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?