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GAP Custom now in Hand :)

K

kskevin

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 13, 2010
250
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Cincinnati
#1
Recently got my custom build back from GAP and couldn't be happier. Been working load development over the past couple of weeks and am starting to see just how damn accurate this thing is and I'm very encouraged.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Build Details</span>
Started with a Rem 700 LA mountain rifle
Jewell trigger @ 2#
Chambered in 280 Ackley Improved
Bartlein 1/8.7 twist, 24", Vais brake
Manners T2 stock (Todd did a desert storm type pattern in custom colors).
Bolt: new handle, fluted, side release bolt stop
Topped it off with the SWFA SS 5-20x50 (Badger rail, Seekins med rings)

IMG_5770.jpg

IMG_5771.jpg

IMG_5774.jpg

IMG_5777.jpg
 
#3
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

Have focused on finding a load for Berger 168g VLDs at this point and have landed on the following

Nosler brass
F210
59.2g H4831sc
seating -0.080" off lands

Velocity running 2811fps
Groups consistently running 0.3 -0.7"

Next is to work up a load for Hornady 162g Amax and then Nosler 160g ABs. May come back to the Berger 168g and try some Hodgdon H1000 to see if I can still get the accuracy but add a bit more velocity.
 
#5
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

Todd came up with the color scheme and pattern. Brandon did the actual painting.

The Manners team was great to work with. Todd and I talked where I was hunting, Todd sent some pics for ideas, and we went from there.
 
#7
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

Here is the target from the final load I shared with the Berger 168g VLD. I need to load some more up and see if I can repeat this a few times without pulling one.

280AIH4831scBerger168VLD80thous.jpg
 
#10
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

I went up to 59.5 but starting to see ejector marks (very faint). I can occasionally see an ejector mark at 59.2g but very, very faint (have to hold the casing just right with the light). Bolt lift is unaffected, primer has very, very slight cratering.
 
#12
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

Try RL 22 56.5 grains to start

with 56.5 grains I was getting 2800 fps with 180s and a 26 inch tube
no pressure signs at all

it was amazing in my GAP 280 Ackley with 180 bergers. It averaged in the .3s for 5 shots at 100. I have quite a few targets that were better than that. Mine was built by moon
 
#13
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

257

I've read about the RL powders delivering the extra MV but being quite temp sensitive. I target shoot in the summer with temps in the 90s but hunt in western KS in Dec when temps can be unpredicatable from 10-50F. Also have a Wyoming hunt this year.

Do you see the temp issues? If so, do you have any other powder reco's for the heavier 7mm bullets? Was thinking about either H1000 or Retumbo (I'm worried Retumbo will be quite compacted to get the higher MVs esp given my rifle is liking the Bergers seated deeper @ -0.080") but not sure if H1000 will deliver much more MV. Any data on these two powders in the 280AI?
 
#14
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

Hey KSKevin I use RL-15 in my 308 and it is not temp sensitive in south carolina. I know that we dont have the crazy temp changes like ya'll do but temp vary from high 20's in the winter to the high 90's. Also have used RL-22 in a 300 win mag. Both powder did really good. Hope this helps.
 
#17
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what is the contour on your barrel and weight of rig? </div></div>

Bartlein #3 contour. Wt is a little over 8# before I mounted the scope and bipod (should be about 10.5 with them added).
 
#18
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: saleen63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey KSKevin I use RL-15 in my 308 and it is not temp sensitive in south carolina. I know that we dont have the crazy temp changes like ya'll do but temp vary from high 20's in the winter to the high 90's. Also have used RL-22 in a 300 win mag. Both powder did really good. Hope this helps. </div></div>

Thanks Saleen. Any chrono data on similar loads when shooting at the various temps?
 
#19
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

I only have chrono data for the 308 in the summer.
lupua brass
Rl-15 43.4gr
168 berger
out of 24 krieger
2722 was the avg. and the ES was 16 ft/sec
with this load the groups avg .350 @ 100 yards
I did this in june and the temp was 92 or 94.

Also nosler edition 6 has some really good reloading data for the 280AI.

Hoppfully in the next month the gunsmith that I am going to use will get the reamer and I can start loading for the 280AI also.
Good luck on the loads.
 
#20
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: saleen63</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Nice rifle. Please keep this post updated on the loads you work up. I am getting a 280 AI build and have been trying to find loads for it. Again nice rifle. </div></div>

Will post further updates on load work in the reloading section.
 
#21
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KSKevin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">257

I've read about the RL powders delivering the extra MV but being quite temp sensitive. I target shoot in the summer with temps in the 90s but hunt in western KS in Dec when temps can be unpredicatable from 10-50F. Also have a Wyoming hunt this year.

Do you see the temp issues? If so, do you have any other powder reco's for the heavier 7mm bullets? Was thinking about either H1000 or Retumbo (I'm worried Retumbo will be quite compacted to get the higher MVs esp given my rifle is liking the Bergers seated deeper @ -0.080") but not sure if H1000 will deliver much more MV. Any data on these two powders in the 280AI? </div></div>

I didn't have temp issues with RL22

As you see I live in Flirida where it is hot. I took my rifle to Kabsas last year and killed my biggest deer to date. Made a great shot at 300 yards. Hit him right where I aimed and I could only see his head and a piece of neck. 180s hit him like a MAC truck. Scored 165 3/8!
smile.gif


I would have liked to try other powders. RL22 just shot to good to change up.

I shot that rifle out to 1200 yards in West Virginia with no problems.

I am actually having another 280 Ackley built in a few monthes with Robert Gradous. Can't wait. Gonna be a sick huntin rifle.

Specs

Pre 64 Model 70.. The works by Greg Tannel
MCM Sako Varmint Stock
Kreiger Sendero 25 inches
Jewell
Williams BDL

Can't wait to start letting some critters hit the dirt with it!
 
#23
Re: GAP Custom now in Hand :)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KSKevin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">257

I've read about the RL powders delivering the extra MV but being quite temp sensitive. I target shoot in the summer with temps in the 90s but hunt in western KS in Dec when temps can be unpredicatable from 10-50F. Also have a Wyoming hunt this year.

Do you see the temp issues? If so, do you have any other powder reco's for the heavier 7mm bullets? Was thinking about either H1000 or Retumbo (I'm worried Retumbo will be quite compacted to get the higher MVs esp given my rifle is liking the Bergers seated deeper @ -0.080") but not sure if H1000 will deliver much more MV. Any data on these two powders in the 280AI? </div></div>

Fellas, I've had good luck w/ Retumbo and the 280AI. Groups are averaging in the .5 to .6 moa range w/ 168g Bergers and 2925fps w/ 14 ES. Load is 61.5g. All disclaimers apply as your MVMV and start lower and work up! This is the load I'm taking elk hunting in WY this year.
I used RL 22 w/ good success and 140g Bergers at 3250fps worked up in 60 degree temps and liked it right up to the time when shooting at 102 degrees, I split a case, broke the extractor, and custom imprinted my bolt face! Lesson learned!

I am now using H4831sc for the 140s at 3225 w/ no pressure signs and shooting in 95+ degree weather. GREAT deer/antelope load and shoots in the .5s for stick.
Rem700-Bartlien 26in-1:9twist-Vias brake. I'm purty sweet on this round!

Good luck w/ the work up. It's gonna make ya famous amongst your shootin buddies.
 
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