260 rem load development

[wjarrell]

Start load development today with my new rifle.

Savage 111
Criterion 24" 1-8 twist
Boyds Pro Varmint
Viper HSLR 4-16x44

140 vld .020 from the lands
New Lapua brass
CCI-200
H4831sc started at 43 grains and worked up to 45 grains with no pressure

The target is at 100 yards of 44 grains, measured .611. The bullet on the left was my third bullet. Next time out I will probably load 45.3, 45.6, and 45.9 and see what I get, and then play with the length after that.

 

[wjarrell]

I expected better results but today was the first day of load development so its ok.

 

[scottishkat]

That looks pretty good about on par with my experience. I have not tried CCI 200's BR2, 210M and 9.5's. Always go back to 9.5's. .660 and all horizontal.

Good luck and shoot straight

Bob

 

[dsculley]

Since you are using VLD's, I would strongly suggest that you run the Berger seating depth test. You will probably see your groups tighten up with more of a jump. From what I have seen, the VLD's shoot well either seated to the lands or with a substantial jump. The seating depth test is the fastest way to find your best seating depth..

 

[codyadams]

I would recommend starting within .010" of the lands, with my .260 AI and 140 vld hunting I started at .005" off, and didn't have to run the seating depth test, as I was getting sub bullet diameter groups.

I would also recommend the BR-2 primers, they dropped my E.S. from 25 fps to single digits, I also use H4831sc. My best load for my ackley improved is 47.8, but my max is 49.2 grains.

I see data for the 260 with 142's SMK's max at 48 grains in hogdens data, at 2747 with a 24" barrel, COL at 2.780". I know bergers data shows a max much lower than that, but just food for thought. Less bearing surface, 2 grains lighter, and depending on your throat you probably have much more room in your case than a 142 SMK seated to 2.780". Work up carefully and watch for pressure signs.

 

[WildRose]

I expected better results but today was the first day of load development so its ok.

I wouldn't expect a whole lot better than that because you're likely to end up disappointed. That reads like just over a half MOA to me which few factory rifles are ever going to beat..

 

[wjarrell]

5 shots of 45.4 grains, I'll load 10 more this weekend and put them through the chrono.

 

[rcairflr]

45.4 H4831SC is my most accurate load with 140 grain Amax also.

 

[trailrider121]

My current 260 load is 140 hybrids, lapua brass, wolf LR primer, and 46.5 grains of H4831sc. 24" barrel with speed just shy of 2800 fps. Forgot to mention, that my chamber is throated at.160"

 

[jwing]

You guys need to try some imr 4955, I been playing with some in a creedmoor, showed promise and great velocity better than h 4831 sc, I am close to 2900 no pressure yet.

Hope to get out this weekend to play with it more.