Still Experimenting Loads for the 280 AI

sgt_zim

AH ambassador
Joined
Mar 26, 2017
Messages
5,532
Reaction score
22,121
Location
Richmond, Texas
Media
33
Articles
1
Hunting reports
Africa
1
USA/Canada
3
Australia/NZ
1
Member of
NRA, Houston Safari Club Foundation, NWTF
Hunted
South Africa, Idaho, Texas, Louisiana
I want to try the 160 Shock Hammers, and Staball 6.5 and N560 seem to be the best performers for it.

But.

The test loads were out of a 26" barrel, and mine is only 22".

I also am about to test 175 North Forks out of it.

I have about a half pound of H4350 left, which works pretty well with 156 gr Oryx.

Are staball and n560 too slow for a full burn out of 22" and those weight bullets? Hammer shows 3140 and 3160, respectively, so I'm guessing my best for either 1 out of my rifle will be probably around 3050 for the 160 gr Hammer; and maybe 2750 for the NF.

Other powder I have on hand is IMR4831, Ramshot Magnum, and 2000MR (though that seems a little too fast).
 
Ummmmmm, I tried some 160 HPS out of my 280AI (24" bbl) with N555 and got pressure signs right on the first shot. Never tried anything else with those bullets. N560 will be a little too slow burning. I'm currently testing some 145 HHT (Hammer Hunter Tipped) in my 280AI and have found N550 to be the best ballistic model so far. Will be putting it on paper for true data, soon. Good luck, and stay safe!!!
 

Forum statistics

Threads
70,037
Messages
1,562,569
Members
166,578
Latest member
DwayneG45
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

autofire wrote on Dr Ray's profile.
Hi Dr. Ray, I will be in Cooktown from Oct 16 to Oct 23 fishing Lizard Island Black Marlin Tournament.

I have several "slack" days after fishing before I head for stay in Sydney and Fiji.

Do you have any recommendations for 1 or 2 day hunt near Cooktown?

I've hunted both DG and PG in 4 different countries in Africa.
Thank you,
Bob
Alex Sniper wrote on Bynotic's profile.
Good morning. I see that you had a Sauer 202 for sale for $3,000. Did you sell it at that price?
I have one for sale as well. I listed it (on here ) at $3,000 as well. Is the price high, low or right where it should be?

Thanks. Alex. [redacted] in case you want to call me to discuss further. I appreciate your time help and support.
I broke my cherry, August 2026, 41" Cape, hooked for life.
Member of the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association
supergrizzly wrote on AZDAVE's profile.
Dave, I could use both of them if still available. I just picked up a new .22 mag and a .22 pump that they would be perfect on.
 
Top