.260 Rem Hunting Bullet Recommendation

[lancetkenyon]

While I love the thought of the 156 EOL, and am trying to wait patiently for them to be released for use in my 6.5 SS, I would personally go with either the 130 HVLD or 130 AR Hybrid for shots on deer sized game with a 400 yard max. Out to 600-700, I would (and do) step up to the 140 HVLD/Hybrid in my 6.5 SLR.

 

[Legionnaire]

Thanks. Went through my stash this evening and found some 140 grain Nosler Partitions ... about 150 of them ... that I don't remember purchasing. Must have been part of a package deal. Anyway, I'm going to load them up and see how they do in the short term. And you've given me some good ideas to explore in the future.

 

[RT2506]

Get some H4350 and 120 Nosler Ballistic Tips and you will not be sorry.

 

[Jester896]

I had pretty good results with 127LRX and H100V in mine. Barrel is 24" and fps was about 2885-2890

 

[scottishkat]

Get some H4350 and 120 Nosler Ballistic Tips and you will not be sorry.

Pretty hard to go wrong with that combination I've tried it in 3 260's and its been pretty stellar. The 120 TSX with H4350 is what I am currently shooting now per previous.

I had pretty good results with 127LRX and H100V in mine. Barrel is 24" and fps was about 2885-2890

H100 has been very accurate in 2 of my rifles don't try the 127 LRX in a 1 in 9 twist. They key hole in mine.

Good luck and shoot straight all

 

[RockyMtnMT]

I am guessing that your 260 has a 9" twist? If so I would run the 117g Sledge Hammer at an expected vel about 3050fps. With an 8" twist if I were setting it up for myself I would choose the 110g Hammer Hunter. You should expect close to 3200fps out of it and I would not hesitate to use it on elk out to your range of 400y. They will handle shoulders if necessary. At 3000' elevation with a 300y zero you only have 8.5" of drop at 400y. This bullet would still be traveling at over 2400fps at 400y. Good medicine!

Steve

 

[BJH]

Also look at the Lapua Scenar. I just finished up load development in a Cooper 6.5x284 with the 139 Scenar and the accuracy is crazy. Groups at 100 yards measured .22". I am a Berger fan and shoot a lot of them. The Hammer Bullets results I have read about here seem to be very favorable as well.

 

[Legionnaire]

The Cooper 54 has a 1:8 twist barrel, so it should do well with the heavier bullets. I'll look at the Hammers when I've shot through the Partitions.

The Scenar isn't a hunting bullet, is it? I plan to try those in my .260 Ackley (1:8.5 twist) but don't think I want to try them on game.

 

[BJH]

You are right. The Scenar is listed as a target bullet. Just thought I would throw that out there as a suggestion. I know the .264" cartridges get used a lot for shooting at the range and it has shot very well from the Cooper. There are better options for hunting bullets. But it has been an awesome bullet for the range.

 

[lancetkenyon]

The 140 Berger Hybrids and 140/142 Sierra Match Kings all work phenomenally on game. I know a couple guys shooting the 139 Scenar L on game too. Shot placement is key with every bullet.

 

[codyadams]

Broz tested the Berger 155s over on longrangeonly, and he was getting something like 2750 out of a 24" barrel with a 6.5CM (MAX load). His COAL was pretty long, so the OP's 22" Cooper might be more in the 2700 range. I think that leaves you plenty of velocity for reliable expansion at 400 yards.

That being said, I agree with trebark - inside 400 yards, impact velocity will be optimized by pushing a midweight bullet (120-130 grains) as fast as possible. Personally I would use the 123 ELD or the 130 Scirocco for that range.

Also, broz was using H4350. With that heavy bullet, it is likely you will get more velocity with powders like Reloder 26.

 

[Legionnaire]

Just bought some RL-26. I plan to begin checking it out with the .243AI and .260AI. I'll likely switch the Cooper, too, once I finish up my last pound of IMR 4350.

Aside: Somehow over the last couple of years I seem to have accumulated a lot of different bullets and powders. Rather than try and sell odd lots, I'm developing a plan to enjoy shooting them up before I settle on a few standard loads. I'm not a competitor, so exploring is half the fun.

 

[coop2564]

Why limit yourself to 400yds? You might have a opportunity come up for something longer, best be prepared and never need it.

 

[Legionnaire]

If there is a hunting bullet that works as well beyond 400 as it does inside 400, I'm all ears.