One last thing. The current twist rate is 1-9". I have read that some have troubles with stabilizing the 140grn bullets. Would you cahnge the twist rate to 1-8"?

Never ever had that problem!

1 in 9 will work just fine

I went 1-8. I'll let you know when it's up & running. I should have it back next month, Rem. M700/27" Sendero profile by PacNor.

I have two 260's that are both built on 1 in 8 twist Krieger barrels. After shooting these rifles, I would not build a 260 on anything but a 1 in 8 twist. One of my 260's is used for 600 and 1000 yard F class matches and I shooting nothing but the 140 gr. class VLD match bullets throught that tube. The other is a hunting rifle that shoots everything from the 90 gr. TNT to the 140 gr. Sierra GameKing superbly. I was surprised how well the 90 gr. TNT shot out of the 8 twist barrel. It cosistently shoots sub .5 MOA for five shot groups. If I knew how I would post a couple of the targets I have shot with the 90 gr. TNT from the 1 in 8 twist Krieger barrel.

May I be half the man my grandson thinks I am....RiverRat

I have to disagree with VapoDog and Pop on the twist rate.

I have one 260 with a one in 9 twist rate ( Rem factory 260 VLS), and two Ruger 77s with a one in 8 twist rate.

Anything over a 129 grain bullet and the one in 8 twist has it all over the 1 in 9 on accuracy.

If you own a rifle with a one in 9 twist that shoots the 140 class bullets well, I think it is more good fortune, than any thing else.

I shoot 3 different calibers in 6.5 mm, and all do a good job with the one in 8. Maybe a 264 mag or a 6.5 /06 might get by with a one in 9, but they are pushing more powder to get more velocity which ups the bullets RPMs. those RPMs.provide stability to the bullet in flight.
A faster twist gives more RPMs at a lower launch velocity, stabilizing the bullet.

If you are going to do a custom barrel, then go with a one in 8. You won't be sorry. With a one in 9, disappointment is waiting in the wings someday.

My Browning Low Wall in .260 has a 1 - 9" twist, and stabilizes 140s with no problems.

John

I've posted on another site on how I wish my Remmington 260 Mountain Rifle had a 8 in 1 twist. Seems that with the number saying they can stabilize the 140 gr. v.s. the number who can't it's pretty close. I cannot stabilize 140 gr with my 1:9 twist...and I have tried everything. I can get it to shoot 4-5 inch groups just like factory ammo, but I'm a picky bastage that wants to shoot golf balls instead of watermellons. I finally gave up and began working the Sierra Pro Hunter in 120 grains. With 36.5 grains of Viht 150 it can take out even the most cleaver golf ball at 200 yards. In my mind it's clearly incapable of FULLY stabilizing 140 grain bullets.

I have a 1-9" twist m700, and have only had keyholes with lower velocity (2350 fps) loads with the super long 140 gr. Barnes XLC. Once I bumped speeds up to 2600 fps+, they shoot sub MOA. No problems with the 140 gr. Hornady, Speer, or Nosler. I have yet to try 160 gr. bullets.

What rate of twist is the Kimber 84M??

I have a plain-Jane Rem Model Seven Youth Model that I believe has a 1:9" twist, and it shoots everything from 120s to 160s very accurately. I tried the 160s after reading a gunwriter's review article in which he said his Model Seven shot the 160s just fine. My experience confirmed his findings.

FWIW, both Sako and Tikka state that their 6.5x55Swede rifles are 1:8" twist.. a little more powerful than the 260Rem, but I reckon if they go with 1:8, it'd be a pretty good guide...