Thread: Forbes 280AI Load Development

Hi all,

Have a bit of time on my hands at moment so thought I'd put this up for a) those who are interested and b) for those who might have any ideas to offer etc.

As above, I've got a new Forbes in 280AI with a VX6 on top & a mate & I are working up some loads for it - ok, he is working up loads for it. Cheers Phil.

I'm taking a gamble on the new (& unproven?) ELD-Xs having good terminal performance. ADI2217 gave the highest velocity on their website so we started with that.

57 Grains


58.0 Grains - sorry not sure what happened to this target but the velocities were 2704, 2645, 2666.

58.5 Grains


59 Grains


59.5 Grains


60 Grains


60.5 Grains


61 Grains


So, 61 Grains is looking like the clear winner . Next trip is to shoot two 3 shot groups of 61grains to validate it - these are the top two groups on the next target.

Also, of interest is ADI2225 which Phil uses in his 7mmRM which gives him around 3050fps with the 162ELD-x. We were a bit surprised to see the 280AI 250fps behind the 7mmRM so were interested to see what 2225 would deliver. So, we loaded 1 round at each increment with 2225 to test for pressure & velocity. Not sure which shots are what powder charge.




So, 61grain looks like it'll do the job at around 2800fps BUT 2225 looks like it'll deliver higher velocities. Our next step is to load up groups of 63.5g, 64g & 64.5g of 2225 & see what happens. It's fair to say this is a full case.

Will post those results when they're in.

Reflections so far....
- The Forbes is a shooter. The Timney trigger is awesome.
- Seems to shoot most combinations well. Might be less fussy than other rifles.
- Interesting to see that the 2225 ladder shot so tightly given the varying powder charges.
- Recoil is lively but noticeably less than Phils 7mmRM Sako Finlite which weighs nearly 1kg more. We were surprised by this.
- The barrel is probably still wearing in & settling down so things may tighten up further yet.

Cheers all. Hope this is useful to someone. Anyone else fiddling with a Forbes &/or a 280AI?

Whats the length of barrel mate, seems pretty slow. Mates 280AI could run the 162 Amax at over 2900 no problem with a 24" barrel. Think he was up closer to 3k at one point, but 2900 gave better accuracy.

He wasnt using either of those powders tho.

Yeh I'd agree as I had a Kimber and had the 150 AB at 3150 and the 162 up to 2960-2990. No pressure but plenty of boot and some of the powders I was using were too temperate sensitive and on one day would be 40 fps slower and the next the same but faster so I settled with ADI 2217.


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What's the rifle weigh ready to roll with the VX6 on it?

Originally Posted by GWH

Whats the length of barrel mate, seems pretty slow. Mates 280AI could run the 162 Amax at over 2900 no problem with a 24" barrel. Think he was up closer to 3k at one point, but 2900 gave better accuracy.

He wasnt using either of those powders tho.

Its got a 24" barrel too. I agree that 2800 does seem slow & that I was hoping to get around 2900.

Any idea what powder your mate was using? I'm going to stick with ADI because of availability.

I'll ask him

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Originally Posted by Danny

Yeh I'd agree as I had a Kimber and had the 150 AB at 3150 and the 162 up to 2960-2990. No pressure but plenty of boot and some of the powders I was using were too temperate sensitive and on one day would be 40 fps slower and the next the same but faster so I settled with ADI 2217.


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That's some impressive speeds. I hear what you're saying about temp stability - thats the other reason I'm keen to stick with ADI as they seem more consistent. Do you mind sharing what load of 2217 you settled on & what velocity you were getting?

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

What's the rifle weigh ready to roll with the VX6 on it?

Cant answer at the moment as Phils got it. But from memory its around 3.1-3.2kg with the 3-18x44.

N560 is best for speed and accuracy in 280
2900 easily achievable in a standard 280 with 24 inch barrel and 59 gns

@Feebz I'd have to have a look around for details but I know it wasn't pushed into the high 2900's but more 2920 but it was a hell of a lot better for availability, consistency and my safety
Can you put up a photo of the Forbes? An interesting proposition but I'd like one in a younger calibre.


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Originally Posted by Echo

N560 is best for speed and accuracy in 280
2900 easily achievable in a standard 280 with 24 inch barrel and 59 gns

Thanks for that. I've done some googling and it appears you're quite right. I'll try & get my hands on some. Cheers

Originally Posted by Danny

@Feebz I'd have to have a look around for details but I know it wasn't pushed into the high 2900's but more 2920 but it was a hell of a lot better for availability, consistency and my safety
Can you put up a photo of the Forbes? An interesting proposition but I'd like one in a younger calibre.


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Thanks for having a look. We've loaded up some higher charges of 2217 so we'll see if it'll get us to 2900 (safely).

The proposition was a lightweight rifle for multi-day trips that sits just under magnum capability that could be (somewhat comfortably) shot without a suppressor or brake. You wouldn't want a scope that is any larger - I might look at taking my 2-12 off another rifle (if i find a cheaper substitute to put on that).

Nice rifle, a perfect setup.


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So, 2225 isn't a goer. The 63g group was poor & then it showed pressure at 63.5g.

As mentioned, we'll explore higher loads of 2217 & look into n560.

Originally Posted by Feebz

Its got a 24" barrel too. I agree that 2800 does seem slow & that I was hoping to get around 2900.

Any idea what powder your mate was using? I'm going to stick with ADI because of availability.

59gr of 2213sc for 2900 from 24" 280AI, near max so work up