156 Berger bullets in a 260 Rem

[Lrreloader]

What is everyone's thoughts on the new 156 Berger's out of a 260 Remington? I have a load for 140 grain Berger's @ 2,900 fps. Do you think the 156's will be to slow to gain a performance edge. This is with a hunting performance based question.

 

[codyadams]

I'm using them in my long barreled (29") .260 AI with good performance, 2920 fps well under max, which was about 3000ish fps. I loaded the 147's to 3040 fps, but that was pretty close to max. I would say I loose about 50-60 fps at the same pressure to the 147, probably around 100 fps or or a little less to the 140 vld, which I was loading at 3070 fps at a near max load.

As far as ballistics compared to the 140, you will gain a little wind drift, but not much, only a few inches at 1000 yds. You will have more drop. Where you will gain is in terminal performance, more penetration and more energy over the 140. From what I have seen in the 4 pronghorn that it has taken, on game performance is just like the 140 VLD, only it delivers more energy. I have not tested it on elk or mule deer yet, but I will. If your hunting bigger mule deer or elk type game, I would absolutely switch to the 156. If medium or small deer are the biggest game you take, it's likely not worth the load development.

Another consideration will be your mag length. In my .260 AI that has the same standard SAAMI length throat a .260 rem has, with around 1500 rounds through it, I was at the lands somewhere right around 3.015" OAL, and I am running them at 2.950" to run in my ARC AICS mags, and they happen to shoot very well. If you have a standard BDL mag box, your max length is around 2.830", that is quite a jump, and a lot of powder space taken up. Just something to think about.

 

[Lrreloader]

I'm using them in my long barreled (29") .260 AI with good performance, 2920 fps well under max, which was about 3000ish fps. I loaded the 147's to 3040 fps, but that was pretty close to max. I would say I loose about 50-60 fps at the same pressure to the 147, probably around 100 fps or or a little less to the 140 vld, which I was loading at 3070 fps at a near max load.

As far as ballistics compared to the 140, you will gain a little wind drift, but not much, only a few inches at 1000 yds. You will have more drop. Where you will gain is in terminal performance, more penetration and more energy over the 140. From what I have seen in the 4 pronghorn that it has taken, on game performance is just like the 140 VLD, only it delivers more energy. I have not tested it on elk or mule deer yet, but I will. If your hunting bigger mule deer or elk type game, I would absolutely switch to the 156. If medium or small deer are the biggest game you take, it's likely not worth the load development.

Another consideration will be your mag length. In my .260 AI that has the same standard SAAMI length throat a .260 rem has, with around 1500 rounds through it, I was at the lands somewhere right around 3.010" OAL, and I am running them at 2.950" to run in my ARC AICS mags, and they happen to shoot very well. If you have a standard BDL mag box, your max length is around 2.830", that is quite a jump, and a lot of powder space taken up. Just something to think about.

Thank you for info, the load I got has an oal of 3.00" with a 140 Berger. So I should have room for powder with the 156's

 

[codyadams]

Just for a visual, here is the 156 seated at .020" off, next to the 147 seated .020" off. Seated out as far as you may be able to, you will have plenty of powder space.

 

[usherjr208]

I'm using them in my long barreled (29") .260 AI with good performance, 2920 fps well under max, which was about 3000ish fps. I loaded the 147's to 3040 fps, but that was pretty close to max. I would say I loose about 50-60 fps at the same pressure to the 147, probably around 100 fps or or a little less to the 140 vld, which I was loading at 3070 fps at a near max load.

As far as ballistics compared to the 140, you will gain a little wind drift, but not much, only a few inches at 1000 yds. You will have more drop. Where you will gain is in terminal performance, more penetration and more energy over the 140. From what I have seen in the 4 pronghorn that it has taken, on game performance is just like the 140 VLD, only it delivers more energy. I have not tested it on elk or mule deer yet, but I will. If your hunting bigger mule deer or elk type game, I would absolutely switch to the 156. If medium or small deer are the biggest game you take, it's likely not worth the load development.

Another consideration will be your mag length. In my .260 AI that has the same standard SAAMI length throat a .260 rem has, with around 1500 rounds through it, I was at the lands somewhere right around 3.015" OAL, and I am running them at 2.950" to run in my ARC AICS mags, and they happen to shoot very well. If you have a standard BDL mag box, your max length is around 2.830", that is quite a jump, and a lot of powder space taken up. Just something to think about.

I am about to try my hand at loading, with an experienced buddy's help, but was wondering what your starting load was for the Berger 156's .260 AI
I have found info for the standard .260 rem but not for AI.
Elk camp is just a few weeks away and
White tail right behind that.
.260 AI Cz 550
26" Bbl
6-24x50 Vortex
Not 100% sure yet but I believe is 1:9 twist rate. Will find out tomorrow

 

[QuietTexan]

Not 100% sure yet but I believe is 1:9 twist rate. Will find out tomorrow

Did you confirm twist? The 156 calls for an 8 twist on paper, and based on running them from 7s and 8s I think you're marginal with a 9. Unless you're up high, like north of 7500' elevation.

FWIW I was ~41gn of H4350 in a 6.5CM with 153.5s. Not exactly the same but kissing cousin close to a standard 260 with 156s. Right around 2600 FPS from a 26" barrel, you should be able to beat that by 75 fps. Plus I was mag seating deep in the case, if you can stretch the COL longer than I could there's another 25FPS to be had.

 

[Mike D Texas]

I am about to try my hand at loading, with an experienced buddy's help, but was wondering what your starting load was for the Berger 156's .260 AI
I have found info for the standard .260 rem but not for AI.
Elk camp is just a few weeks away and
White tail right behind that.
.260 AI Cz 550
26" Bbl
6-24x50 Vortex
Not 100% sure yet but I believe is 1:9 twist rate. Will find out tomorrow

If your barrel is a 9 twist the 156 will not stabilize. I had a factory 260 REM with a 9 twist and it wouldn't stabilize 147ELDM.

I mean not even on poster board paper at 100 yards.