Got a .280 Rem. Ruger 77 Mk. II on the way, along with plenty of brass -- what's your favorite all-purpose recipe? Ideally I'd like something I can use mostly on deer, also on pigs, and could use on elk in a pinch -- but the vaunted wide selection of 7mm bullets is making it tough to choose. Partition, FailSafe, Barnes X--all of 'em in the 140-160 range look good on paper.

Would also appreciate suggestions for a stand-in bullet for your preferred game bullet, to allow realistic practice at less than a buck a pop.

Also favorite powder -- several manuals & articles recommend H4831 and IMR 4350. IMR 4831 also an option but sure doesn't meter as well. H4350 seems to get lower velocities. RL-19 and RL-22 seem to get high velocities but writers don't brag on their accuracy. I have quite a bit of RL-22 and H4350 on hand. Sure would be nice if I could find something that will also work in my .338 Win. Mag.

John

Try IMR 7828 with the 160 gr Nosler Partition. I use this combo in my Weatherby LT and get excellent velocity and accuracy. I'm at work now, so I don't have the details available, but my load is 0.5 grains less than the maximum shown in the latest Nosler book. IMR7828 should also be fine for the .300 mag as well. It is the best powder in terms of velocity and accuracy in my .300 Weatherby

John,
take a look at the favorite loads section of this site. you will find a thread on the .280 that many of us have contributed our time and loads to.
I had an M77 that wouldn't shoot consistent, now I have a #1.
My best load,
RL22, 60 grains, 3025 fps
using Nosler BT 140
shoots .75 all day
For plinking, Sierra 120 SP, 3020 fps
same as above .75 (IMR 4350-not sure of charge- I am not in my reloading room)
I'm in the process of tuning my Hicks Accurizer- hopefully it shows progress.
Good Luck
Dave

[ 01-16-2003, 06:09: Message edited by: dr280 ]

I have settled on 160gr NP & Speer sp over 57gr IMR7828 for my all purpose load. From my 23" bbl. it clocks 2850-2900fps (depending on the temps.) H4831 is slightly more accurate but gives up 75-100fps. For elk size game I shoot the NP, if I know it's only deer/antelope, then the Speer. They shoot pretty close to POA so one can practice w/ the cheaper bullets. Of course, your gun will be different, they all are. Good luck, it's a fine caliber.

[ 01-16-2003, 06:19: Message edited by: fredj338 ]

I too vote for the 160 gr Partition. I load it over 55.5 gr RL22, WW case, Fed 210 primer. Velocity is 2750 fps from my 20" bbl. This is as fast as I need it to go with the Partition. I use it on everything from whitetail and mule deer to elk and moose. Never needed more. For playing around I just use the 150 gr Remington PSP over 56.0 grains or RL22. Works pretty well and is cheap.

John,
Up to and including the 150 grain bullets, I'd start with H-4350. Anything heavier than that I'd start with H-4831SC. Good luck.

[ 01-16-2003, 12:35: Message edited by: BigBob ]