280 Ackley...would you choose 168 or 180 VLD?

[JDB]

Guys, Want to see some opinions and reasoning.....

What would the pros/cons be to loading up the 168s vs 180 Berger VLDs?

What would you choose and why?

BTW, if you have any pet loads using H4831 please share.

 

[JDB]

Re: 280 Ackley...would you choose 168 or 180 VLD?

ttt

 

[turbo54]

Re: 280 Ackley...would you choose 168 or 180 VLD?

I don't have a 280, or a 280AI, but my understanding is both have the capacity to launch 180s at over 2800fps. The 168s oughtta go ~3000. Ultimately, I think your answer will depend on range. I think the 180s are going to really begin showing their advantage out past 1100-1200 yards. If you're staying at and inside 1000, the 168s are going to do great, use your barrel less, and provide less recoil.

This is all based on my knowledge of 284Win though - so the "advice" us probably worth what you paid for it.

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: 280 Ackley...would you choose 168 or 180 VLD?

I would want to know the application? The 280 is a great hunting cartridge, I'm not real up on killing paper with a 280, but if you are building one, by all means, get the Ackley version. BB

 

[FN in MT]

Re: 280 Ackley...would you choose 168 or 180 VLD?

Have a Rem 700, 24" HART, in .280 AI. My elk/deer/antelope rifle. I don't use Match bullets though. Nosler 160 gr partitions for about everything. IIRC I get right at 3000 fps with the 160's.

Sexy cartridge. Has a real "look" to it.