Optimizing Load Development for Savage Axis 2 280 AI

Optimizing Load Development for Savage Axis 2 280 AI

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Measurement of Brass
3. Case Water Weight
4. Bullet Weight and Measurement
5. Hammer Bullets 5.1. Shock Hammer Bullets 5.2. Absolute Hammer Bullets
6. Load Data for Shock Hammer Bullets
7. Seating Depth
8. Powder Selection
9. Bullet Seating Process
10. Loading Process and Charge Weight

Article: Savage Axis 2 280 AI - Part 2: Load Development and Bullet Seating Process

Introduction In this article, we will continue our exploration of the Savage Axis 2 280 AI hunting rifle series. Specifically, we will focus on the load development of the 160 grain Shock Hammer bullet and the future inclusion of the 140 grain Absolute Hammer. Additionally, we will delve into the measurements of the brass, case water weight, bullet weight and measurement, hammer bullets, load data, seating depth, powder selection, and the bullet seating process. So, let's dive right in!

Measurement of Brass To ensure consistency in our load development, we began by measuring the overall length of five random pieces of brass. Surprisingly, the average overall length measured 2.511 inches, slightly below the SAMMI specification of 2.525 inches for the 280 AI. This deviation piqued our curiosity and set the stage for further investigation.

Case Water Weight Our next step involved checking the case water weight using grams on the scale. Converting the numbers, we obtained an average of 71.45 grains of water. However, this falls below the recommended 74 grains of water weight suggested by Quick Load and Gordon Reloading Tool. We made a note to weigh once-fired cases and compare the results.

Bullet Weight and Measurement To evaluate the weight and dimensions of the 140 grain Absolute Hammer and 160 grain Shock Hammer bullets, we obtained 15-bullet demo packs from Camera Bullet. After randomly selecting five bullets from each pack, we determined their respective weights, lengths, and diameters. The 140 grain Absolute Hammer averaged 139.26 grains with a variance of 0.06 grains, and the 160 grain Shock Hammer weighed 158.79 grains with a variance of 0.26 grains. Both bullet lengths had negligible variance, while the diameter remained consistent at 0.284 inches.

Hammer Bullets Hammer bullets, including the Shock and Absolute Hammer, serve specific purposes in hunting applications. Designed for ranges of 400 yards or less, Shock Hammers retain 80% of their bullet weight and feature a larger hollow point for rapid expansion. Absolute Hammers, on the other hand, are niche bullets intended for speed, with only the drive bands making contact with the rifling, resulting in increased velocities. However, due to their characteristics, these bullets require experimentation and careful consideration when selecting powders for increased velocity.

Load Data for Shock Hammer Bullets Unfortunatey, our search for load data for the 160 grain Shock Hammers on Hammer Bullet's website yielded no results. Turning to Nosler's manual, we sought powder selection for 160 grain bullets. Quick Load provided additional guidance, but we found no data specifically tailored to the 280 AI. Nevertheless, using Nosler's 280 Remington data as a baseline, we determined an approximate 5-grain increase for the 280 AI.

Seating Depth Due to the aggressive ogive of both Shock and Absolute Hammer bullets, adherence to SAMMI or reloading manual suggestions for seating depth proved impractical. Rather, we experimented with different seating depths, using the PDR band as a reference point. After numerous attempts and testing for bullet jamming by chambering and extracting, we arrived at a seating depth of 3.146 inches for the Absolute Hammer, resulting in a jump of approximately 0.054 inches.

Powder Selection Considering the absence of load data for the 280 AI and the Shock Hammer bullets on Ramshot's website, we resorted to using the 280 Remington data as a starting point. Ramshot Hunter, a slow-burning powder, appeared favorable for our purposes. We settled on a 100-case fill weight of 56.5 grains, just above the SAMMI pressure limit, and planned to incrementally increase the charge weight from 53.5 grains in one-grain increments. Additionally, we opted for a half charge of 56 grains, slightly under the SAMMI maximum, to allow for additional testing.

Bullet Seating Process Having established the seating depth, we utilized Quick Load to fine-tune our approach. Hornady custom-grade dies, known for their consistency, were employed for the seating process. Preferably, we crimped the bullets just above the PDR band and added a very light crimp to ensure stability.

Loading Process and Charge Weight For new brass, we chamfered and deburred all the cases, ensuring consistency throughout. Five cases were run through the depriming die for uniformity. Primers were single-stage seated at a height of 0.005 inches. Ramshot Hunter powder was meticulously measured, falling within 0.02 grains of the desired charge weight. Custom marking denoted the charge weight on each case, even though it was not entirely necessary given the bullet's deep seating. Finally, the bullets were loaded and lightly crimped.

In conclusion, we have made significant progress in our load development for the Savage Axis 2 280 AI rifle. By measuring brass, assessing case water weight, examining bullet weight and measurement, exploring hammer bullets, establishing load data and seating depth, selecting appropriate powder, and executing the bullet seating process, we have set the stage for the next exciting phase in our Journey. Stay tuned for our upcoming adventure, where we will conduct pressure and velocity tests to further refine our load development efforts.