berger hybrids & hornady eld-match ,, 8.5tw might be better though . 160-165 - 9tw for sure .
For 160s a 1:9 or even 1:9.5" will work OK. I would go 1:8" though as there's essentially no downside to faster twists until you get down sub-1:7" or extremely high RPMs on varmint bullets. For big game twist is your friend. Go with 1:8" and you'll be future proofed for any bullet you might want to run and for reduced loads if you ever go there.
I thin the 175 Weldcore is the best general purpose plains/thin skin game bullet for the .280 AI.
I built myself a 280 AI Nosler and I used a Shilen barrel that is 8.5 ratchet rifled twist. This build is several months old and I haven't shot it much yet. But every bullet weight I have put through it produces acceptable accuracy. Hope to dial it in for the upcoming Elk hunt here in Colorado with 160 grainers. I'm using Nosler brass and bullets.
I plan to use Nosler brass. Any load data Dustylongshot
My best accuracy so far with the 160 Partition is with MagPro 61.9 grains and a Federal 215M primer. I have not run it across the chronograph yet. I'm using a 26 inch barrel.
Decided on 1:9, thanks for the recommendations.
Mine is a 1-10 and it is best with 168 grain and less bullets, no problem as heavier than this I shoot in a 1-9 twist 7RM. If I get a new barrel I will go to 1-8 or even 1-7.5 0r 7.7 to shoot the 180+ bullets as now there are a few 200 grain bullets available. But I feel no need to turn my 7mms into a 300 mag and mostly bullets over 180 grain will go in 30 caliber rifles.
For u experts. I am working up loads with RL 23 with little literature available that I have found. Rifle is pre 64 w/kreager 24” bbl. I have a good load with H4831 SC and trying the new RL 23. I expected I would be able to to use a grain more and increase velocity.
Bullets are barnes LRX in 139 and 145 gr and nosler brass. Actual range experience is showing the opposite to be true with oressure signs emerging at 1 grain LESS of RL 23 than H4831 SC. Heavy bolt lift and primer pocket expansion being noticed.
Not being an expert but having some reloading experience I seek your opinion. Rifle shoots good groups of 1/2” or so at levels of 61-62 grains of both powders.
Any opinions appreciated.