Hey guys, I purchased a Nosler 48 Liberty in .280 Ackley Improved. I was wondering if anyone has had the chance to wring one of these out? I have a scope and rings on backorder so it will be a while before I can play with my new toy.

I am curious about cutting the cerakoted barrel. And if anyone has any recommendations for a good hog/deer load.

168 gr and H-4831 is the first place I'd go.

Reloder 26 is a better powder in the .280 and i would imagine the same is true in the AI. I think any bullet from 150 to 175 grains would work fine, but i have a definite preference for 150-grain Partitions, personally.

Don't count out the 140s, though.

I too have had good success with Reloder 26 in the standard 280 and the Ackley version should also show good performance. It shines with the heavy bullets and the 168gr Berger Classic Hunter or the new 162-175gr ELD would be good choices
I mainly use my .280 as an elk rifle so the heavy bullets is all I have shot. Don't need that much bullet for deer for sure.
I think it was Jack O'Connor that said heck you can throw a soggy donut through most Texas deer

I had best luck with my Trophy Grade 280AI with 140 Accubonds
I tried heavier bullets and never had the same one ragged hole results as I did with the 140s and IMR 4831

I don't forsee using this as an elk rifle. I am interested that you guys were recommending the heavyweight bullets. I understand they buck the wind and carry energy better just seems like I may reach the point of deminshing returns pretty quick with a 168.

Why should I not trust the 140's? I have had decent luck with them in a 7x57.

I think you must be referring to my comment:



Don't count 'em out. That means DO consider them. I just had a brain fart while composing my first comment, that's all.

What's the speed difference between a 140 and 162 or 168?

I have a donor action but I'm recoil sensitive

I shoot the 140 accubonds. Killed a axis at 475 that ran about 20 yards and a whitetail does that dropped in her tracks at 525. I am get 3087 fps out of them with h4831sc and federal 215 primers.

I'm thinking about getting a cooper 92 in 280ai.

I have had my rings for a week now. The scope is hung up in Colorado and of course I am out of town for most of next week and the week after.

I also shoot 140 accubonds and 4831 sc in my 280

Robby

For hogs and deer at "normal" ranges, a good 140 would do great. The heavy, ultra hi BC bullets have their advantages at 400 or 500 yards, plus. Too far us mere mortals to shoot. If you like speed, the 120gr Ballistic Tip is a very stout bullet.

Great caliber

post some pics and range report. I really like the Nosler guns

Hi I too got a 280AI Friday. I got 140gr and 168gr Berger VLD. I use in my 7mm mag but I use RL19 in it with 140gr. I got imr 4831 and h4831 . What gr with both I do have RL22 too. Have a few Nosler brass looking for some more 280AI brass but every one is out of stock. I do have new old stock 280 rem brass. I have 2 280 rem.