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Might get a chance for a cow or mule deer hunt next year, so I'm starting to look at loads.
I have a .280 rem, with one minor issue. It is built on a Mauser 98 military action, so I'm limited to a 3.300" COL to function effectively through the mag. I've been using relatively light to midweight for caliber bullets on MN deer with a low BC to get around this. Speer 145 grand slam has been my go-to. This bullet would certainly be tough enough for elk, but the BC is on the low side to push it to 300 yards. Wondering what is out there that might fit in my envelope. Considering the 150 Nos Part or the 140 AB, or perhaps a conventional Speer Hot core 160 or the Hornady 162 BTSP or 175 flat base. I think either of these will be "short" enough to load without seating too deeply and still have the ballistics for 300+. Also curious about the heavier Accubonds. I've been able to run a speer 160BTSP to peak velocities without pressure signs, wonder if one of those would work also. I've been able to get near or better than 1" accuracy with nearly every bullet I've tried in this rifle, so not worried about working up an effective load with any of the above.
I have a .280 rem, with one minor issue. It is built on a Mauser 98 military action, so I'm limited to a 3.300" COL to function effectively through the mag. I've been using relatively light to midweight for caliber bullets on MN deer with a low BC to get around this. Speer 145 grand slam has been my go-to. This bullet would certainly be tough enough for elk, but the BC is on the low side to push it to 300 yards. Wondering what is out there that might fit in my envelope. Considering the 150 Nos Part or the 140 AB, or perhaps a conventional Speer Hot core 160 or the Hornady 162 BTSP or 175 flat base. I think either of these will be "short" enough to load without seating too deeply and still have the ballistics for 300+. Also curious about the heavier Accubonds. I've been able to run a speer 160BTSP to peak velocities without pressure signs, wonder if one of those would work also. I've been able to get near or better than 1" accuracy with nearly every bullet I've tried in this rifle, so not worried about working up an effective load with any of the above.
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