Hey guys! Came across a 280. Now the hunt is on for " tha load " wanna keep the powder to H4350 or H4831 for temp stability ( re22 looks good but way too much variance ) I want a bullet that will punch through both sides of a deer. Been looking at 150 grain partition, 140 grain accubond cause that's the best I can find, nosler came out with 150 grain accubond but it's nowhere to be found in Canada that I know of. I would love A-frames or trophy bonded tip but I cant find am. So in closing, any and all experience is greatly appreciated!
Need input on loading for a 280 Remington
- Thread starter trapoholic
- Start date
- Location
- Saskatchewan
trapaholic, I shoot the .280's older ( and cooler ;-) kissing cousin, the 7x64. Your powder and bullet choices are spot on. I have found that any standard cup and core 160 grain bullet will "punch through both sides of a deer" So all that's left with your slightly lighter premium bullet choices is to try both powders with both bullets, and see what your rifle prefers for accuracy. Good luck and happy hunting!
Thank you! What cup and core bullets do you use?
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Sierra, Hornady, and Speer mostly. I have a huge stash of various 7mm bullets purchased at auction, various types and styles. I have not seen much difference in their deer killing ability if they are 160 grain or heavier and going at least 2600 fps muzzle velocity. Some, like Hornady SST will open quicker and put deer down a touch faster with significantly more meat damage, some like the Speer Grand Slam are quite tough and will give end to end penetration and a little slower kills on deer but always an exit hole and good blood trail. Your choices are good, I wouldn't worry about them if they shoot OK. I really begin to pay attention to bullet performance when shooting elk or bigger game, or something that can bite back.
I just figure if I'm gonna load my own l might as well make em as spiffy as possible
also every load data I read for 160 grain shows about 2750 max velocity. Figure if I want 30-06 speeds I'll just use my 30-06. Honestly anything less than 30 cal with 180's is foreign to me so I'm just looking for all the info possible.While I was using IMR powders, I was getting the following in my old Rem 700 Mtn rifle:
2870 fps with 51.5 gr of 4350 with the 150 gr Ballistic Tips, and
2900 fps with 55.7 gr of 4831with the 150 gr SGK's.
My previous 280 in a Browning A-Bolt really liked the Hdy 162 gr Interlocks with the max load of 4350 listed in an older Hdy manual back in the early 90's. It worked very well on moose and deer. Sorry, did not have a chrony back then, but the load was hotter than the factory ammo with 160 gr Partitions of the day, and would produce more recoil and better penetration on game and target backstop material.
My new Rem 700 is shooting the now discontinued Federal Premium 140 gr Nosler AccuBond ammo into sub-MOA groups. Sorry, I have not chronied this. It worked very well on a small bull elk, so should do just fine on deer.
Hoping to get some 150 gr AccuBonds to try when I can. Reloder 26 looks like a good powder to try in the 280, giving 2988 fps with the 160 gr AB and 3085 fps with the 150 gr AB in 24" barrels (QuickLoad data).
It is a great cartridge, and one of my favourites! It really comes into its own when hand loaded.
2870 fps with 51.5 gr of 4350 with the 150 gr Ballistic Tips, and
2900 fps with 55.7 gr of 4831with the 150 gr SGK's.
My previous 280 in a Browning A-Bolt really liked the Hdy 162 gr Interlocks with the max load of 4350 listed in an older Hdy manual back in the early 90's. It worked very well on moose and deer. Sorry, did not have a chrony back then, but the load was hotter than the factory ammo with 160 gr Partitions of the day, and would produce more recoil and better penetration on game and target backstop material.
My new Rem 700 is shooting the now discontinued Federal Premium 140 gr Nosler AccuBond ammo into sub-MOA groups. Sorry, I have not chronied this. It worked very well on a small bull elk, so should do just fine on deer.
Hoping to get some 150 gr AccuBonds to try when I can. Reloder 26 looks like a good powder to try in the 280, giving 2988 fps with the 160 gr AB and 3085 fps with the 150 gr AB in 24" barrels (QuickLoad data).
It is a great cartridge, and one of my favourites! It really comes into its own when hand loaded.
Sounds like the Op wants a higher velocity lightish bullet, my question is what are you looking to run those into? Deer, Black bears and possibly moose or are you sticking to your .30-06 for anything bigger than a whitetail? Is extreme range performance your goal or are you looking for a bullet that will kill well up close while still offering enough bc to stretch past 400 yards?
