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260 Rem. Accuracy loads

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21 July 2008, 20:40
Tanker
260 Rem. Accuracy loads
What have you found for top accuracy in the 260Rem.? Thanks.
21 July 2008, 21:28
vines
I like to use RL-15 with 120 sierra.. most of the time i can get about .80 with this load. it is a little warm. but no pressure sines. it is 1 grain over max in the book., but i load 42.0
22 July 2008, 01:33
Tanker
What rifle are you loading for? I have the Browning 1885.
22 July 2008, 02:48
vines
ruger M-77 S.S. 22"
shot over croney 2920 fps
22 July 2008, 03:54
AggieDog
The 260 Rem is an extreamly accurate rifle cartridge. Every rifle is also different. I doubt you are going to have too much trouble working up an accurate load.

What rifle, what will you be hunting, preferred bullet wt, etc. There is a ton of 260 Rem load data on this board.


Socialism works great until you run out of the other person's money......
22 July 2008, 04:01
oldun
Load 48 grains of H4350 under a Hornady 129 grain SP and if you don't get half inch groups, either you can't shoot or your rifle aintalotagood Wink
THIS LOAD IS WRONG


As pointed out by Hamish below the above is wrong Eeker 48 grains is for H4831 SC
22 July 2008, 04:15
vines
i tried both 4350s, and i cannot get the 129 to group with anything. my best loads come from powders like 4064, 4320, h-380, and of course RL-15, take a look at the reloading page on this sight when you first log on.
22 July 2008, 05:39
oldun
quote:
Originally posted by vines:
i tried both 4350s, and i cannot get the 129 to group with anything. my best loads come from powders like 4064, 4320, h-380, and of course RL-15, take a look at the reloading page on this sight when you first log on.

vines
That's interesting what rifle did you shoot it in?
I'ved used the load in Remington and Kimber rifles and found it very accurate
22 July 2008, 06:15
Hamish
Gidday oldun,

That is a mighty hot load you have there.

ADI list the top load for AR2209 (H4350) at 44.3 gr for a 125gr projectile so your load of 48 br is close to 10% overload.

I'm not adverse to going over max when loading but that is quite a jump.

I load 45.5 under 120gr BT and find this quite a good load. What sort of case life are you getting?

Happy Hunting

Hamish
22 July 2008, 06:34
Hipster
quote:
Originally posted by Tanker:
What have you found for top accuracy in the 260Rem.? Thanks.



100 grain Nosler B tip
48 grains H-414
CCI -200 primer
Win 7-08 brass FLR

120 Nosler B tip
48.5 grains H-4831
Win LR primer
Rem 260 Brass

125 Nolser Part
48 grains H-4831
Win LR primer
Rem 260 brass


Sierra 107 MK
51 grains H-4831 compressed
Federal 210M primer
Rem 260 brass

As always start lower and work up. The 260 is pretty easy to load for and should provide you with excellent accuracy and performance on game.
22 July 2008, 07:29
groundhog devastation
I've loaded for several .260's and have yet to find one that did not like the load of:
43 grains of Varget
100 grain Nosler BT
For the 120's I've been pleased with 47.0 grains of Reloader 19 and the Nosler BT's or 48.0 grains of H4831sc and 120 grain Sierra GameKings
For my long range load in my heavy barreled .260 the "go to" load is:
45.0 grains of H4831sc and the 140 grain Amax. GHD


Groundhog Devastation(GHD)
22 July 2008, 07:38
oldun
Hamish,
Case life has so far been good, but I cannot say how many reloads per case, this I put down in part to annealing cases after three reloads and the fact I haven't worked my way through enough times the one hundred cases I bought to make any definative statement on case life. I start at case one and work my way throug the entire one hundred before reloading. In other words, as yet, I haven't shot four hundred rounds in the 260.
Thank you for the comments about the load.
Shit and bugger, I looked at the load for AAR2213SC which is 48.0 grains WHICH IS THE LOAD I USE.
THANK YOU FOR POINTING THIS OUT clap
22 July 2008, 07:46
Hamish
Gidday oldun,

I was looking at the ADI website:

http://www.adi-limited.com/handloaders-guide/rifle.asp

This lists a pressure of 57900 psi and a velocity of 2867 fps.

Have you run yours over a chrony as I would be very interested. I get around 2850 out of the model seven with a 20" barrel if I recall correctly as I have only put it over the screens once.

I know it certaily works well on deer.

