I need loading data for the 280 AI using Reloader 25 powder and 140 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips and 139 gr. Hornady SP Interlock. Thanks in advance. Savannah

Too slow a powder. When you get to 168 and 175 grain bullets, then look at RL-25.

quote:

Originally posted by ricciardelli:
Too slow a powder. When you get to 168 and 175 grain bullets, then look at RL-25.

I agree....RL25 is too slow.

BTW starting loads for the AI is the same as the parent cartridge...just workup to a little larger shovelfull.

RL22 is hard to beat for the 140 weight range.

Re25 works just fine in my 280 AI, in fact it the best performing powder I've found in 140 grs bullets and up - and I've tried them all. The data are chronographed with an Oehler 35 in a 26" barrel custom made rifle. You can pop a primer with Re25, if you want to. I would keep the velocity below 3350 fps. LRB=Lost River Ballistics, NBT=Nosler Ballistic Tip, etc.

R25…65.5 140 LRB 3260 HVA
R25…66.0 140 NBT 3274 OK Pockets
R25…66.0 140 LRB 3314 OK Pockets
R25…66.0 140 LRB 3335 SAKO Pres OK
R25…66.0 140 Sierra BT 3211/3256 Accurate
R25…66.5 140 Sierra BT 3205/3271 Accurate
R25…66.5 140 LRB 3287/3257 HVA
R25…67.0 140 LRB 3334 SAKO accurate
R25…67.0 140 Sierra BT 3405/3329
R25…67.5 140 Sierra BT 3530 Very accur Good pocks Absolute Maximum

R25…66 145 SpeerBT 3310/3310/3283 SAKO
R25…66 145 SpeerBT 3246/3232 OK pockets
R25…67.5 145 SpeerBT 3292 OK pockets
R25…68.0 145 SpeerBT 3357/3270 Mag BR prim.

For maximum performance, you want to use the slowest burning powder that will bring your load up to the working PSI you want to be at. I will load to 65,000 PSI, and the maximum loads listed above will get to 65,000 PSI and above - at least according to QL. I'm able to reload these cases multiple times - at least 3 times.

Quickload Analysis

Cartridge : .280 Ack Imp
Bullet : .284, 140, NOS BalTip
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.330 inch
Barrel Length : 26.0 inch

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders. Matching Maximum Pressure: 65000 psi or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 120 %

C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations. USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

Hodgdon Retumbo/115.9%/72.1g/3341fps
Norma MRP 2/115.5/71.4/3335
Alliant Reloder-25/113.0/69.5/3330
N560/104.4/67.4/3324
RamMag/108.6/72.0/3317
MAGPRO/107.1/70.2/3311
IMR 7828 SSC/105.1/66.8/3307

I am with AIU,..I have run the 6.5-06AI all the way up to retumbo while still making 2900+ fps without being compressed, using the 140gr pills.

H1000, RL25 are great long action ackley powders as are 7828 and even retumbo.

My 280AI and 6.5-06AI will digest slow powders readily.