For deer at common ranges (75-500 yards) I have a fondness for the 7mm 150 grain Nosler Ballistic tip regardless of 7mm cartridge from 7mm-08 to 7mm RUM. I also really like the 154 Hornady Interlock for a cheaper bullet. I would happily use either for game up to and including elk or moose if I couldn't get an accubond or partition to shoot to my satisfaction. I wouldn't turn my nose up at a 140 grain or heavier accubond or partition for an all purpose load in a .280.
A 150 grain ELDx from hornady or LR Accubond would also be worthy of consideration I've seen very good results from both in friends guns while they didn't shoot satisfactory in mine, yet.
For deer at common ranges (75-500 yards) I have a fondness for the 7mm 150 grain Nosler Ballistic tip regardless of 7mm cartridge from 7mm-08 to 7mm RUM. I also really like the 154 Hornady Interlock for a cheaper bullet. I would happily use either for game up to and including elk or moose if I couldn't get an accubond or partition to shoot to my satisfaction. I wouldn't turn my nose up at a 140 grain or heavier accubond or partition for an all purpose load in a .280.
A 150 grain ELDx from hornady or LR Accubond would also be worthy of consideration I've seen very good results from both in friends guns while they didn't shoot satisfactory in mine, yet.
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Try 4350, Remington or Winchester cases, WLR primers and a 145 grain Speer Hot core or boat tail, maybe even a Grand Slam.
If you can’t find Speer bullets just put some 139 grain BTSP Hornady InterLOCK’s in it and kill deer dead as they come. I killed a pile of deer and a handful of moose with this 139’s at 3080fps outta my .284Win, I recovered 2 bullets, one from a moose I shot at 70 yds head on, the bullet was found 32” up the spine, after smashing in between bullwinkles eyes, it hit every vertebrae in that 32” and I had to pop two vertebrae apart to get what was left of the bullet. The other was from a whitetail I shot at a pretty audacious angle at about 325 yds. heading away from me, found that one in the off side shoulder.
If you can’t find Speer bullets just put some 139 grain BTSP Hornady InterLOCK’s in it and kill deer dead as they come. I killed a pile of deer and a handful of moose with this 139’s at 3080fps outta my .284Win, I recovered 2 bullets, one from a moose I shot at 70 yds head on, the bullet was found 32” up the spine, after smashing in between bullwinkles eyes, it hit every vertebrae in that 32” and I had to pop two vertebrae apart to get what was left of the bullet. The other was from a whitetail I shot at a pretty audacious angle at about 325 yds. heading away from me, found that one in the off side shoulder.
OP, first off, you don't mention what type of rifle you're loading for.
If it's one of the Remington pump/semi auto rifles then keep your loads within the specs listed in the manuals.
I have seen Remington pumps/semi autos develop some real issues from maximum loads, even with mid weight bullets. One semi jammed open and had to be broken down to get things working again and the pumps opened by themselves upon firing. One of them was still part way through burning the propellant as it opened and ruined the rifle.
If you are loading for a modern, strong, bolt action rifle or single shot or a BAR, then maximum loads are a good starting point IMHO.
I use H4831 and REL19 over CCI magnum primers. The magnum primers pretty much take the worry out of powder being temperature sensitive.
My load is well over maximum with both REL19 and H4831. With as much powder as I can get into the case with a long drop tube, there aren't any pressure signs.
The 270 Win is loaded to higher pressures as mentioned. There is only .007 in difference in bore diameter. Any load for the 270 Win would be safe but deliver slightly less velocity out of your 280 Rem.
A 140grain bullet will not only go through both sides of a Deer, the premium types will go through end for end at the velocities the 280 is capable of.
If it's one of the Remington pump/semi auto rifles then keep your loads within the specs listed in the manuals.
I have seen Remington pumps/semi autos develop some real issues from maximum loads, even with mid weight bullets. One semi jammed open and had to be broken down to get things working again and the pumps opened by themselves upon firing. One of them was still part way through burning the propellant as it opened and ruined the rifle.
If you are loading for a modern, strong, bolt action rifle or single shot or a BAR, then maximum loads are a good starting point IMHO.
I use H4831 and REL19 over CCI magnum primers. The magnum primers pretty much take the worry out of powder being temperature sensitive.