Happy Hunting

Hamish
22 July 2008, 07:53
Hamish
Gidday oldun,

I hope you didn't load the AR2213sc load with AR2209. It would be a lot easier to get that velocity with a 264WM and a lot easier on the gear. BOOM

Happy Hunting

Hamish
22 July 2008, 08:12
oldun
Hamish,
No, I got it wrong quoting from memory rather than looking at reloading data. Confused
Astonishingly even after checking the data I did not immediately see the error. Eeker
22 July 2008, 19:48
vines
Tanker, just like aggiedog said, there are plenty of load data on this sight for the .260... just because your rifle want shoot someone else load. does not mean your rifle ANT NO GOOD. I have a .280 rem. thats does not like the 139 hornady, but, it will lock holes with the 140 sierra B.T. with the same powder charge. There is something out there that will group the best in YOUR!! gun you just need to find it..
23 July 2008, 00:24
seafire2
Didn't Browning do a dumb maneuver and put a barrel with a one in 10 twist on their 260s?

that would explain it not shooting something very well..

the commonly use 1 in 9 twists will stabilize anything to 130 grains.. Remington used that twist...

Ruger being smarter uses a one in 8 twist, which stabilize anything...

Mauser used a one in 7.5 inch twist.. for the original 160 grain loads..

with a one in 10 twist, I'd say you are limited to 120 or 125 grain bullets.. which will still do a fine job.. I'd even venture to say the 125s might be boarder line..

a neighbor had an A Bolt with the one in 10 twist and had accuracy problems with it.. he rebarreled it with a one in 8 twist PAC NOR and then it would shoot anything...


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23 July 2008, 01:56
oldun
quote:
Originally posted by vines:
Tanker, just like aggiedog said, there are plenty of load data on this sight for the .260... just because your rifle want shoot someone else load. does not mean your rifle ANT NO GOOD.

Vines.
In my post the wink implied I was not to be taken seriously. It is common knowledge that rifles perform better with some loads than others.
It's a problem with the written word that much of the none verbal cues used in speech are not caught on the page and the message can become distorted. That's why we have the smilling face and the others little aids to conveying intended meaning. Smiler
There have been several posts of mine which have illicited responses which have puzzled me but attempts to clarify are often more complex than errors and misunderstandings.
Ergo I usualy let them go. archer
I struggle on, in trying to make things clear
23 July 2008, 05:06
Horn-Harvester
1-9 twist savage, 120 Nos BT, 44 IMR 4350, Rem 9 1/2, Rem case. Set the bullet .010 off the lands. This load shot .5" @ 200 yds.
23 July 2008, 05:44
vines
oldun,thats ok,..we're still friend. Smiler
23 July 2008, 06:33
MeatHunta
I have been having excellent results (several sub 0.5 moa groups - which is good for me) from the following load in a Tikka T3 (8" twist, 22.5" barrel)

47.0 grains H414
120 Sierra projectile
Winchester LR primer
Remington cases
2940 fps
23 July 2008, 06:52
6.5BR
When I had a 6.5/308 before Rem intro'd the 260 I used 414 and I4350 most with 100 btips and 129 SP's, gun 9 twist, by mistake-ordered an 8.

Seafire is right-Browning to the best of recollection had in their catalog 10" twist in 1885s and abolts. That said, heard a guy who bought 2, kept the better shooting one got 129's into it seems a 5/8 group and the other 1.25 or so, 3 shots....cannot recall powder.

Been playing with sons Sako 75, IMR 4350 so far, various bullets, 140 corelokt of all things yesterday went into .8, 42.5grains, a 130 accubond over 44 grains did .25/.5 for first 2 shots of 3 shot groups, groups ended up around 5/8 and 13/16, no calipers to them, but that is what the ruler said.....good enough for me!

BTW, this Sako is giving me better accuracy than hoped for with 140 amax, 142 MKG, and 140 Bergers considering a 9 twist. The 123 MKG are similar, very close to same length by design...

I am very close to considering the 130 as my 'go to load' for this gun/caliber/twist. Seems to wad up a little tighter than heavier bullets, the this gun does handle the 140s at around 2700-2750.

The 6.5/308 I had before PATTERNED 140 corelokt factory, admittingly FAR underloaded than specs-at least the intial run that I had, reported around 2500 mv range vs 2750 advertised.

Also, 140 partitions would not group. 100s and 129s did great.

Perhaps some 9 twist work and others do not so work so well with 140s. For max accuracy I'd stick to 120s for Brownings, 120-130s w/9 twist, and 8 twist-your choice. Just my opinion based on my ltd. experience.

