Are you going to load for this cartridge or just do factory fodder?
I went into the purchase open to the idea of getting into reloading to fine tune the accuracy of the rifle if needed as some reviews I read mentioned that the Kimbers were picky when it came to ammo.
To date I’ve shot Hornady, Nosler, and Remington 280 ammo so far (FYI – you can use regular 280 ammo in the 280 AI w/o issue although I’ve found it to be the least accurate of the three).
Based on what I’ve experienced so far at the range 150 grain Nosler AB’s shoot so well I really don’t know what could be reasonably gained – outside of any enjoyment or satisfaction I might feel from the hand loading. I’m seeing very good consistency and some very tight groups.
Here’s my final target from my first day at the range. One of the biggest things I’ve experienced that has affected accuracy so far is the impact point changing once the barrel gets hot. The barrel on my rifle is very thin to reduce weight and it doesn’t take more than 6 – 8 rounds in quick succession for it to get HOT and once that happens the accuracy falls off a bit with the point of impact always coming up a bit low. Or maybe my shooting skills fall apart. Either way…
Case in point, the center target was a fairly quick succession of 5 rounds at 100 yards through an already warm barrel. The first three were consistent at the top of the bullseye while the last two rounds hit a bit low. At the end of my 5th shot… the barrel was very HOT! I’ve seen this scenario repeated when I try to speed through too many rounds in too short a time period.
After I let the barrel cool I gave it a quick clean and put another 3 rounds through it, this time waiting about 1 – 1.5 minutes between rounds. You can see the results top-left at the tip of my pointing finger.
At this point my plan is to keep focusing on form and just getting very comfortable and familiar with the rifle and scope before I start pushing the distances. The range I’ve been shooting at is limited to 200 yards so I’ll practice at 100 – 200 yards until I feel I’m ready to stretch things a bit. I think another trip or two to the range and I should be in a good place.
So, to respond directly to your question, I’m not saying I’ve ruled out hand loading completely but for the time being I’m in brass collection mode. 
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Good luck on your on your Elk quest to the west.
