lancetkenyon

How bad does the brass show pressure? Ejector marks? Case head swipe? Loose primer pockets? Resize it and check the primer pocket. If the primer pocket is good and still fairly tight, reload it. I always run brass to the point of pressure in a ladder test. It is always fine as long as I stop on the first or second load that shows pressure. How sticky is the bolt? And was it with virgin brass? You could very well not have pressure on a once fired fire formed case with proper headspacing. To be honest, a 168 Berger @ 2940fps does not sound too hot in a .280AI. I run a 160 TMK @ 2991 and a 175 Berger @ 2975 with no pressure. I checked my load workup when I was trying 168 HVLDs over H4831, and I started @ 58.0 and did not hit pressure until I hit 59.5gr H4831. I know each rifle is different. What primers are you using? I use Fed GM210M, and not a magnum primer which will increase pressure and speeds.

Amazing rifle!!! Misprint on speed though, it is 3147fps. Shoots smooth, and extremely accurate. Built by Axisworks, what more needs to be said!

The 90 HVLD @ 3300 in a 1:7" would work too. At 4000 AMSL, 59*F, still has 1000ft/lbs & 2240fps @ 720 yards. 715ft/lbs & 1893fps @ 1000 yards. I have a buddy whose daughter has killed 3 mulie does with a .223 Rem shooting the 69 SMK @ 3000fps out to 230 yards. So I think heavier and faster would whoop a Coues buck. I think DSE has a .22-250 AI with a fast twist shooting heavies.....

My EH1 is 26.5oz. w. Sendero contour inletting (before bedding)

You can keep up to 100 different shooting strings. They give you ES, SD, and average, you can see each shot velocity, and they give you up to 5 (I think) velocities at given yardages. I do MV, 25, 50, 75, 95. Amazing how fast a bullet bleeds off speed. You don't have to shoot "through" it, you do not have to set it up perfectly aligned both L-R & U/D flat and square, you don't have to strap it to your barrel, easy to read, you do not have to worry about environmental issues like clouds/sun/rain, keep it on the bench or shooting mat at your fingertips.

7mm 140 Barnes XLC from a 7 STW @ 3400fps...…. Yeah, it was that long ago that I shot my good Coues.

Bump for an amazing rifle. Perfect mountain rifle for deer and elk out to 800 or so.

Sierra took their Match King line, added a plastic tip, and labeled it TGK for hunting for those not willing to shoot a "match" bullet on game. Basically a TMK (tipped match king). Which I love in my .280AI. I shoot the 160 TMK @ 2991fps. 3 shots @ 100 5 shots @ 200 after zeroing Keep working with them. They should come around.

I love mine too. No suppressors in my arsenal, so no issues. Never get readings at the range from benches next to me. The ONLY issue I have is battery life. Get a battery pack, and you are golden. I go through 6 AA every week pretty much for a 5-6 hour shooting session, and I am really good about turning it off between firing strings.

And what part of TX? Drive time? And hunting time of year?

You sunofabich! This rifle is awesome. It shot multiple groups in the .3s by both the owner and myself. Awesome mountain rifle for deer/elk. It is immaculate. Has a Triggrr Tech @ 1.5# if I remember correctly.

Save a horse, ride a cowboy..….

I like a great set of 10x42s and a great set of 15x56s personally. 10s in a chest harness always, and they ride a tripod when glassing under 1 mile. 15x56s always on a tripod for glassing out to 3 or so miles. And a great spotter for taking a good look at anything.

In my .280AI, I use H1000 under a 160 TMK @ 2991fps. I use RL23 under a 175 Berger Elite @ 2975fps. RL23 is very temp stable. And accurate. And gets good speeds.

I found two female pits who had obviously had a few litters in the past way out between Canyon and Apache Lakes this morning coming back from a site. They would not let me touch them. I got within 3', but no closer. Sure wish I could have wrangled them in the truck to bring them back in. After 10 minutes of me coaxing, they took off. Bums me out seeing people dumping animals. My dogs are family.

The "guy" has a man-bun and shoulder pads......so…...yeah. Probably gluten free, vegan, organic pizza too. We would have gotten beat up at lunch recess......

Go shoot it. If it shoots good….it is a good gun! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_Mauser

If you want REALLY temp stable, think about H1000. I think it is the perfect powder for a hunting 7RM with 160+ bullets. I use it under 160 NAB, 160 TMK, 168 SMK, 168 HVLD, 168 LRX, 175 Berger Elite, 175 ELD-X, 180 HVLD, 180 Hybrids, and 184 Hybrids in various rifles chambered in 7RM with excellent success. Very temp stable, clean burning, cooler burning, and very accurate. ES/SD has always been very good as well. Not the absolute best speeds, but consistent lot to lot across temps from -4 to 110+ from what I have found.

I have been having photos come through to my phone like crazy from guys I helped out with tips and locations to try in a few units. The snow seemed to really help. Seems like a lot of elk hit the ground this year from what I have seen. Sure wish I could have been out. 1st year in the past 8 I have not been helping someone in the family.

I have no problem shooting nice rifles on your dime....

This makes me sad.... At least you kept the two REALLY accurate ones......you are keeping them, right?

If this was an SA, I would be all over it. Might still have to get it if you have it in a week. You know....for my next build.....

I have seen some good bucks taken from 12AW late so far. From 3 different people. One absolute brute from a great guide I know, and two great DIY late bucks.

This rifle shoots! 215 Hybrids @ almost 3100fps into .3s.