Tanker, NEVER heard of anyone complaining of just about any bullet on deer in 6.5mm if that is your goal. 100 Hornadys on up have all been quick killers, and perhaps a flat base 120 speer or sierra may shoot as well or better than say a ballistic tip, although the 120Btip has a stellar rep for accuracy. I'd definitely start with 120s. Had a 243 Low Wall, VERY accurate, shot .6-.8 moa regularly, once had 2 shots w/in 1/2" at 200 yds using a 6x36 scope. They are well made rifles, unfortunately that 10 twist was the deciding factor in my not getting one when I contemplated it for a long time. You just need to find the bullet your gun likes and I'd suggest getting close or into lands, and drop a couple grains below max for pressure, then add more as indicated after your bullet seating depth is set.

Let us know how it works out. If it handles the 129s or 130 abs those should tackle Florida pigs and gators for that matter you might happen upon!
23 July 2008, 20:46
Horn-Harvester
If anyone is interested Ive got around 65 6.5 Coreloks and 30 some 129 SST that I will trade for a box of 6.5 Nos. 120 BT. Shoot me a PM.
23 July 2008, 23:22
vines
Horn-Harvester. what did you shoot the corelok in, and how did they group
24 July 2008, 02:55
Horn-Harvester
Savage Striker 260 Rem. I couldn't get them to shoot under 1", same with the 129 SST. 120 Nos BT shoot under 1" @200 yds. Its almost a 2-1 trade if anyones interested.
26 July 2008, 06:54
1911reloader
Horn-Harvester,
What grain are the corelok's?
26 July 2008, 08:03
Horn-Harvester
quote:
Originally posted by jnemmers:
Horn-Harvester,
What grain are the corelok's?


140 grain. If interested I can give you an exact count.
26 July 2008, 17:28
Tanker
6.5BR: It would be great if you could find the source for that load with the 129gr. I have a large supply of Hornady 129gr.RN. I also have found the Nosler BT to to be a wonderfully accurate bullet but have not yet tried it in 6.5. Though I usually hunt with pistols, revolvers, and flintlocks, I would like to have the 1885 prepared for those odd times when I do venture forth with a modern rifle.
28 July 2008, 09:49
WyoHunter
My load is 44.5 grs. of IMR4350 using a Nosler 125 gr. Partition. This load shoots very well in my Rem Model 7 Custom MS. The 129 gr. Hornady SST bullet does not group near as well. thumb


Be proud of each and every game animal you kill - big, small or no antlers!
NRA LIFE Member
28 July 2008, 19:48
Tanker
WyoHunter: You have just the rifle I want. I have several but in different calibers. Elegant little rifles. My current 6.5s are original Mannlicher 1903s and the 1885s. I hope to find some accurate loads for multiple uses and it looks like I will have some good starting points here.
30 July 2008, 01:43
6.5BR
Tanker, don't know where to even begin looking, it may or may not be on a forum, and I may or may not printed it, if I did, I may come across it, but suffice to say, I'd use what most others use on powders and am sure you'd do fine. I'd start w/4350.
31 July 2008, 21:35
owensby
Just tried these 2 loads in my savage 260 tuesday.Week before last I had shot a one holer at 300 yds useing a berger 140 with 40.7 grs of H4350,last week the same load gave me 1/4 in group.Now this week got some good groups with there 2 powders and bullets.
Was surprized that the a-max shot so good,on the bullet box it says 1:7.5 twist..The 45 grs of H4831 I got here from GHD.Thanks for the load GHD.
While I was at it I zeroed my rem 260 in useing a 100 gr BT.At 100 yds 3 in one hole,200 yd 2 in one hole and 300 a 1 in group.Was useing 43 grs of IMR 4064.
My go to load in the rem is 42grs of IMR4064 and a sierra 120 gr bullet.The fatherist deer I have taken with this load was 442 yds.And I got the 100 and 120 gr load with IMR 4064 a long time ago from seafire.

04 August 2008, 08:33
6.5BR
Owensby, I was surprised, but shooting Amaxs very well in a Sako 9 twist, 260. I believe a 9 is marginal, but an 8 or 8.5 will definitely work. I imagine 'the label' suggest 7.5" for a wide range of conditions, velocity, etc. depending on cartridge.

Good shooting and don't underestimate an Amax on deer! I know, 6BR/105 400 yds, dead w/in 25 yds of hit....

