Powder Suggestions - 280 Remington

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Hey guys,

I just ordered a Model 70 Super Grade in 280 Rem and need some opinions on optimum powders.

I did a lookup in Quickload and a few of the top choices were:

vvN560 and Reloader 26

Those two gave top velocities and load densities. (Slightly compressed, which I like) I already have a pound of the N560 but would need to get some RL26 if I want to use it.

I do hunt in cold weather so temp stability is always nice though not really a huge priority.

Anybody have any experience loading with these or other powders? I am planning to use the new Federal 155 Edge TLR in this rifle if they ever come in stock at Midway.

Thanks.
 
IMR 7828 showed great velocity but mediocre accuracy in my .280 Rem.
In the Nosler manual 7828 and Re 22 max loads are very close.
Paul B.
 
Because of my experience with it, I am of the opinion that the old standby IMR4350 is as good as it gets in the .25-06, .270, 280/7mm and the .30 calibers that use the .30-06 size cases. It is a pretty coarse stick type powder and does not meter very well. I don't care because in most rifle calibers I always measure and weigh each load.
 
My 280AI was Rem 280. Nosler does have loading data for 280AI using N560. I've never use it but sure it work in the 280 and since you have data for 280 I'd try it same if you can get some R-26.

I've shot N165 in 280 with 150gr Partition also used IMR-7828,H-4350. I think if I had 280 today I'd most likely use R-17 or R-26.
 
The case to bore ratio of the .280 is extremely similar to the .270 Winchester. There is a great deal of reloading data for .270 as it’s one of the most popular hunting cartridges and it’s been around a long time. Of course load data won’t be identical, but any powder that’s ideal in .270 will be ideal in the .280 and vice versa. I think you’re on to something with rl 26. Traditionally powders in the burn rates between 4064 and 4831 were recommended as ideal .270 powders but I have found with mine that compressed charges of slower powders are indeed superior, even out of my 22 inch barrel (the idea that the powder that gives the highest velocity out of long barrels won’t do so in short ones is not supported by any evidence, the only advantage of using fast powders in shorter barrels is less blast and flash). Rl 22 is the velocity king in .270 with 140s, and I’ve had great satisfaction with rl 25 with 150 and 180 grain (woodleighs), along with imr 7828, 7828 ssc, and the new 7977 enduron powder, even with 130 grainers.
 
Of course, there is still such a thing as too slow. I’ve done up experimental rounds in .270 with h50bmg and the discontinued h870. It’s not productive
 
Having not done any testing with Vihtavouri powders i cannot make recommenations on it.
Alas they are harder to find, and more expensive than other powders.

As for RL26.
I've used it in 7mm Rem Mag, 284 Win, 257 Roberts, and 243 Win.
Best use is for heavy for caliber bullets.
Example 105+ gr bullets out of the 243, 120gr out of the Roberts.

Where it shines over RL25 is it's "temp stability" and it's accuracy potential.
To the point where Lazzeroni recommends states that while velocities are greater than RL22 it's accuracy is dismal.

So, if your planning on shooting 160+ gr bullets, yes i'd recommend RL26.

If i were to be shooting 150, 140, 139 gr bullets i might try Alliant Power Pro 4000MR.
 
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In 3 280s, Ruger, Remington, and Interarms, RL-19 has been the best powder choice for velocity, standard deviation, extreme spread, and accuracy. I stick with 140s in the 280. If I want heavier bullets, I grab my 7mm Mag with 154 Interbonds.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I think I'll start with the vvN560 and get some RL26 too. I might try Ramshot HUNTER as well as it has worked well for me in my 7mm08 and 300WSM.

I've got a box of 150g SciroccoII. I may start load workups with those until the Edge TLR becomes available.

Keep 'em coming.
 
Is it a certain knowledge that the edge tlr bullets will be made available as a reloading component? Also, if I may ask, what are the reasons you would prefer this projectile over the many excellent projectiles already on the market?
 
Is it a certain knowledge that the edge tlr bullets will be made available as a reloading component? Also, if I may ask, what are the reasons you would prefer this projectile over the many excellent projectiles already on the market?
Click to expand...

Federal released the Trophy Bonded Tipped a while back and I load the 165 in my 308 and the 180 in my 300 WSM and have had good experience with them. Federal stated when the TLR was announced that they would be releasing them to reloaders in the near future. The bullets are listed as componenets on Federals website and are listed at MidwayUSA as well.

As for why I want this one: As an evolution of the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, Trophy Bonded Tipped, and now Edge TLR, I find the bullets design superior to others and they are very easy to work up loads for as well. I also think 155 grains is a great bullet weight for the 7mm cartridges and with a BC north of 600* it should be a great all around bullet that is tough enough to stay together at close ranges. In short, I just like it.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/4...ain-polymer-tipped-bonded-boat-tail-box-of-50

https://federalpremium.com/components/family/federal-premium/edge-tlr-component-bullets/pb284etlr1

* Rumor, hasn't been published yet AFAIK.
 
Lots of years ago, I had a Ruger M77 in .280 Rem. Had I not needed some $$ back then, I'd no doubt still have it. What worked really well in that rifle for me was the 139 or 154 grain Hornady S.P.s, and IMR 4350 powder. If I still had that rifle, I'd probably still use those same components for propellant and bullet. A very capable caliber for elk, deer and antelope, and easy to reload for (IMO). I believe if I ever had the notion to have someone build a custom rifle for me, I'm pretty sure it would be in .280 Remington.
 
The .280 Rem was/is a great cartridge that, for some reason, never found it's time in the sun. Too bad, as it is a fine cartridge.
 
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