I loaded up some 129 gr. Hornady Interlock SP over RL19. Average of 6 groups (3 shots) were 1.55" @ 110 yards. Now, this was the first time I've shot my 260 (M700) with its new fiberglass stock, so I don't really know if it was the load, the stock, or me. It was my first time shooting lefty, and I haven't done much shooting since last August, none since early January. I do know my rifle could shoot MOA or less with other loads, factory laminate stock, and me shooting right handed last summer. This was the only load I tried, and I never have shot this bullet before.

I used R-P cases, and CCI BR-2 match primers. C.O.L. was 2.84", just a hair short of the lands. I worked up from 45.5 grs to the MAX in the Hornady #5, 48.0 grs. No pressure signs, and velocity was a mild 2760 fps avg at the top load. ES was 23 fps for the 48.0 gr. load. That was my best group, 1.18" for 3 shots @ 48 grs. RL19.

Any comments or suggestions? I guess I was hoping for closer to MOA average and 2850 fps. Should I try another powder, and seat the bullets .020" off? Or should I try a proven load that I know shoots pretty good to see if it is the stock?

Tod, at the risk of wasting more components I would go back to a proven load. If that shoots well I would start back with the RL-19. BTW Nosler #5 claims that 47.0 grains was their most accurate load with their 125 part. for 2980 fps out of their 24" test barrel.
Good Luck

Thanks, I will load up some loads that I know shoot accurate.

I think I might of gotten a slow lot of RL19, the 2 other loads I've chrony'd from it were slow too. They were about 200 fps or more less than expected. I'm all out of it now I think, so I guess I'll have to buy some more. I have a couple loads yet to be tested with that lot of RL19 (7mm Mag & 260), so maybe they will be slow too.

I know a 260/129 gr. out of a 22" barrel should do 2800 fps or a bit more with the MAX loads.

Interesting as it chronos slow out of my 24" 300WSM also but I have found a couple of loads so accurate that they help me get over the somewhat lacking MV............

Sorry about commenting on a different cartridge here but my most accurate hunting load in 3 rifles in 6.5x55 was 46gr rl-19 under the 140gr nosler partition sparked by a cci br-2 in Norma cases.two Swedes a `96 and a model 38 short rifle,and in my re-barreled 98 with 26" Douglas heave barrel,this rifle with an lod Redfield rear and Lyman 17a front almost always shot under 1 moa (better with younger eyes behind it)I know this was not a max load,but it shot so well in them all.hell 3 rifles,1 load,only difference was seating depth.In my opinion you should be able to get better groups but who am I to know.I`ve also had good luck with rl-15 with 120gr bullets,never tried the 129gr.only reason I tried it was I have a lot on hand for my 9.3x62.good luck & have fun working with it.Great little cartridges those 6.5mm`s. JMHO

Tod,

For what it's worth both Montero and I could not get this bullet to group well, him in his 6.5x65or57R and me in my 6.5x55.