Read of guys using 260 AI/amax killing deer over 600 yds. Little soft but consistent sure expansion and deer are not bullet proof.
04 August 2008, 15:18
owensby
This is the 4th 260 I have had since they came out,and all have been great shooters.I sold a ruger and a rem mtn rifle so that leaves me with the rem bdl and the savage that I put a shelin barrel on.I was wanting a tikka varmit in 260 because I have a tikka 308 and it shoots unbelieable even out to 1000 yds.But they won't sell me one here in the states.My buddie that was going to get one too called and was told if we ordered 100 we could probably get one.Don't think I want a 100 of the same rifle.
I had tried the 140 a-max in my bdl with different loads didn't do too well.When I get time I will try the 45 gr load in it to see how it doeswith the 1:9
I shoot at least one day a week but the range is 25 miles from home and I shoot a lot of different calibers so have to plan ahead what I want to shoot the next week.When gas and bullets wasn't so high I was shooting one to three days a week.
Of all the calibers I shoot have to say the 260 is my favorite.
04 August 2008, 17:04
6.5BR
Finnish rifle with flair: Tikka's M595 Continental Varminter
Guns Magazine, Feb, 2003 by David M. Fortier, Emily K. Fortier

"I have to admit I took a liking to the Tikka M595 Continental. It's a handsome and well-made rifle with a slick action. Accuracy was very good, as seems to be a trait of Tikka rifles. This can be seen in the fact the 1999 British Long-Range Benchrest Championship was won by a Tikka Continental in 6.5x55. Group size was an almost unbelievable 10 rounds into 4.4 inches at 1,000 yards. Anyone looking for an accurate out-of-the-box varmint rifle would do well to consider a Tikka."

There is no argument from me why one might want a Tikka!

Been using IMR 4350 myself so far in the Sako. A former 6.5/308 I built in 95-96 before Rem intro'd the 260 did not like 140s, it was ordered w/8 twist, but the maker mistakenly used a 9 twist. Perhaps I did not have enough speed, but the 140 partitions and factory corelokt ammo would not group, only pattern and I was getting key holes. The Sako 9t is doing fine w/Bergers, Sierras, Amaxs and even corelokts shooting 3 shots into average groups sub inch, down to around 5/8". I think you need speeds up closer to top 'albeit safe' loads as I imagine if I loaded down, they likely would not do well.

As to the Tikka 260, have not tried, but get some FFL holders to look into if any distributor can special order you one, even if you have to try getting one from Canada if that is possible. A 6.5x55 may be easier to get, not sure but I think they also are still made in the heavy bbl model.
06 August 2008, 08:34
groundhog devastation
Owensby, You're welcome. If I test enough different rifles in specific chamberings and find a common denominator, I have no problem posting it. That 140AMAX load using the H4831sc is one of those loads! Just for S&G, How about stoking a few of the 100 grain Nosler BT's with the 43.0 grains of Varget and report on your findings. It would just add validity to what I've already seen from several different .260's.I just got a box of 120AMAX's and want to try them and I will. I just moved into a new house(old house.....circa 1952) and the reloading room is in the process of being resurrected. From outside the reloading room.........and I mean just outside.........I can get a 100 yard range from either east or west depending on time of day and I can get 200,300,400, not sure on the 500 yet on the other side of the river(30 acres over there) until laser comes into play as well as bushhog for further testing but I will make it happen!! GHD


Groundhog Devastation(GHD)
06 August 2008, 19:26
owensby
I have some varget and 100 BT so I will do it.It will probably be next tuesday before I get to try them.
I took the sav rifle with the 1:8 twist barrle yesterday and checked it to make sure I could get 1000yds out of it with the scope set up I have I got shooting at 100 yds 32 inches,I think that is enough but I put a shim under the back base to make sure.I used the a-max,sie 142 and the berger 140's.
The bergers I have are the ones with the thick jacket,but have on order a box of the thin jacket to try the bc on them are over .6.
Will let you know what I get with the varget.
13 August 2008, 01:17
owensby
Tried the varget out this morning it shot pretty good.I only shot 100 yds because I also had some other rifles to shoot.

14 August 2008, 05:48
groundhog devastation
Owensby, Thanks for testing the load. Looks like the Remington 9 1/2s are the ticket in that rifle! I may have to test that one myself. All my accuracy loads have used the Federal 210 MATCH primers. And as you started lower and worked up, I did that also. The first year I had my daughter shooting her .260 (13 years old then) I had her shooting 41.0 grains of VARGET and that load was pretty darn good. As I took it up a couple grains it got even better! GHD


Groundhog Devastation(GHD)
14 August 2008, 06:50
owensby
Sorry I didn't have more time tuesday would have liked to have shot a group at 300.I had 5 rifles and 2 muzzleloaders to shoot that day.Planning on going to a 300yd shoot the end of the month and still trying to figure out what rifle I want to use.
I have tried different primers in the 260 but rem 9 1/2 has usually worked the best for me.
Below is a pic of my 2 260 rem's.The bottom is a rem BDL and the top is a savage action with a 260,8twist shelin barrel at 26 in.
Thanks again for the 4831 load every group I have shot with it at 300 yds has been less than an inch.One was a one holer.