Hey guys....I got to testing some .280AI loads last weekend. A little about the rifle...it is a Bullberry built 280AI on a Remington 700 ADL action. The barrel is 24" with a muzzle diameter of .700". Leupold Base and rings hold a Burris Fullfield 6-18X with target knobs and fine plex reticle.

So far the velocity reading from my Oehler 35 for 120gr and 139gr bullets easily match the .280 Remington loads and I was not getting any pressure signs. Average groups were all under one inch, the 120's were very impressive by grouping all under .5". I am looking for more velocity from these bullets though. Testing was with IMR 4350 but after reading the long thread about the standard .280 I will be trying IMR4831 for the next round of development.

The load I am pleased with is RL22 and 168gr SMK's. The warmest load I got to shoot was clocking 2900fps and has yet to flatten a primer. I ran out of time, but have two more loads to shoot that are one and two grains more than the load that got 2900fps. Unless pressures signs show up I think 3000+ will be easily attained with 168's. This is the same fps I was getting from 139's with IMR4350.

IMR4831 may be the ticket to reach my goals with 120's and 139's......3400 with 120's and 3250 with 139's. RL22 is doing as I hoped with 168's...3000+ should not be a problem. Thanks to all you fellas that posted on the .280 Remington thread...you gave me some good info and experiences to base results for the Improved version on.

[This message has been edited by DanB (edited 04-02-2002).]

[This message has been edited by DanB (edited 04-02-2002).]