I just started working with these tow rounds and am looking for some experienced data. From the .280AI I am looking to shoot 120 to 140gr bullets for varmints and deer. it has a 24" barrel with .700" muzzle on a Rem 700 action. Built by Bullberry.

The 6.5-06 is for long range paper and varmints with the chance for a deer maybe. The rifle weighs 18 pounds so it won't see a ton of field time on deer! The barrel is Shilen SS SM 28 7/8" (1.3" diameter) and threaded to a M98 action. Built by a local smith.

Thanks...........Dan

In the 280 AI, I have had very good success with RL22 powder and CCI standard #200 large rifle primers.

DanB, If you havn`t tried VihtaVuori N165 you just might be missin out!!!! It is what makes mine shine. 24 3/4" barrel with 140`s doing 3206 fps. 63.5 gr. is the ticket. I also have a 6.5-06 AI that loves RL25. This was not available when I had my 6.5-06 but H4831 gave groups as small as .350" 5 shot groups out of it using 120`s.

Believe it or not, the 280AI is in the new Nosler #5 reloading manual!

This load works well for me in my 6.5-06AI.

56 grains of RL 22, Fed 210M primer and a 142 smk bullet. Average velocity for 10 shots was 3075 from a Shilen SS select match #17 contour at 25.5 inches.

Pecos