280 AI bullet selection

[LightFoot]

I just bought a Browning X-Bolt Pro 280 A.I. and a Swarovski X5i 3.5-18x50 (on sale at Eurooptic).

Got a couple boxes of Nosler 160 Partition and ordered 50 rounds of 140 VLD from Unknown Munitions.

After barrel break-in, I am going to have a load built up for backcountry hunting up to and including elk. I have taken game out to 425 and I do not anticipate shooting beyond 500.

My current plan is loading the Berger 168 VLD to 2950+ fps. I want one bullet for everything.

Can I trust this bullet on Elk and quartering shots?

Should I go with a mono-metal like the CX or LRX?

 

[jzeblaz]

Hey there. Good question! I've shot elk from my 280 Rem. with both the 168 Berger and 168 LRX, at around 2800 fps. Both died pretty much immediately, one was a cow at 220 yards with the Berger and pretty big bull at 80ish yards with the LRX. If it was me, I'd stick with the mono metals. They can be a little tricky to dial in sometimes, but Bergers seem to have tremendous accuracy. I'd say your larger question with the Bergers is at close range, sub 100 yards, I'd think them less ideal. I'm working up loads with Hammer bullets this year. They show a lot of promise and seem to check all the boxes. A bullet I have and would consider is the 160 Accubond. They seem to have a stellar reputation and are plenty accurate. I'm in a state that requires leadfree, so I don't load up the leadies unless I have a hunt out of state in mind. What part of Texas are you in? I've hunted in Hondo once and had a great time. Best of luck and good luck in your search.

 

[Tyler Holderby]

160 accubond is hard to beat in situations you describe, shot range to shot angle. From what I've witnessed, it's an all around performer.

 

[sneaky]

That X Bolt has a fast twist barrel on it doesn't it? Opens up a lot of choices. Accubonds, Absolute Hammers, Cutting Edge Lazers, Bergers, Hornady if they're your thing. Mine shoots great with everything from 140 SGKs, to 145 LRX, 155 terminal ascent, 140 Accubonds, 168 VLDs. Most 280AI aren't too picky, that's why they're fun to shoot.

 

[LightFoot]

Hey there. Good question! I've shot elk from my 280 Rem. with both the 168 Berger and 168 LRX, at around 2800 fps. Both died pretty much immediately, one was a cow at 220 yards with the Berger and pretty big bull at 80ish yards with the LRX. If it was me, I'd stick with the mono metals. They can be a little tricky to dial in sometimes, but Bergers seem to have tremendous accuracy. I'd say your larger question with the Bergers is at close range, sub 100 yards, I'd think them less ideal. I'm working up loads with Hammer bullets this year. They show a lot of promise and seem to check all the boxes. A bullet I have and would consider is the 160 Accubond. They seem to have a stellar reputation and are plenty accurate. I'm in a state that requires leadfree, so I don't load up the leadies unless I have a hunt out of state in mind. What part of Texas are you in? I've hunted in Hondo once and had a great time. Best of luck and good luck in your search.

Thanks for the reply. I live in College Station.
There are some great hunting spots in Hondo. I tool a good Stag and Whitetail in Hondo.

I'm keeping my eye out for the 160 Accubond and 145 (and 168) LRX.

I have some Hammer bullets in .308 but haven't shot any yet. I would love to hear how it goes with your 280.

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[LightFoot]

That X Bolt has a fast twist barrel on it doesn't it? Opens up a lot of choices. Accubonds, Absolute Hammers, Cutting Edge Lazers, Bergers, Hornady if they're your thing. Mine shoots great with everything from 140 SGKs, to 145 LRX, 155 terminal ascent, 140 Accubonds, 168 VLDs. Most 280AI aren't too picky, that's why they're fun to shoot.

Yes to barrel twist. I believe I could stabilize 180s, not that I want to... but then again...

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[mossyoak52]

155 terminal accent 150/162 eldx

 

[mossyoak52]

That X Bolt has a fast twist barrel on it doesn't it? Opens up a lot of choices. Accubonds, Absolute Hammers, Cutting Edge Lazers, Bergers, Hornady if they're your thing. Mine shoots great with everything from 140 SGKs, to 145 LRX, 155 terminal ascent, 140 Accubonds, 168 VLDs. Most 280AI aren't too picky, that's why they're fun to shoot.

1/8 twist

 

[LightFoot]

155 terminal accent 150/162 eldx

I would love to find a box. I'm so excited about these bullets... just can't find any.

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[LightFoot]

Tried the one box of factory ammo I could find:
Nosler 160 Partition.

Gun didn't care for the ammo much.
~1.5MOA off bipod and rear bag.

Waiting on some 140 VLD from Unknown Munitions.

Thinking hard about 180 VLD-H or 175 ELD-X if I can find any.

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[Molon Labe]

168 Berger VLDs will shoot well out of your 280ai. Try H4831. They shoot well out of any 7mm. I’ve done development on about a dozen different 7mm in past two years and all ate 168 VLDs nicely.
Anecdotal but I killed a bull with my 280ai running 168vlds at 2940…he was 806 across a canyon. High lung behind shoulder dropped and died right there.
With Berger’s I prefer a high lung shot…stay away from bone they will come apart a little too much when impacting bone.

 

[Llama32]

I just bought a Browning X-Bolt Pro 280 A.I. and a Swarovski X5i 3.5-18x50 (on sale at Eurooptic).

Got a couple boxes of Nosler 160 Partition and ordered 50 rounds of 140 VLD from Unknown Munitions.

After barrel break-in, I am going to have a load built up for backcountry hunting up to and including elk. I have taken game out to 425 and I do not anticipate shooting beyond 500.

My current plan is loading the Berger 168 VLD to 2950+ fps. I want one bullet for everything.

Can I trust this bullet on Elk and quartering shots?

Should I go with a mono-metal like the CX or LRX?

Am I 280AI with a 26-in barrel I shot the 162 eldms and I have shot some of the 150 Nosler ABLR
H4831sc or VV160
Magnum primers

Work magic on anything in North America elk and down