first metallic reloads

[87Ford]

Actually, not "reloads" as I am loading virgin Nosler brass in 280 Ackley.  Anyway, I've been reading about metallic reloading and acquiring equipment and components for the last couple years and finally loaded my first cartridges.  It went pretty well and the only real issue I had was seating the primers.  I couldn't get them to seat deep enough at first..  A primer pocket uniformer tool took care of that problem and they are now consistently seating to .004 below flush with the case head.

Using Nosler brass, 140 grain Accubonds, Federal primers, and IMR 4831

Ready for the range..

[headshot5]

What's the specs on your 280 AI?  What make, model etc?   I have a couple of regular 280's and love them.

[87Ford]

280 Ackley Improved
Stiller Predator action
Timney trigger
Benchmark barrel; KS contour; 24” and finished at .630
McMillan KS stock  painted tan with black webbing
Leupold VX-3 3.5-10 x 40 CDS

[Biggerhammer]

What's not to like! Great chambering, the perfect bonded core bullet and a top notch barrel/ builder.

[87Ford]

First four reloads sent downrange today produced this four-shot group measuring .266.   This is 56 grains of IMR 4831 or the minimum powder charge in the Nosler reloading guide.  Groups opened up a bit after that at 57, 58, and 58.5 grains, but that could have been my shooting.  Looking forward to working my way up to the listed max of 60 grains IMR 4831.

[Skillet]

Stop posting pics of your 25 yard initial sight-in... 

Very impressive grouping.  I like me some 280 Rem.  Does the AI version feed as reliably?

[2labs]

First four reloads sent downrange today produced this four-shot group measuring .266.   This is 56 grains of IMR 4831 or the minimum powder charge in the Nosler reloading guide.  Groups opened up a bit after that at 57, 58, and 58.5 grains, but that could have been my shooting.  Looking forward to working my way up to the listed max of 60 grains IMR 4831.

Well that's no fun your done already!

[87Ford]

Does the AI version feed as reliably?

 
Feeds "slicker than snot" as they say..  Love this rifle!

[2labs]

Now your addicted to reloading. Nice groups! What were your previous groups like?

[87Ford]

Now your addicted to reloading. Nice groups! What were your previous groups like?

Yes, reloading is fun..  Lot more gadgets and tools involved with rifle cartridges than shotgun shells for sure.

Next best group today was at 58.5 grains and it measured .529

I get well under an inch with Nosler factory stuff too 

[2labs]

Very cool. So at .266 ya pretty much cut factory groups in half and their cheaper!!
Now the tinkering starts

[magnumb]

I'll bet that you'll start cloverleafin' again as you near or reach book max......or the onset of pressure signs.

Nonetheless.......vey nice setup and groupings.

Congrat's......  

[BULLBLASTER]

I'll bet that you'll start cloverleafin' again as you near or reach book max......or the onset of pressure signs.

Nonetheless.......vey nice setup and groupings.

Congrat's......

sometimes its crazy how things can open up and then tighten after a few grains.

[grundy53]

What's not to like! Great chambering, the perfect bonded core bullet and a top notch barrel/ builder.

[yorketransport]

WOW!

That's one of the best complete packages I've seen in a while. Excellent build! It's a shame that reloading for it isn't going to be any fun. Everything you cram in there will likely shoot .5 MOA or better. A high quality build like that takes the guess work out of reloading.

Andrew