280 AI project revisited

[stagpanther]

Have 100 pieces of new Nosler inbound. Just need the action now.

Don't suppose you can pm where you found it? ; )

[MarkCO]

Originally Posted by stagpanther

Don't suppose you can pm where you found it? ; )

Done

[stagpanther]

thanks.

[sako2]

Stag i dropped it to make sure i wasn't going overboard. I will start upping the charge now to see what happens.

[stagpanther]

Good luck!

[stagpanther]

UPS, after canceling delivery date three times, has updated the info on my paint package--they don't know where it is. So ordered some stuff from Brownells this time, it too will likely be shipped by UPS but maybe it will get here anyway, my "problem" shipments seem to be mostly with stuff originating from Midway, which is ironic since their "nitro" shipping used to get to me very fast.

[stagpanther]

Stag i dropped it to make sure i wasn't going overboard. I will start upping the charge now to see what happens.

Just out pf curiosity--I switched up to H4831 today and the results were pretty much the same, one shot out of each group was a way out deviation in velocity. So my conclusion is that there is either something wrong with my cartridges not being equalized or something in my set-up is changing pretty dramatically with warm up. I notice it's the first shot that usually is the "deviant"--but sometimes it's extra slow, other times it's extra fast. Magpro combined with the 180 to 185 gr VLDs makes for some very impressive velocity and energy, not really behind the 300 wby magnum by very much.

[sako2]

We're headed down the same road. The other day when i shot it was drizzling. I don't know if that affected the last shot. I did notice some of my cases have a lot of powder residue on the outside of the neck. Others are spotless.

[stagpanther]

PS--The package with paint mysteriously showed up today (!)--even though it still hasn't been updated on the tracking info. Whatever, just glad to finally have it after 2 weeks. The paint didn't quite match, but it's acceptable IMO. I have truck repair issues to attend to; but as soon as I can I'll whip up some cartridges and see how it runs. The forend extension remains easily removable.

[stagpanther]

Couldn't help myself--took a break from working on the truck and got a few shots off--noticed the difference immediately in being able to hold the reticle steady and virtually eliminating any muzzle lift. The only drawback I realize is I now have one less thing to blame for lousy groups.

[sako2]

Nice work.

[stagpanther]

Nice work.

It's been a fun one. I won't mention that in my test I still managed one shot that was an outlier.

[lefteye]

Your scope appears (in my vision) to be a NightForce. Is that correct?

[stagpanther]

Your scope appears (in my vision) to be a NightForce. Is that correct?

It's a simple budget vortex Diamondback tactical 4 x 14, since where I shoot I can only get out to about 375 yds max it's more than enough. I do have a Nightforce SHV which is probably destined for my next MDT project in 7mm STW.

[stagpanther]

Went out and shot a second group, five cartridges of 180 VLD's driven by RL 22. Now that I'm starting to get brass cycled through my new barrel, I'm really enjoying the Redding Competition Bushing Neck sizing die, the 280AI works really well with it. I also like FC's nickle-coated brass a whole lot. I had to take my truck into the shop--so I had to make do shooting off the hood of my Pontiac Vibe. The five shot group would have been stellar (for me) had I not pulled the one shot. I do think the longer forend makes for more accurate shooting.