280 loads, what's hot and what's not?

Kurt505 · #1 12-26-2012, 10:16 AM

I'm trying to do some load development for my 280 and right now I'm running 58gr of IMR4831 topped with 140gr ballistic silver tip. It's an accurate load and I'm getting just under 2900fps with it. I've heard the load data for the 280 is on the conservative side, and there are a couple of theories I've heard for this. One reason is that it was first developed to run in the remmington auto loader. The second reason I've heard is that it was developed to run similar ballistics as the 270 but with less pressure. Whatever the case, I'm looking to get this type of speed with a 160gr bullet or over 3000 with a 140gr bullet.

Does anyone have a load they would like to share that is meeting my desired speeds?

bulletman · #2 12-26-2012, 10:22 AM

You would have to get a 7mm Rem. Mag. to get 3000 fps from a 160 IMO.

Kurt505 · #3 12-26-2012, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bulletman

You would have to get a 7mm Rem. Mag. to get 3000 fps from a 160 IMO.

I guess I wasn't quite clear, what I meant was 3000+ with the 140gr and 2800+ with the 160gr.

bulletman · #4 12-26-2012, 10:30 AM

OK, Now that sounds a little more realistic! 280's did come out in a semi originally if I remember correctly! I use IMR 4350 with a 150 grain in a .280. Thought I was in the 2850 area. I would have to dig out my old chronograph log to know for sure. What barrel length do you have?

Kurt505 · #5 12-26-2012, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bulletman

OK, Now that sounds a little more realistic! 280's did come out in a semi originally if I remember correctly! I use IMR 4350 with a 150 grain in a .280. Thought I was in the 2850 area. I would have to dig out my old chronograph log to know for sure. What barrel length do you have?

These speeds were out of a 22" m70 featherweight barrel, I have a cooper with a 24" barrel that I'd like to work up some loads for, I have yet to shoot it.

catnthehat · #6 12-26-2012, 10:38 AM

When the 280 originally came out as the 7mmExpress it was loaded down a tad and IIRC was only offered in round nosed bullets.
Since it was renamed the 280 Remington however, it has come out with all sorts of different applications.
I do know that when it was first offered, it was loaded down under its potential, but I think the new factory stuff is loaded to the higher velocities, -I have tried any through the chronograph so cannot validate this however.

I've never had a problem hitting safe 3,000FPS velocities with my 280 and 140 grain bullets, however I prefer the 160's.
Cat

bulletman · #7 12-26-2012, 10:51 AM

Jim Carmichael hunted quite a bit with the .280. His load was 57-IMR 4350 and a 140 Nosler Partition. I thought that was pretty hot at the time, but he had pre-64 Winchester custom made jobs. My load was 54-IMR 4350 with the old Nosler 150 Solid Base. Friend of mine killed many moose with that load! Probably switch to Accubonds now!

Maxwell78 · #8 12-26-2012, 11:00 AM

My load is 55gr of imr 4350 pushing a nosler bt 2930ft/sec. I have just made up a batch with h4350 up to 54 grains. haven't tried it out yet. I would like to crack the majic 3000fps mark.

Kurt505 · #9 12-26-2012, 11:04 AM

I've got some 140gr ballistic silver tips, and some 140&160gr accubonds to use up. I've got some H and IMR 4831, IMR 7828, H4350, and some RL22 on hand to use, but it looks like I should maybe pick up some RL19 too?

whitetailhntr · #10 12-26-2012, 10:30 AM

58 gr of 4831 is pretty much at the top end of what ive used with 140 gr bullets in mine. I get right around the 3000 fps mark using 57.5 gr and 140 gr bullet. Even with my AI I only get slightly better than 3100 and it has a 24" barrel. My regular .280 has a 22" barrel. I have never used the 160's much so can't help you there. Did use the 162btsp from hornady a while back but don't remember the numbers from it. I just remember that it was accurate which, to me , is most important.