I've been reloading for a .280 remington and 30-06 and have loaded using the components the Nosler book says and consistently get `150-250fps slower velocities than what they list. I understand barrel length impacts velocity but using the 30-06 as an example..I'm using Nosler cases, WLR primers, RL19, Sierra Gameking Spitzer 150gr bullets..and every load from 57.5-63.0 is about 250fps slower. Their test barrel is a 24" barrel, mine is a 23.5" barrel. Steyr M-III professional. I have very similar results witht the .280 too. I've shot when temps are from 55 degrees to 90 degrees and it just doesn't seem to matter. 63 gr of RL19 should be giving me close to 3000fps but I'm only getting 2725 avg. What am I missing here?

Nosler is a bit optimistic on vel IMO. Having said that, every rifle is diff. You can NOT expect to get the same vel. Most of the time the book vel are higher. If you are looking for higher vel in your 280, think slower powders. My best loads come w/ RL22, IMR7828 (my fav) or H4831sc. I safely run 160grNPs @ 2800fps & 140gr @ 3000fps in my 23" PacNor.

well that makes me more optimistic about what I'm doing! I've tried IMR4831 but not the H4831sc yet. I guess I'd like to live in the utopian world where I wouldn't have to buy a different power for every rifle...so far that seems to be the case. Thanks again...all input is welcomed!

I've been driving 150gr Nosler BT's with 61.5gr of RL-19 to 2975-3000fps (depending on lot #) for years out of my 30-06.
This rifle also matches the velocities that Sierra claims in their manual, with several different powders.

IOW it's NOT the book, it's your rifle (specifically the chamber)

quote:

and every load from 57.5-63.0 is about 250fps slower.

That's why we call Chronographs "De-liars".

In addition, your chamber might be on the large side, or your throat could run a little long. Sometimes primers can have a larger then expected effect as well. Each rifle is different, and sometime you just have to play around a bit to find the magic combination.

I'm asking to be educated here...not challenging. How would a tight throat decrease velocities? I shot some Hornady factory loaded stuff (some of the new hot stuff) and it was returning 3057-3080 fps?

quote:

I'm asking to be educated here...not challenging. How would a tight throat decrease velocities?

It wouldn't that should of read a little long.
Good catch.

If you wanna see "low" speeds test some factory stuff.

I have found every manual/powder company to be at the least "Optimistic" when publishing velocity data.

The one exception is Blue Dot and it consistently exceeds book velocities.

I really can't wait to do some chrono work with a Husky 5000 I have bee shooting, because the lands are as narrow as anything I have ever seen and the barrel is now mirror bright. Not a scratch of any kind on the cast lead projectile after a trip down the barrel.

I am assuming some velocities will meet or exceed book values unless the short barrel gets me and prevents that.

Test barrels and chambers have very tight tolerances & so they will generate higher pressures & velocities compared to most commercial rifles.

Also the 280 Rem has a SAMI spec of around 49000 CUPS / 54000 PSI or so while all modern rifle actions can handle 60,000 PSI pressure.

I would stick with IMR 4831, Re19, VV N550, H4350 in the 280 Rem. Also compare velocities of similar length barrel velocities for the 7mm 08 and aim of 100 fps to 150 fps more. You should be safe with that.

I have a 280 Ackley Imp & the Nosler loads are spot on in my rifle BUT the previous 2 editions of the Nosler manual were way off on powder charge. My 280 Ackley Imp more or less matches the 7mm SAUM Rem & actually does better with 160 gr bullets.

Another point, I don't worry about the last 75 to 50 fps velocity but focus on uniform velocity for 5 & 10 shots and of course for good accuracy.

Good luck