280 AI, So confused. Did I just waste my money?

N

Nipigon Jack

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Okay so I just bought a Cooper 280AI and need to get set-up for loading. After doing some reading I found that there is more than one version of 280Ackley Improved. I called Cooper and got an immediate response. Cooper uses the original PO Ackley 40 deg version and they gave me the RCBS stock number for the correct 2 die set . I had been looking at the Redding Competition 3 die set and Emailed Redding to see which version they made and to get a cross-reference number for the RCBS dies.
I should add that I had ordered and have received Nosler 280 AI brass as I wanted brass with the correct headstamp ($91.00 per 50 plus tx, plus shipping)
Redding replies that they make the Nosler SAMMI approved version (.014" shorter) and I can use their dies with a competetion shellholder that is 14 thou deeper and full length body die
Question 1) I assume that I cannot use the Nosler brass as it will be 14 thou shorter than my chamber and even a light load to form the brass could be dangerous due to incorrect headspace
Question 2) I wanted to be able to neck size only to hopefully load the best rounds and increase brass life. Am I just wasting more money? What dies should I get?

Obviously I'm new to reloading, especially rifle. I bought a Dillon last year for pistol but as far as rifle goes I only have about 50 rounds of 308 under my belt so far, and that was supervised by someone with some experience.
HELP !!!!
 
Buy factory 280 ammo. 3 boxes. 280 Remington is what you are looking for.

Shoot factory ammo out of your rifle.

Brass is now sized correctly for your rifle.

Buy RCBS dies that cooper recommended.

Proceed to reload 60 pieces of brass.....
 
You could always expand the neck to .308 with a mandrel, then size it back down enough so that it will just chamber. This will create a false shoulder for fire forming the brass to your chamber.

If the only difference is .014" in length this can be overcome using a custom shell holder, or spacers. I would try neck sizing, then bumping the shoulders back the minimum required using a body die, or FL die.

There is more than one way to skin the cat though!
 
I had the same problem. I had to get my gun smith to modify a shell holder for me so I could use my redding dies and nosler brass. I used the nosler for bit but I ended up selling it and went to Remington instead and just fire formed my brass. The nosler will work the first time but unless you have a modified shell holder you won't be able to close your bolt.
 
I have a Cooper .280 AI. I use factory remington ammo and fireform. I use redding dies and a regular shellholder. everything works just fine in my rifle.
 
I use 280 winchester nickle plated,with deluxe set redding dies! fireform to chamber, neck size till they get tight usually 4 reloads then bump back 1 thou.....cooper rifle as well!! shoots like a dream buddy.......
 
The Nosler brass will work fine in your Cooper. Of course , you can fireform regular 280rem brass if you choose. Prophet River carries the correct Redding dies for your Cooper.
 
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