My load is well over maximum with both REL19 and H4831. With as much powder as I can get into the case with a long drop tube, there aren't any pressure signs.
The 270 Win is loaded to higher pressures as mentioned. There is only .007 in difference in bore diameter. Any load for the 270 Win would be safe but deliver slightly less velocity out of your 280 Rem.
A 140grain bullet will not only go through both sides of a Deer, the premium types will go through end for end at the velocities the 280 is capable of.
I would but I can't afford to argue with them. I've heard allot of stories their hard to get to shoot well.
Mines a 22" barrel as well.
Deer and bear is what I run into. I shoot bear in the head with whatever I use I like em drt. 150 yards is my max shot.
I've got a Remington 7600. They can be loaded beyond max and be fine. My 30-06 gets stuffed with 59 grain of h4350 and shows no signs of pressure.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
I just figure if I'm gonna load my own l might as well make em as spiffy as possible
Hazard a guess but you should do better then 2750 in a 280. A 7mm-08 will do 2700 in a 22” barrel with a 160gr bullet
I'm just going by what the manuals tell me.
.280 Remington / 7mm Express Remington (22-inch barrel/long throat)
Warning! Notes: Remington Model 700, 22-inch barrel, 9-1/4-inch twist; Remington 7mm Express cases, neck-turned, flash holes deburred, Remington 9 1/2 primers; Oehler Model 33 Chronotach - velocities instrumental at 15 feet, converted to muzzle velocity; average temperature 87 degrees; all powder charges listed were maximum and should be reduced by ten percent for beginning loads; loads shown for the long-throated rifles must not be tried in rifles with standard-length throats (Rifle Issue #69 - May, 1980)
Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.
Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS) Favorite?
120 Hornady Norma MRP 66.0 3,175
Remarks: good accuracy in Model 700, 1 moa
120 Hornady Winchester W-785 65.5 3,224
Remarks: very accurate, 3/4 to 1 moa
120 Hornady Hodgdon H-205 62.0 3,217
Remarks: poor accuracy, 2 moa
120 Hornady Winchester W-760 59.5 3,284
Remarks: highest velocity attained any bullet weight 1/2-3/4 moa
130 Speer Hodgdon H-450 65.0 3,183
Remarks: fair accuracy, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Norma MRP 65.0 3,169
Remarks: maximum load, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Winchester W-785 65.0 3,201
Remarks: good load, deadly on pronghorn and deer
130 Speer Hodgdon H-205 60.0 3,219
Remarks: pressures erratic, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Winchester W-760 58.5 3,236
Remarks: highest total velocity gain with W-760
139 Hornady Hodgdon H-450 65.0 3,115
Remarks: excellent mule deer, caribou load
139 Hornady Norma MRP 65.0 3,107
Remarks: very accurate, 1-1/4 moa
139 Hornady Winchester W-785 64.5 3,109
Remarks: double-grouped in Model 700, 1-1/4 moa in Mauser
139 Hornady Hodgdon H-205 60.0 3,090
Remarks: best load with this powder, 1-1/2 moa
150 Remington Hodgdon H-4831 63.0 3,008
Remarks: poor accuracy, 1-3/4 moa
150 Remington Hodgdon H-450 63.0 2,957
Remarks: excellent accuracy, 3/4 to 1 moa
150 Remington Norma MRP 62.5 2,874
Remarks: fair accuracy, maximum load
150 Remington Winchester W-785 62.5 2,894
Remarks: good all-around load any North American game
150 Remington Hodgdon H-205 58.0 2,902
Remarks: worst accuracy, 2-1/2 moa, H-205 doesn't work
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-4831 61.0 2,932
Remarks: 1-1/2 moa
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-450 61.0 2,953
Remarks: 1-1/4 moa, excellent 400-yard elk load
160 Nosler Norma MRP 60.0 2,896
Remarks: 2 moa, poorest accuracy with MRP
160 Nosler Winchester W-785 59.5 2,922
Remarks: 1-1/2 moa, 42 fps velocity spread between shots
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-205 55.0 2,745
Remarks: pressures extremely erratic and unpredictable
160 Bitterroot Hodgdon H-4831 60.0 2,924
Remarks: excellent load, 1-1/4 moa
160 Bitterroot Hodgdon H-450 60.0 2,944
Remarks: best close to medium-range load for heavy game
160 Bitterroot Norma MRP 59.0 2,867
Remarks: accuracy erratic but only 26 fps spread
160 Bitterroot Winchester W-785 58.0 2,899
Remarks: most accurate load, this bullet, 1 moa
175 Hornady Hodgdon H-4831 58.5 2,736
Remarks: second most accurate load tested, 1/2 to 1 moa
175 Hornady Hodgdon H-450 58.5 2,755
Remarks: excellent elk load; treading on heels of 7mm magnum
175 Hornady Norma MRP 58.5 2,741
Remarks: accuracy fair, seems mild
175 Hornady Winchester W-785 58.0 2,828
Remarks: maybe a tad hot but very accurate
Warning! Notes: Remington Model 700, 22-inch barrel, 9-1/4-inch twist; Remington 7mm Express cases, neck-turned, flash holes deburred, Remington 9 1/2 primers; Oehler Model 33 Chronotach - velocities instrumental at 15 feet, converted to muzzle velocity; average temperature 87 degrees; all powder charges listed were maximum and should be reduced by ten percent for beginning loads; loads shown for the long-throated rifles must not be tried in rifles with standard-length throats (Rifle Issue #69 - May, 1980)
Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.
Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS) Favorite?
120 Hornady Norma MRP 66.0 3,175
Remarks: good accuracy in Model 700, 1 moa
120 Hornady Winchester W-785 65.5 3,224
Remarks: very accurate, 3/4 to 1 moa
120 Hornady Hodgdon H-205 62.0 3,217
Remarks: poor accuracy, 2 moa
120 Hornady Winchester W-760 59.5 3,284
Remarks: highest velocity attained any bullet weight 1/2-3/4 moa
130 Speer Hodgdon H-450 65.0 3,183
Remarks: fair accuracy, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Norma MRP 65.0 3,169
Remarks: maximum load, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Winchester W-785 65.0 3,201
Remarks: good load, deadly on pronghorn and deer
130 Speer Hodgdon H-205 60.0 3,219
Remarks: pressures erratic, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Winchester W-760 58.5 3,236
Remarks: highest total velocity gain with W-760
139 Hornady Hodgdon H-450 65.0 3,115
Remarks: excellent mule deer, caribou load
139 Hornady Norma MRP 65.0 3,107
Remarks: very accurate, 1-1/4 moa
139 Hornady Winchester W-785 64.5 3,109
Remarks: double-grouped in Model 700, 1-1/4 moa in Mauser
139 Hornady Hodgdon H-205 60.0 3,090
Remarks: best load with this powder, 1-1/2 moa
150 Remington Hodgdon H-4831 63.0 3,008
Remarks: poor accuracy, 1-3/4 moa
150 Remington Hodgdon H-450 63.0 2,957
Remarks: excellent accuracy, 3/4 to 1 moa
150 Remington Norma MRP 62.5 2,874
Remarks: fair accuracy, maximum load
150 Remington Winchester W-785 62.5 2,894
Remarks: good all-around load any North American game
150 Remington Hodgdon H-205 58.0 2,902
Remarks: worst accuracy, 2-1/2 moa, H-205 doesn't work
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-4831 61.0 2,932
Remarks: 1-1/2 moa
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-450 61.0 2,953
Remarks: 1-1/4 moa, excellent 400-yard elk load
160 Nosler Norma MRP 60.0 2,896
Remarks: 2 moa, poorest accuracy with MRP
160 Nosler Winchester W-785 59.5 2,922
Remarks: 1-1/2 moa, 42 fps velocity spread between shots
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-205 55.0 2,745
Remarks: pressures extremely erratic and unpredictable
160 Bitterroot Hodgdon H-4831 60.0 2,924
Remarks: excellent load, 1-1/4 moa
160 Bitterroot Hodgdon H-450 60.0 2,944
Remarks: best close to medium-range load for heavy game
160 Bitterroot Norma MRP 59.0 2,867
Remarks: accuracy erratic but only 26 fps spread
160 Bitterroot Winchester W-785 58.0 2,899
Remarks: most accurate load, this bullet, 1 moa
175 Hornady Hodgdon H-4831 58.5 2,736
Remarks: second most accurate load tested, 1/2 to 1 moa
175 Hornady Hodgdon H-450 58.5 2,755
Remarks: excellent elk load; treading on heels of 7mm magnum
175 Hornady Norma MRP 58.5 2,741
Remarks: accuracy fair, seems mild
175 Hornady Winchester W-785 58.0 2,828
Remarks: maybe a tad hot but very accurate
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Thank you!
