Thread: 280 with 168 Bergers

My brother has recently picked up a 280 and is keen to get a load for 168 bergers.

As usual at the moment our options are limited and is looking to try with N560.

Has anyone got experience with this combo? Data seems a little hard to find.

Feel free to chime in with any suggestions as this is the first 280 we have tried to load for.

I have some Eldm 162's that we can try if the 168's don't work out.

Cheers.

I run 162 AMAX in my 280ai using N560, getting 2980 fps and 0.5moa or better. Should work ok with 168 VLDs or 162 ELDMs, but bare in mind you won’t get the same velocities out of a standard 280 compared to ackley improved version.

Whats the target species I use both projectiles both will do them all but the eldm is a little better on lighter frammed animals fallow goats etc the bergers are stone cold killers on pumped up red stags and bull tahr the eldm being significantly cheaper and the berger being much better made

Sika will be the main target, Hoping to get 2700 which I think it should easily do.

Just looking for a starting point.

N560 would be a good starting point as would N165. I've been using N165 with good success in a 280AI for years. Other powders (N560) may bring slightly higher velocities but I'm getting 2900 fps with the 162 AMAX/eldm. There is no need to chase every last fps with this projectile if you go that way.

close cousin..I use 170grn speer rn in .270 good dose of ar2213sc or hodgdon equivilent pushes them along nicely and kill well

In my 7x65R (similar case capacity to 280) I’m using 57.5gr 2213sc with a 162 amax for 2750fps

Um, when I say starting point I'm referring to charge weight.

There are several powders that will do the job however he has 560 and wishes to use that. Just need a starting charge weight and can take it from there.

Have emailed Vihtavouri but no reply so far.

Thanks for the input though

Originally Posted by Hayden C

N560 would be a good starting point as would N165. I've been using N165 with good success in a 280AI for years. Other powders (N560) may bring slightly higher velocities but I'm getting 2900 fps with the 162 AMAX/eldm. There is no need to chase every last fps with this projectile if you go that way.

Sorry my velocity will play a part in my experience to use either with confidence keep us posted with how you get on

Originally Posted by 7mm tragic

Um, when I say starting point I'm referring to charge weight.

There are several powders that will do the job however he has 560 and wishes to use that. Just need a starting charge weight and can take it from there.

Have emailed Vihtavouri but no reply so far.

Thanks for the input though

If it helps IMR4831 is a close match for N560.

There is some data here for 160g bullets that will give you a starting point: https://shootersreference.com/reload...280-remington/

52.5gr should be a pretty safe starting point

Nosler load data base has some info on 160-168 gn pills with N560 or N165.
Agree somewhere around 52-53 gn would be a conservative start point, work up carefully & expect pressure signs around 56-57gn

Update,

Testing was started at 54 and ended at around 58

Max velocity was around 2800 so we at least have a useful speed range to find some accuracy with (hopefully)

Thanks everyone.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

close cousin..I use 170grn speer rn in .270 good dose of ar2213sc or hodgdon equivilent pushes them along nicely and kill well

Oooh, do you know where I can find some of them?

nope...havent been made for many years....I have enough to see me out..lapua do make a great 160grn mega round nose.... bought some off belmont ,,,shit must be 30 years ago lol