Taking this beauty out tomorrow to get some brass fire formed, as well as stretch it's legs. Was putting bullets through the same ragged hole @ 50 yds a couple weeks ago (too much snow to move the target any further). Hope to get it out to 300 on paper to see what size groups I can get!



Wish me luck!!

260AI is a fantastic cartridge and will do just about what all the other 6.5s do with less powder. I built a hunting rifle in it but haven't done a long range gun yet. My gun has 1-8 twist and likes 120 gr bullets. I wish I would have gone with a 1-9 twist to get a little more velocity.

mine's a 1-8 twist for bullets up to 140, shooting 123gr at the moment as I'm waiting on an order for the berger 140gr hybrids. Only managed to get a few groups shot at 100 yds on the wknd (which were mighty small groups) as we received even more snow with another 10 inches on Monday as well. Spring will be a ways off with the many feet of snow yet to melt.

CK Do you think a 24" barrel would be enough for this cartridge. I'm thinking of rebarrelling my 308 Kimber Montana. I would be using 140gr bullets almost exclusivly. twist?? thanks Jim

quote:

Originally posted by waterrat:
CK Do you think a 24" barrel would be enough for this cartridge. I'm thinking of rebarrelling my 308 Kimber Montana. I would be using 140gr bullets almost exclusivly. twist?? thanks Jim

Jim

I know quite a few folks who have went with shorter than 24" barrels on tactical or lighter hunting rifles without a problem. You'd give up a very minimal amount of velocity, but gain by having a lighter rifle as I assume you'd be using it for the purpose of hunting.

As for twist, the lowest I would go with 140gr flat based hunting bullets would be 1-9. If you're planning on shooting any VLD or target bullets a 1-8 may be the answer. It's mostly personal preference as well as specific use of the rifle!

The barrel manufacturer can lead you in the right direction as well as the smith doing the re-barrel job, just be specific about the type of bullet you'll be using and it's intended purpose.

CK

Thanks CK

That's what I wanted to hear. 140gr NP or the like and a 24" barrel to settle the front end down on the Kimber.

Jim

Glad I could help Jim! Good luck on your rebarrel and shoot straight!

Great looking gun, anxious to see how it shoots at some distance!

So.... how did it do at longer distances.

How much case capacity are you gaining with the AI? Is there a reason not go up to a 6.5x284 case?

quote:

Originally posted by bigdoggy2bore:
So.... how did it do at longer distances.

I don't have any target pics, but I did shoot some .5 MOA groups on steel a few weeks back. Need to get out and do some more shooting to get the rest of my brass fireformed, but been incredibly busy this summer with all the other fun things in life!

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
How much case capacity are you gaining with the AI? Is there a reason not go up to a 6.5x284 case?

The ultimate reason I went with the 260AI is that a prethreaded, prechambered barrel came up for sale that would fit the Savage short action that I had purchased (short action, so that makes the 6.5-284 a no go). There isn't a huge gain in case capacity, but the improved dimensions allow for better brass life with little to no trimming required!

Plus I have a 6mmAI and mostly like to be a little different!!

Was out Sunday night to fire-form a few more rounds. Shot a 5 shot 6 1/2" group at 700 yards with 51gr of H1000 and 123g SMK's. Pretty darn good accuracy for FF loads I'd say.

Can't wait till I get all the brass FF and can get some full power AI loads to see her really shine!

Here is my 260 AI built on a FN Patrol action(Win Mod 70) with a 1-8 twist Shilen barrel. It works good for long range and also for hunting. Roe buck shot in Norway with a 100 grain CEB ESP RAPTOR.

Nice Rifle, deer, and shot placement, congrats!

Looks about 22-23" and a #2 or 3 contour? What twist you running?