Just got my .280 back from the gunsmith today, aquired this rifle in a trade was out a total of $15 dollars on a Savage model 110. This rifle was a .30-06 origanlly but was rebarreled to .280 Rem. It needed some minor repairs but was in good overall condition. I don't know the twist rate of the barrel, but I picked up some 140 and 150 grain bullets to hand load. I was just really wanting to know what is a good powder to start with for this rifle I curently have IMR 4064, H380, H4831, H4895 and RL15 and was thinking of starting with one of theses, any suggestions?

I have loaded a straight 290 in years. But what little memory I have left says you need powder in the middle of what you have. 4064, 4895, RL15 are on the fast side. H4831 on the slow. I had my best luck with something in the 4350 (70% of my 280 loading)and RL19 range.

I'd try the 4895 and the 4831. I use 4350 in mine but you can probably find a good load using some of what you have on hand.

I'll be trying RL-22 in mine.....IMR-4831 after that if need be.

For 140's:
RL-25 From 55.3 grains to 59.5 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

For 145's:
IMR-4831 From 50.0 grains to 56.5 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

For 150's:
RL-25 From 54.4 grains to 58.5 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

Most of your powders are a bit on the fast side for a .280 in my opinion. H4831 should work, RL19, RL22, 4350, H414 would be the ones I would try. RL15 will probably be oK with lighter bullets, the 4831 and RL22 for the heavyweights.

quote:

Originally posted by jstevens:
Most of your powders are a bit on the fast side for a .280 in my opinion. H4831 should work, RL19, RL22, 4350, H414 would be the ones I would try. RL15 will probably be oK with lighter bullets, the 4831 and RL22 for the heavyweights.

+1

I mainly use 4350, 4831 and RL19.

RH

Here's some data you're welcome too. They go to MAX - work-up to these loads, and don't exceed these velocities. I would limit the 160 to 3000 fps and the 150 to 3100 fps., but I believe you can do even better with R25.

.280 Remington Loads (Sako; 24" barrel)

IMR 4350… 55.5 150 Sierra MatBT 2994

IMR 4350… 55.0 160 SpeerBT 2940
IMR 4350… 55.0 160 SpeerFB 2830
IMR 4350… 55.5 160 SpeerBT 2984

IMR 4350… 55.0 162 HornMatBT 2984
IMR 4350… 55.5 162 HornMatBT 3005 Max

IMR 4831… 59.5 140 3099

R19… 59.0 140 3000

R22… 63.0 150 NBT 3145
R22… 64.0 150 Sier 3204
R22… 64.0 150 NBT 3199 Max

R22… 56.0 160 Speer FB 2764
R22… 57.0 160 Speer FB 2858
R22… 58.0 160 Speer FB 2856
R22… 59.0 160 Speer FB 2929
R22… 60.0 160 Speer FB 2989 Accurate
R22… 61.0 160 Speer FB 3022 Accurate
R22… 62.0 160 Speer FB 3055
R22… 62.0 160 Speer FB 3031 Mag. primer
R22… 63.0 160 Speer FB 3114 Very accurate
R22… 63.0 160 Speer FB 3098 MAXIMUM!!

Of the powders you have, H4831 will work well for both bullet weights. I wouldn't even bother w/ the other powders. RL22, IMR7828 & IMR4831 are also good. My .280 thrives on H4831 & 140gr bullets @ 3050fps from a 23"bbl.

Hello the campfire
RL19 with 139g Hornaday Interbonds is death on whitetails and shoots well under 1mim. if I do my part. I was supprised that recoil "seemed" less than 30-06 and on the books it is close to 7mm mag speed wise. I am thinking of re-barreling another 06 to .280.
Judge Sharpe

Thanks a lot looks like I'll be picking up a pound of 4350 or RL19 to try.