Bernie P.

Hi folks,I finally decided to give reloading a try.After reading up I have a good idea what I need as far the tools go but I need some advice as to powders,primers,and bullets.I got an old copy of the Sierra 2nd edition manual and will be ordering the Lee Manual along with the other stuff.
Over the years I saved almost all the brass from my 7x57.Haven't even shot my new .280 yet but I've got a couple boxes of factory ammo on hand.As far as bullets go I'm leaning towards 140gr,150gr from Sierra and Nosler.I'll be using them on deer.Any advice as far as loads go with regards to powders/charge,primers,whatever.Any advice appreciated.

riverboss

i have shot a 280 for 25 years and reload alittle im not a pro but i would recomend the 140 gr nosler for whitetail i use to shoot the ballistic tip all the time but ive heard that they have changed them some. go to midway usa and look at the bullets they have, they have a thing where other people have used a particular bullet and they tell how it performed for them ,very informational i use 4350 powder and win primers start out with a little slower velocity load that you would like just to get your experience of powder measuring down and dont load lighter that that load .it can cause higher pressure and mabe cause problems. it not that hard to do make sure you get a powder trinkler and a good primer tool, dont touch your primers with you fingers oil will ruin them , good press lee makes a very good cheap press and dies ,RCBS is top line but you dont need it ,except for your scale and thats where you shouldnt skimp get a good balance beam type i dont have a brass tumbler i clean mine by hand i use brasso. clean your primer pockets and use lube to resize theres nothing worse that having a stuck case hope this helps.

Superpig

I've hunted with a 280 since 1995. I reload for all my firearms. Over the years I have had the best luck with RL19 & CCI, or Federal primers. I've used Remington brass and have lately switched to Norma brass. I didn't really like the remington brass (too hard) & the only thing available from Winchester is nickel brass that I don't like either. I've used Nosler BT's & Barnes TSX in my 280 and obtain sub moa accuracy with both bullets using RL19.

eldeguello

With 140-160 grain bullets in the 7X57mm, I have found IMR 4350 and WW760-H414 to be very good powders. The 140 Nosler Partition is a great mule deer bullet. For the 175-grain I use a case full of Alliant RL22 or Norma MRP1 in the 7X57mm. MRP1 is also good in the 280. Handloaded, the 7X57mm can equal the 280 FACTORY AMMO. Handloaded, the 280 can beat 7mm Rem. Mag. factory ammo, which in recent years has been "wimp-ized".

Pawildman

My .280 Rems love IMR 4350 in fairly healthy doses under 139-140 gr. bullets, both Hornady and Nosler. 9 1/2 Rem. primers. Never could get Sierras to shoot up to my expectations in them.....

Bernie P.

Thanks all!I'll be ordering today.I'm sure after I get my hands on things I'll have more questions.

eldeguello

In the USA, the 7X57mm has to be handloaded to reach its' potential. Handloaded, it is a wonder cartridge! So is the .280 Rem......

Bernie P.

eldeguello You don't have to sell me on the 7x57.It was my first centerfire (Ruger M77) about 32 years ago and it's still going strong.Up until I bought the Ruger Hawkeye in .280 a few weeks ago it was my only CF.I've never needed to shoot far so the factory ammo was plenty good enough.With ammo cost's going up I decided to take advantage of it's full potential and save some green in the process.

Remnard

Not with Federal premium with Nosler partitions!

Bernie P.

The Hornady Light Mag 140gr is a great factory load to.Midway already shipped my order.UPS track says it should be here Monday!