Author Topic: .280 Factory load suggestions (Read 946 times)

turkeyhunter · « **on:** November 08, 2004, 07:15:48 AM »

All,

I am looking for the best performing factory load for my .280. I will be hunting deer with an average range of 150 yds. but with longer shots possible. I am currently shooting Winchester Supreme Ballistic Silvertips but I am concerned with the BT breaking up. I have not started handloading yet so at this time that is out of the question.

I have looked at Federal Premium Nosler Solid Base BT and I am really impressed with the ballistics and it looks like the bullet will hold up better but, I am open to suggestions. Any help is appreciated.

throttleman · « **Reply #1 on:** November 08, 2004, 10:18:00 AM »

Turkeyhunter,

I have had good luck with Remington and Federal factory, non-premium loads in the 150 grain class. I know they are not loaded with fancy bullets, but they really seem to work. Complete penetration and a nice wound channel. My understanding of the Winchester Ballistic Tip is that they expand and hold together fine under a certain impact velocity, which I would guess the .280 would be under at 150> yards. That's my experience, good luck. I also see a post regarding ballistic tip bullets about ten below your post. I read some of that and maybe you could too. It's insightful.

longwinters · « **Reply #2 on:** November 08, 2004, 11:49:12 AM »

I used Winchester Supreme BT's for several years out of my 30-06. They gave me excellent performance on quite a few whitetails. I dont see why you would have any problem with them. I reload now for all my rifles including my 280. So I can not give any opinion on factory specific to the 280.

Long

HogFan · « **Reply #3 on:** November 09, 2004, 04:25:24 AM »

I used a BT last year in my 7mm-08 to take a muley doe, and it performed just fine. I had planned on using them in my .280 this year, but filled my tags during archery. I highly recommend the BT's on deer sized game.

HogFan

turkeyhunter · « **Reply #4 on:** November 09, 2004, 06:10:55 AM »

The question is not so much will they work because I know they will. The question is do they provide good penetration and mushrooming? From what I have experienced first hand they tend to do more damage than necessary. I am looking for a similar performing (ballistically) factory load that will mushroom and stay together better providing pass through shots.

longwinters · « **Reply #5 on:** November 09, 2004, 11:41:41 AM »

Try the Nosler Accubond or the Hornady Interbond. Should give you the best of accuracy and bullet function at any velocity.

Coal River Rat · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2004, 06:24:07 PM »

I think most of the Ballistic Tip break-up problem is in the smaller calibers such as .257 or .243 in 100gr. or lighter weight when loaded to fast speeds like 3200-3500+ fps and shot deer at close range(under 100yds). I've shot several deer with B.T.s in 30 cal. and even 24 cal. at 2700 to 3000fps range with nothing but good results. IMHO there are horror stories with all makes of bullets from no expansion at all, to bullet failure by exploding B.T.s, no penatration ect. . Probably a high percentage of these problems are due to poor bullet placement or just plain picking the wrong bullet for the job.(varmint bullets) IMO, I would be just fine with a 140 or 150 gr. 7mm Ballistic Tip at around 2800 to 3000fps for a whitetail deer, be it a Win. Ballistic Silvertip or a solid base Ballistic Tip, both made by Nosler.