.280 Remington / 7mm Express Remington (22-inch barrel/std throat)
Warning! Notes: Remington Model 700, 22-inch barrel, 9-1/4-inch twist; Remington 7mm Express cases, neck-turned, flash holes deburred, Remington 9 1/2 primers; Oehler Model 33 Chronotach - velocities instrumental at 15 feet, converted to muzzle velocity; average temperature 87 degrees; all powder charges listed were maximum and should be reduced by ten percent for beginning loads (Rifle Issue #69 - May, 1980)
Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.
Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS) Favorite?
120 Hornady Norma MRP 63.5 3,134
Remarks: good accuracy in Model 700, 1 moa
120 Hornady Winchester W-785 63.5 3,165
Remarks: very accurate, 3/4 to 1 moa
120 Hornady Hodgdon H-205 60.0 3,164
Remarks: poor accuracy, 2 moa
120 Hornady Winchester W-760 58.0 3,221
Remarks: highest velocity attained any bullet weight 1/2-3/4 moa
130 Speer Hodgdon H-450 63.0 3,122
Remarks: fair accuracy, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Norma MRP 63.0 3,081
Remarks: maximum load, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Winchester W-785 63.0 3,190
Remarks: good load, deadly on pronghorn and deer
130 Speer Hodgdon H-205 59.0 3,161
Remarks: pressures erratic, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Winchester W-760 57.0 3,116
Remarks: highest total velocity gain with W-760
139 Hornady Hodgdon H-4831 62.0 3,026
Remarks: too bulky for peak efficiency with this bullet
139 Hornady Hodgdon H-450 62.0 3,006
Remarks: excellent mule deer, caribou load
139 Hornady Norma MRP 62.0 3,040
Remarks: very accurate, 1-1/4 moa
139 Hornady Winchester W-785 62.0 3,075
Remarks: double-grouped in Model 700
139 Hornady Hodgdon H-205 58.0 3,050
Remarks: best load with this powder, 1-1/2 moa
150 Remington Hodgdon H-4831 60.5 2,934
Remarks: poor accuracy, 1-3/4 moa
150 Remington Hodgdon H-450 60.5 2,888
Remarks: excellent accuracy, 3/4 to 1 moa
150 Remington Norma MRP 60.0 2,822
Remarks: fair accuracy, maximum load
150 Remington Winchester W-785 60.0 2,816
Remarks: good all-around load any North American game
150 Remington Hodgdon H-205 56.0 2,855
Remarks: worst accuracy from both rifles, 2-1/2 moa, H-205 doesn't work
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-4831 58.0 2,878
Remarks: 1-1/2 moa
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-450 58.0 2,891
Remarks: 1-1/4 moa, excellent 400-yard elk load
160 Nosler Norma MRP 58.0 2,835
Remarks: 2 moa, poorest accuracy with MRP
160 Nosler Winchester W-785 57.5 2,852
Remarks: 1-1/2 moa, 42 fps velocity spread between shots
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-205 53.5 2,719
Remarks: pressures extremely erratic and unpredictable
160 Bitterroot Hodgdon H-4831 57.0 2,861
Remarks: excellent load, 1-1/4 moa
160 Bitterroot Hodgdon H-450 57.0 2,870
Remarks: best close to medium-range load for heavy game
160 Bitterroot Norma MRP 57.0 2,835
Remarks: accuracy erratic but only 26 fps spread
160 Bitterroot Winchester W-785 56.0 2,868
Remarks: most accurate load, this bullet, 1 moa both rifles
175 Hornady Hodgdon H-4831 56.5 2,643
Remarks: second most accurate load tested, 1/2 to 1 moa
175 Hornady Hodgdon H-450 56.5 2,674
Remarks: excellent elk load, treading on heels of 7mm magnum
175 Hornady Norma MRP 56.5 2,654
Remarks: accuracy fair, seems mild
175 Hornady Winchester W-785 56.0 2,684
Remarks: maybe a tad hot but very accurate
Warning! Notes: Remington Model 700, 22-inch barrel, 9-1/4-inch twist; Remington 7mm Express cases, neck-turned, flash holes deburred, Remington 9 1/2 primers; Oehler Model 33 Chronotach - velocities instrumental at 15 feet, converted to muzzle velocity; average temperature 87 degrees; all powder charges listed were maximum and should be reduced by ten percent for beginning loads (Rifle Issue #69 - May, 1980)
Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.
Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS) Favorite?
120 Hornady Norma MRP 63.5 3,134
Remarks: good accuracy in Model 700, 1 moa
120 Hornady Winchester W-785 63.5 3,165
Remarks: very accurate, 3/4 to 1 moa
120 Hornady Hodgdon H-205 60.0 3,164
Remarks: poor accuracy, 2 moa
120 Hornady Winchester W-760 58.0 3,221
Remarks: highest velocity attained any bullet weight 1/2-3/4 moa
130 Speer Hodgdon H-450 63.0 3,122
Remarks: fair accuracy, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Norma MRP 63.0 3,081
Remarks: maximum load, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Winchester W-785 63.0 3,190
Remarks: good load, deadly on pronghorn and deer
130 Speer Hodgdon H-205 59.0 3,161
Remarks: pressures erratic, 1-1/2 moa
130 Speer Winchester W-760 57.0 3,116
Remarks: highest total velocity gain with W-760
139 Hornady Hodgdon H-4831 62.0 3,026
Remarks: too bulky for peak efficiency with this bullet
139 Hornady Hodgdon H-450 62.0 3,006
Remarks: excellent mule deer, caribou load
139 Hornady Norma MRP 62.0 3,040
Remarks: very accurate, 1-1/4 moa
139 Hornady Winchester W-785 62.0 3,075
Remarks: double-grouped in Model 700
139 Hornady Hodgdon H-205 58.0 3,050
Remarks: best load with this powder, 1-1/2 moa
150 Remington Hodgdon H-4831 60.5 2,934
Remarks: poor accuracy, 1-3/4 moa
150 Remington Hodgdon H-450 60.5 2,888
Remarks: excellent accuracy, 3/4 to 1 moa
150 Remington Norma MRP 60.0 2,822
Remarks: fair accuracy, maximum load
150 Remington Winchester W-785 60.0 2,816
Remarks: good all-around load any North American game
150 Remington Hodgdon H-205 56.0 2,855
Remarks: worst accuracy from both rifles, 2-1/2 moa, H-205 doesn't work
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-4831 58.0 2,878
Remarks: 1-1/2 moa
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-450 58.0 2,891
Remarks: 1-1/4 moa, excellent 400-yard elk load
160 Nosler Norma MRP 58.0 2,835
Remarks: 2 moa, poorest accuracy with MRP
160 Nosler Winchester W-785 57.5 2,852
Remarks: 1-1/2 moa, 42 fps velocity spread between shots
160 Nosler Hodgdon H-205 53.5 2,719
Remarks: pressures extremely erratic and unpredictable
160 Bitterroot Hodgdon H-4831 57.0 2,861
Remarks: excellent load, 1-1/4 moa
160 Bitterroot Hodgdon H-450 57.0 2,870
Remarks: best close to medium-range load for heavy game
160 Bitterroot Norma MRP 57.0 2,835
Remarks: accuracy erratic but only 26 fps spread
160 Bitterroot Winchester W-785 56.0 2,868
Remarks: most accurate load, this bullet, 1 moa both rifles
175 Hornady Hodgdon H-4831 56.5 2,643
Remarks: second most accurate load tested, 1/2 to 1 moa
175 Hornady Hodgdon H-450 56.5 2,674
Remarks: excellent elk load, treading on heels of 7mm magnum
175 Hornady Norma MRP 56.5 2,654
Remarks: accuracy fair, seems mild
175 Hornady Winchester W-785 56.0 2,684
Remarks: maybe a tad hot but very accurate
I think I might have actually settled on 154 grain interlocks. Seems they're more or less equivalent to a 175 grain 30 cal? But if somebody has info on getting the swift scorocco to shoot well I'd look at them. The only thing I don't like about the interlocks are exposed lead tips. The A- frames look awesome as well but I don't know where to find them. X-reloads website is about as fast as dial-up.
I'd not sweat the lead tip on the interlock, or pick up some SST's and test them in some phone books. According to friends they have been beefed up and behave more like a conventional Interlock instead of being as highly frangible as they used to be.
