Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For hunters who handload or favor wildcats and improved cartridges, 280 Ackley Improved ammo from Nosler offers factory precision in a chambering built around the 40-degree shoulder and stretched case capacity of P.O. Ackley’s design. The 280 Remington Ackley Improved (280 AI) maintains parent-case headstamp dimensions while sharpening the shoulder angle and minimizing body taper, yielding higher velocity and efficiency in rifles properly headspaced for the improved chamber. This Trophy Grade load features a 140-grain AccuBond bullet seated in Nosler Custom brass, hand-inspected during the packaging process and loaded to supersonic velocities that flatten trajectory at hunting ranges.
Performance at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | 280 Remington Ackley Improved 40-Degree Shoulder |
| Bullet Weight | 140 Grains |
| Bullet Type | Bonded Polymer Tip (Nosler AccuBond) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 3200 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 3183 ft-lbs |
| G1 Ballistic Coefficient | 0.485 |
| Sectional Density | 0.248 |
| Rounds per Box | 20 |
| Case | Brass (Nosler Custom) |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended Use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Nosler |
The AccuBond bullet bonds a tapered copper-alloy jacket to a lead-alloy core through a proprietary process that eliminates core voids and delivers 60-70% weight retention through bone, muscle, and hide. The white polymer tip initiates controlled expansion at impact velocities while protecting the nose during magazine cycling and recoil. At 3200 fps, this 140-grain load delivers the flat trajectory shooters expect from the 280 AI’s improved case geometry, extending point-blank range on deer-sized game and maintaining energy downrange for elk and black bear at typical hunting distances. Browse additional 280 AI ammo options for comparison loads and bullet weights.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Always follow the four rules of firearm safety — treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you do not intend to shoot, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify your rifle is chambered for the 280 Remington Ackley Improved 40-degree shoulder cartridge before loading. Firing this ammunition in a standard 280 Remington chamber can result in excessive pressure and firearm damage.
- California residents: This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information.
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