It's been a few days since a 6.5mm related topic popped up, so here is 6.5mm quandry.

Initial 100yd range results with factory Federal Premiums w/140 Sierra BTSPs were dismal. Subject rifle has a 1-9" twist rate. I am looking for 125-129gr loads.

Rifle: Kimber 84M 22" bbl, 1-9" twist
Chambering: .260 Rem
Powders available: 760 Win, IMR4350, H4831, Re22

I like Nosler Partititions and Hornady Interlocks. I have 125gr NPs on the way.

Ballistic Tips and all other plastic-pegged wonders need not apply, I don't use them other than varmints.

I have a Rem Model Seven in .260 Rem and I believe they use a 1:9 twist as well. I've had excellent results on the range and in the field with the 125-grain NPs. My load is a modest 43 grains of IMR4350 for 2330 fps out of the M7's barrel for 0.88" groups at 100 yards.

in my kimber 260 I use 43.6 gr of 760 behind a 120 gr barnes x bullet

My Browning Low Wall .260 loves 47.8gr H4831 with the 129gr Hornady. Averages 2860fps, and .7" groups for the last seven (I think) 3-shot groups.

John

BH, I shoot the Lapua 123gr (some 120gr SGK & NBT) out of my AI/1-8 twist. It thrives on slower powders & really likes H4350, RL19 & H4831sc, RL22 has shown promise but I haven't gotten enough rounds downrange w/ it. Being a .260ai I don't have any load data for you but I think you'll get good results w/ near max. loads using either H4831sc or RL22. H4350 is also incredibley uniform in the .260.

I have a Styer in 260 Rem that I worked up a load using Hornady's 129 grain SP, and IMR4831 at 45.7 grains of powder. I havent had a chance to chrony it yet, but it groups well, and I had a 300 yard target where 2 shots were within an inch of each other. I'm thinking with the 129 gr SP, this load will be able to handle wild hogs, blacktail deer, and such, a muley if I choose to pack it. Mine has a 23 inch barrel. I would like to hear from those hunting with the 260 about bullets and performance.
That 130 grain Swift Scirocco has my attention also, as I think it is an excellent deer on down bullet, and capable on Elk also if need be.

I'm of the old school and like Interlocks and Partitions. I usually get Interlocks to group very well and I haven't had any problems whatsoever with them on deer. I just keep them in their performance envelope. Partititions get the nod when the game gets bigger or the MV increases. I figure a 125gr bullet out of a .260 (or 6.5x55) with a MV at/above 2800 fps is at the transition point for possible Partition use.

I haven't tried the Hornady 129gr SP or the 160gr RN yet, but I will. I have a CZ550 FS in 6.5x55, the Kimber 84M in .260, and have another 6.5x55 project gun in the works (98 Mauser "Guild" rifle). Got to find what they like and feed them well .

BlackHawk, I have been pleasently surprized at how fun the 260 Rem is to shoot. I also with the 129 grain Hornady SP's have been surprized at how well they shoot for distance. I think I now am a beleiver that the 6.5 mm begrudgingly gives up velocity. I'm fine with a 300 yd flat shooting round.

While on the subject of the 260R, what velocities are you getting with handloaded 140gn pills?
Do the Rem and FED. factory loads live up to their published Vel.?

Woodjack,

I don't have a chronograph, but the Federal Premium 140gr SGK BTSPs are advertised @ 2750 fps and didn't shoot worth a sh!# in my Kimber. I haven't loaded any .260s yet either, still waiting on Nosler 125gr partitions to come in .

I have had good results in a Remington Model 7 using 43.0 grain of IMR 4350 with the Nosler 120gr BT. With 125gr Nosler PT i have good results with 39.0 gr of Varget

Chrony'd my 129 gr Hornady load yesterday, and the first shot out of a cold barrel was 2806FPS, the rest gave me an average of 2760 FPS. I am calling it good. I'm running 45.7 grains of IMR4831, fed 210m match primer. Hornady Spire Point (SP) 129 gr bullet.

I also own a 6.5x55 in a Remington Classic and see little difference between it and the .260Rem. in terms of accurate bullet selection. My rifle has a 1 in 9" barrel twist. For hunting purposes I find the Hornady 129gr. PSP excellent. For accuracy at the bench it's hard to do better than the Lapua 123gr. Scenar. The Nosler 120gr. Bal. Tip is equally accurate although I don't know about its performance as a hunting bullet. The Lapua shoots .4" groups (5 at 100yds.) in my rifle. The other two come in at .6". Your results may vary, but I suspect not by much. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

I want to be sure everyone knows this is just MY opinion. I think the 308 case necked to 6.5 is probably one of the best things to come along in a long time. GOOD brass is abundant and , Lord knows, just about anything you stuff into a 308 case is accurate all the way from a .22 to a .35 cal bullet. I think the 6.5/08 [aka 260 Rem] is at it`s best with bullets in the 120-130 gr range. This is because of the case capacity. If you want to shoot the longer 140s they will work but if velocity is the game you are only going to get 2700-2800 fps. If this is enough for you [and it is for me] so be it. The bullet construction in the 6.5s allows one to use lighter bullets and up the velocity a bit. I use the 120 Sierras and 125 Noslers for almost all deer hunting. If there is the possibility of a good solid shot at an elk , and I don`t mean one of the "close your eyes and Pray" shots, the 129 Hornady is good to go. I have taken a couple of good elk with the 129 Hornady but have limited myself and the rifle to about 200 yds. This is, to me, a reasonable distance with a well built bullet in the lighter 6.5s. If it was my 264 Mag? Then the old reliable 140 Sierra Gameking would be my choice. I will cointinue using my old 263 Express with the midrange bullets and make sure the shots are well placed. Just my .02

Aloha, Mark