Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: TRD1911 on July 16, 2019, 02:04:28 PM

Title: Nosler 280AI 140gr Accubond Factory Ammo issues
Post by: TRD1911 on July 16, 2019, 02:04:28 PM: Recently picked up a Kimber Montana in 280 Ackley Improved and the seller was kind enough to include some factory Nosler 140gr Accubond ammo. I primarily reload so I decided to use some of those rounds to zero the scope and then use the brass rather than buying some new stuff. Accuracy was much worse than I would have expected (even with the pencil barrel). I only shot two three shot groups and they were both 1.25 and 1.50 MOA. The 6.5cm that I was also sighting in was shooting .3-.4 MOA so I know it wasn't my shooting so I was pretty bummed to say the least. I decided not to waste the rest of the ammo and go home and pull the factory rounds down for components. I was shocked to see the deviation in powder weights as I pulled each projectile and weighed the powder on every round. Out of the 14 rounds that I pulled 61.8 grains of whatever powder they were using was the most common drop but there were some that were +/- .4 grains and one even a full 1.0 grain lower than the rest.

I'm hoping that after working up a load for this rifle the groups will tighten up and it was just an issue of being factory ammo. It's been a while since I've shot factory stuff but it was a good reminder why I take the time to reload for all of my firearms.
Title: Re: Nosler 280AI 140gr Accubond Factory Ammo issues
Post by: CaNINE on July 16, 2019, 07:18:07 PM: I’m not surprised that the factory ammo has that much variation. The good news is you should have no problem developing a good load for the rifle. Mine shoots 140AB with H4821SC very well. That toothpick barrel sure heats up quickly though. About 20 minutes of cool down in between 3 shot groups to get consistent results.
Title: Re: Nosler 280AI 140gr Accubond Factory Ammo issues
Post by: TRD1911 on July 16, 2019, 10:49:23 PM: Quote from: CaNINE on July 16, 2019, 07:18:07 PM
I’m not surprised that the factory ammo has that much variation. The good news is you should have no problem developing a good load for the rifle. Mine shoots 140AB with H4821SC very well. That toothpick barrel sure heats up quickly though. About 20 minutes of cool down in between 3 shot groups to get consistent results.

Thanks for the info. I picked up four different projectiles to start some ladder tests on and then I'll shoot for groups. Any experience with Berger 140 VLD hunters, Nosler 168gr ABLR or Hornady ELDX 150 and 162gr?

I have the pulled 140gr AB's and some H4821SC on hand if you dont mind sharing your load data (of course incrementally working up to your load).
Title: Re: Nosler 280AI 140gr Accubond Factory Ammo issues
Post by: CaNINE on July 17, 2019, 08:32:35 AM: I've done some testing with the 162 ELD-X and it showed promise. Got distracted by some other rifle projects and need to circle back to the Kimber one of these days to finish the testing. I'll have to check my reloading notebook and get back to you on the load data.
Title: Re: Nosler 280AI 140gr Accubond Factory Ammo issues
Post by: Taco280AI on July 17, 2019, 08:50:18 AM: Mine does well with the 150TTSX and 145LRX
Title: Re: Nosler 280AI 140gr Accubond Factory Ammo issues
Post by: TRD1911 on July 17, 2019, 09:55:58 AM: Quote from: Taco280AI on July 17, 2019, 08:50:18 AM
Mine does well with the 150TTSX and 145LRX

I hadn't really considered the Barnes bullets but a suggestion coming from a guy with 280ai in his name definitely changes that!
Title: Re: Nosler 280AI 140gr Accubond Factory Ammo issues
Post by: Taco280AI on July 17, 2019, 12:31:25 PM: 3 deer with the 145. One took about 2 steps.