I have a 280AI that seems to be a little on the slow side (2875 fps) with 140 BT's. I have been using RL19 (58.2) in Norma hull with Fed 210 primers. What is a realistic velocity out of a 25.5 inch tube? Any suggested loading with RL19 or RL 22?

My rifle will take a load of 64g MRP behind the 140's w/o excess pressure. It is also very accurate. I have found that the data between MRP and Reloader 22 is very, very close. Each rifle is a law unto itself. Since you already have used RL19 at about 58g, go ahead and load 60.5 or 61g of RL22 and go from there. H4831 is also an accurate powder for this cartridge.

The 280 Ackley should give between 3100-3200 fps with that load. Shoot the rifle over another chronograph to make sure you don't have a problem with that.

Frank N. has a .280AI, maybe he'll chime in but I would think you need to go to a slower powder like RL22 or IMR7828. I have tried 58gr 7828 under the Speer 145grGS for right @ 3000fps from my 23" PacNor bbl. std. .280rem. I usually stick to the 150-160gr bullets in the .280 for better downrange performance.

John thanks for the info. i sent the chron back to Pact to see if anything was wrong with it and check the calibration. I have not shot over it since I got it back. Other rifles, two different Weatherbys were getting expected velocities that is why I suspect my load.

And I'm on the other end of the spectrum, getting TOO much velocity! With 150's and 60.5 of RL19 I'm at 3200 fps. Witha 26" Douglas. That particular barrel , even when a standard .280, was always on the "fast" side though. You may just have a "slow" barrel! I have a 7mm-08 thats got one. I have a devil of a time breaking 2700 fps with 140's in handloads.

I'll bet your chrono is fine, maybe the light/angle of the sun/shadows were playing tricks on you and you were getting slightly erroneous readings. ??

DO let us know what the outcome is, as anything .280 AI is of interest.

I'm still playing with loads for my AI but I think its going to work out very well as a long range deer/antelope rifle. I'm going to drop back a few grains on the RL19 load and also try some RL22 and IMR7828 as well.

FN in MT

[ 10-12-2002, 00:32: Message edited by: Frank Nowakowski ]