280 Handloads - Top 3 powders to try?

[270Handiman]

I'm just now getting around to reloading for my 280 barrel that I got from nomosendero, that he got from mac.  This barrel has proven itself as a shooter in the hands of its previous owners.  I got a box full of components from nomo, but he didn't have any data for me.  So what I'm looking for are the 3 best powders to start off trying for bullets in the 140 to 150 grain range.  I'm leaning toward Viht N165, Reloader 19 or 22, and one more.

Experience and advice welcome.

Thanks,

270

[safetysheriff]

i recommend you try this site, which has a somewhat unusual address:

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

it's hodgdon's website that includes imr's and winchester's data along with their own.    you have to 'agree' to their their "warning" by clicking on the "i agree" box before going further.

i'd bookmark that page, simply because i believe that only Alliant's Reloder series can provide you with more velocity in some of these cartridges, and because Hodgdon's powders have been decently modified to make them less temperature sensitive (the single-base powders, that is).   

good shooting to you,

ss'   

[Inrut24/7]

The hornady sixth addition says the 280 got the best results with imr 4350 and H 4831

[quickdtoo]

Heh heh, the Nosler 6th says the best accuracy with their bullets was with Rl19 for 140gr, and IMR4350 with 150gr.  It just depends on what bullets are used and your rifle.

I've had good luck with Rl22 and H4350. You might consider H1000 for the 150gr bullets, I'm working with it in the 280 Improved, in the 280, it shows the best velocity in Hodgdons data, but pressure is less than others that don't produce as much velocity. It's also an extreme powder and a max load is compressed, so you've got good load density.

Tim

[270Handiman]

To me this is the most frustrating part of reloading.  That is, trying to decide where to start.  I've got about 6 current manuals, and between them they list about every rifle powder made as an option.  That's why I have to depend on you guys anytime I start a new caliber.

270

[DakotaElkSlayer]

I have only used one powder in my Handi .280Rem since I got it seven years ago...IMR 4350.

Jim

[270Handiman]

Here are the bullets I got in the deal with the barrel that I plan on using:

Barnes 120 gr. X
Barnes 150 gr. X

CT 140 gr. Silvertip
CT 150 gr. Silvertip

Nosler 140 gr. Accubond
Nosler 140 gr. Ballistic Tip

[safetysheriff]

To me this is the most frustrating part of reloading.  That is, trying to decide where to start.  I've got about 6 current manuals, and between them they list about every rifle powder made as an option.  That's why I have to depend on you guys anytime I start a new caliber.

270

before you get frustrated, just think of how good it is to have so many options.    what if you were married to a person who 'morphed' into an anti-gun zealot?    then you'd have ONLY ONE OPTION!

i'd try IMR 4350,  or H-4831sc, or Reloder 22 with the bullets you noted with your latter post.    don't let it frustrate you.   i'd use Rem' brass, Win' WLR primers, and use a starting load to work up an accurate cartridge with one of those powders above.    it would be difficult to not find a very good load, i would expect, with most rifles, by using one of the propellants above.   

it's a little science; it's a little magic!

ss'   

[Fred M]

Quote from Quick.

You might consider H1000 for the 150gr bullets

The H1000 is a very good powder for the Handi, it provides lower pressure with higher velocities in cases like the 280 270 and the 25-06. For the purpose of illustration I ran a powder profile for the 154gr Hornady in the the 280.

58.5gr of H1000 with this bullet has a chamber pressure of 45965psi (MAP)
This max pressure accures after the bullets has traveled 3.8". At the end of a 26" barrel the pressure is still  12164psi and the MV is 2830. The generic case
was filled slightly compressed at 102.7% fill.

I tried H1000 in the 25-06 Handi with limited success because of the funnel shapped bore. (Blow by). The Handi 25-06 would loose 100 ft with all loads compared to a
 26" Ruger #1. So in a 280 Rem you would like to have a bore that is .284 from one end to the other. Otherwise you will loose the benefit of this powder. It is most ideal for the Handi

[270Handiman]

Thanks Fred, that's good information to have.  Actually, thanks to everyone who has responded to this post so far.  I started with IMR4350 last night.  I'll make up a bunch of different loads with it for this weekends range session.  I'll definitely pick up some H1000 at the range to work up some loads next week. 

Thanks again,

270

[captdp]

I shoot a 280 custom Mauser with a 26" Shaw barrel. I started with H 4350 and 150 BTs and PTs, because they work well in my 7x57. I got sub 1" groups with both. I like the Hodgdon extreme powders because they are temperature insensitive and very consistent from lot to lot. I've tried others, but they are no better and it's much easier to use one powdwer for my two sevens and my 30-06. capt david