I'm just getting started in long range shooting but I have been reloading for quite a few years. I'm shooting a savage 12 lrp in 260 Rem that the barrel has been cut down to 22". Im loading 140gr eldm and 143gr eldx with H4350 and Lapua Brass. With the 143 I am getting light pressure signs at 42gr and probably 3/4 MOA at 41gr with around 2650fps. The best accuracy I have found so far is with the 140gr and 40.5 gr of h4350. I'm not to concerned with velocity but I was wondering how slow is to slow with the 260. Most people seem to be pushing 2700-2800 with the 260 but should I be fine if I'm only pushing around 2550-2600. My chronograph seems like it's starting to give out so I'm not putting much trust in what it's telling me.
260 Rem loads
- Thread starter Poe
- Start date
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Their higher velocities could be due to longer barrels. Don't get in a fret by not getting the same as others on velocities. I haven't checked with the 2 260's I have on velocities, but both are ARs (22 & 24"). Being ARs they typically run slower than BA's. If you're getting 2,650 in a 22" it's close to normal.
We are getting 2836 fps in our .260 with H-4350, BR-2, Shooting 42gr SMK out of a 26" Bart 5R 1:8.
jimbires
Well-Known Member
my 260 has a 25" bbl . I also throated it longer . I use , lapua brass ,CCI200 , 48.8 grains of RL26 with 140 grain ballistic tip bullets . it's right at 2909 FPS
Poe, there is a cost for cutting the barrel down, you are experiencing that cost.
The lower speed isn't the end of the world I just wish I could still run a little bit stiffer powder charge. 42gr seems a little low to be getting pressure signs and in order to get accuracy I have to drop down to 40.5gr to hit the next accuracy node.
Just a suggestion did you try using Berger 140gr or Sierra bullets 130, 140, 142gr? Some barrels only like a few bullets & powder combo. For a hunting bullet you can still get good results with a 6.5 in a 123gr, 130gr.
We know that Powder isn't too available, but if you have any HV-100 try it. It has almost the same as H-4350.
We always look for accuracy over Velocity, but that is just us.
Check your chronograph to make sure that you are getting the correct FPS.
Hope you find something that gives you the results you want without shooting your barrel out first. It is hard and time-consuming chasing loads.
Thanks
Len & Jill
We know that Powder isn't too available, but if you have any HV-100 try it. It has almost the same as H-4350.
We always look for accuracy over Velocity, but that is just us.
Check your chronograph to make sure that you are getting the correct FPS.
Hope you find something that gives you the results you want without shooting your barrel out first. It is hard and time-consuming chasing loads.
Thanks
Len & Jill
Poe, those 120g Sierra flat base and 120g Nosler ballistic tips are very good killing bullets.
Never, never underestimate the Hornady 129g Sp as a great killing bullet!
Never, never underestimate the Hornady 129g Sp as a great killing bullet!
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jimbires
Well-Known Member
I ran your info through quickload using a 22" bbl . I just used default settings , since I don't know all your particulars . your info is all making sense . it is following along quickload pretty close , even without fine tuning .
the 260 is rated at 60191 PSI
using a 143 ELDx bullet
42.0 grains of H4350 gives 2699 FPS at 62624 PSI ( over MAX )
41.0 grains of H4350 gives 2637 FPS at 58099 PSI
40.5 grains of H4350 gives 2607 FPS at 55965 PSI
I used all the same default settings as above , but switched to RL26 powder .
using the 143 ELDx bullet
47.5 grains of RL26 gives 2845 FPS at 60047PSI (MAX)
43.5 grains of RL26 gives 2571 FPS at 43308PSI (MIN)
if your looking for more velocity , you need to change powder . RL26 gives the highest velocity in the 260 using the 140 weight bullets .
deadidarren
Well-Known Member
Something is not right I had a Remington semi-custom on a long action so I could seat 140 and 140 + bullets out on a Remington action and have a Tikka tac A1 now and the load you are talking about weren't even starting loads for mine I just don't understand where your pressures coming from I will ask what are the signs you are seeing cheers
Thanks
Ejector marks and slightly sticky bolt lift
acourvil
Well-Known Member
Either that's a typo or you are running a dangerous load. I'm not even sure I could get 48.8gn of RL26 in a 260 case.
jimbires
Well-Known Member
not a typo , and not dangerous
