280 Remington

Vader

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Can I get some input on loads for the 280 Express Remington. I worked out one for the Nosler 140 gr partition but the data I was originally using came from the 'net and showed 53.5 grains of IMR4350 as max. This was a poor load for grouping and I ended up with 55.5 grains of IMR4350 in a Win model 70 featherweight with 22 inch barrel. No signs of pressure and it shot .5 inch group at 100 yards. My old Hornady manual (3rd edition)says 57 grains of IMR4350 is max but this is obviously higher than modern books. I have another 280 in Remington 700 that I would like to work a load for, but rather than burn some more lead and powder unnecessarily I figure there are enough handloaders here to get more information.
 
Every rifle can be different.. that's why it is called "working up a load"....... one mans maximum load might blow in your rifle......

I would be very cautious about internet loading data....
 
Thanks for the reply.
I always approach handloads with caution. I usually start 3 grains below max and work up and down. I was just looking for more info to see if I was heading in the right direction. I will of course increase or decrease my loads by half grain increments as I always do to look for problems that can occur. My real question is what is the recommended max load for 4350 in a 140 gr bullet? It just seemed that my Hornady manual differed by 3.5 grains from more modern references.. That seems rather large. The Sierra book doesn't have a reference to 140 grain only 145 and shows a max of 55.5.
I did load as high as 56.5 grains 4350 but the group started to widen again.
 
I have always found manuals quote loads much softer for the 280!
In equal guns there's no reason it shouldn't be loaded to equal 270 pressures!
Watch carefully for presure signs & you usually can exceed max book loads.

That said I have always had much better luck using slower powder that 4350,
4831 & 7828 have worked very well for me using 150s.:)
 
I have to agree with your "old Hornady max"...

IMR-4350 From 43.0 grains to 57.0 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

My preferred loading was:
RL-25 From 55.3 grains to 59.5 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer
 
Nosler #4 lists 52.5 grs. IMR4350 with a 140 gr. Partition as max @ 2940 fps

my other manuals from Speer Barnes and Hornady list no more than 53.5 grs. with 139-145 gr. bullets.

I would get a chrony and load the 140's with 4350 until they hit close to 3000 fps and stop there.
 
Thanks for the input.
Here's whats working so far.
Winchester Mod 70 Featherweight 280
55.5 grains IMR 4350. Nosler Partition 140 gr
OAL 3.323
100 yards .523 inch group

DSCF0001.jpg
 
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