.260 Remington AI Winter Project with Lee Gardner

[Think4Self]

Got the .260 AI out today to start forming some brass and I have to say I’m amazed at the results. Just got the barreled action back from Lee Gardner and I have to tell you, if you need something chambered Lee is “the man!”
My intent was to form some brass to get a die on order, but dang, it shoots out of the gate! I threw 41 gr of IMR4350 under 142 SMKs right at the lands and off I went. After barrel break-in and scope adjustment shot these with the last 10 rounds. Low shot was foul shot after last barrel cleaning.
Goodness sakes, do not hesitate to give Lee a shout!

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Lee is the man for sure!

 

[Think4Self]

Lee is the man for sure!

Really nice guy to boot!

 

[Clancy]

My buddy had Lee chamber a 6.5x47 as a place holder while waiting on his long dasher dies to be made.

He ended up shooting that barrel out before removing it! Beautiful machine work and a good guy!

 

[Fast14riot]

That's why I love my 260AI, even fire forming loads shoot fantastic! 44gr H4831 under a 130-140 is also a great fire forming load, its one of those universal loads that just seems to shoot well in nearly any rifle. RL23 is a great powder for the 260AI as well. I was running Berger 140VLDT at 2975 from a 26" barrel with it. I'm waiting on parts so I can start load development on my new barrel soon.

 

[EOD Rob]

I'm a very big 260 Rem fan and have batted are the idea of bumping up to the 260AI. My only hold back is the cost. All my 260 now shoot great. Is it worth the extra money and time to upgrade to the AI? Is the juice worth the squeeze?

 

[Fast14riot]

I'm a very big 260 Rem fan and have batted are the idea of bumping up to the 260AI. My only hold back is the cost. All my 260 now shoot great. Is it worth the extra money and time to upgrade to the AI? Is the juice worth the squeeze?

I think so. No more brass trimming, not so insignificant velocity increase, powder goes up typically about 3-4 grains. Sounds like all you would need is barrel, sizing and seating die.

 

[Bill Norris]

The 260AI is a dream for sure. 130 gr. class bullets @ 3100 + FPS gives app. the same ballistics as a 115 gr. .243 class bullet @ 3100 FPS according to the Lyman LR Prec. Rifle Reloading Handbook.

This load gives a tad better than 3100 FPS in my rifles with 3/8 " MOA groups @ 100 yds.
LAPUA BRASS
130 GR. BERGER VLD TAR. B C .562
POWDER 45.5 GR. H-4350 PRIMER FED 205GM M
SEATED @ 2.173 O M 2.856 COL .010 OTL

 

[Think4Self]

That's why I love my 260AI, even fire forming loads shoot fantastic! 44gr H4831 under a 130-140 is also a great fire forming load, its one of those universal loads that just seems to shoot well in nearly any rifle. RL23 is a great powder for the 260AI as well. I was running Berger 140VLDT at 2975 from a 26" barrel with it. I'm waiting on parts so I can start load development on my new barrel soon.

My first time messing with anything but a SAAMI cartridge and I have to say I was surprised. Seems like it will be pretty forgiving. I have H4831 so I'll give it a try too. Might give StaBall 605 a try also.

The 260AI is a dream for sure. 130 gr. class bullets @ 3100 + FPS gives app. the same ballistics as a 115 gr. .243 class bullet @ 3100 FPS according to the Lyman LR Prec. Rifle Reloading Handbook.

This load gives a tad better than 3100 FPS in my rifles with 3/8 " MOA groups @ 100 yds.
LAPUA BRASS
130 GR. BERGER VLD TAR. B C .562
POWDER 45.5 GR. H-4350 PRIMER FED 205GM M
SEATED @ 2.173 O M 2.856 COL .010 OTL

I'll give the lighter projectiles a spin too....thank you both for the recipes!

 

[Think4Self]

I'm a very big 260 Rem fan and have batted are the idea of bumping up to the 260AI. My only hold back is the cost. All my 260 now shoot great. Is it worth the extra money and time to upgrade to the AI? Is the juice worth the squeeze?

I had a gas gun in .260 and a bolt gun and like you said, they shot very well. I was just looking for something to play with and all I had to do was get Lee to cut the chamber and I'll need a die. Had all the brass I will need so it wasn't a big jump for me. However, I do have a 12-16 week wait on the die.

 

[SEGARE]

Thanks for the thread. I've seriously been considering having the chamber on my 260 AI'd. I has less than 200 rounds on a Pac-Nor. I can't decide bw a 260 Ackley and having an extra 700 chambered in 6.5-06.

 

[Fast14riot]

Thanks for the thread. I've seriously been considering having the chamber on my 260 AI'd. I has less than 200 rounds on a Pac-Nor. I can't decide bw a 260 Ackley and having an extra 700 chambered in 6.5-06.

LA vs SA, and there isn't anything the 6.5-06 can do that the 260AI can't. But, SRP brass for the 260AI sure is nice!

 

[EOD Rob]

I think so. No more brass trimming, not so insignificant velocity increase, powder goes up typically about 3-4 grains. Sounds like all you would need is barrel, sizing and seating die.

Your right dies and a rechamber would be all I'd need. It is very tempting for sure! I'm assuming that there are different "go/no go gauges"?
Maybe I'll just start rounding up the items I will need before making the jump. I only have 260 rem in bolt guns but have plans for a gasser as well. Would be nice to chamber it strait to an AI chamber.

 

[EOD Rob]

I had a gas gun in .260 and a bolt gun and like you said, they shot very well. I was just looking for something to play with and all I had to do was get Lee to cut the chamber and I'll need a die. Had all the brass I will need so it wasn't a big jump for me. However, I do have a 12-16 week wait on the die.

What are they charging you for the dies?

 

[Fast14riot]

Your right dies and a rechamber would be all I'd need. It is very tempting for sure! I'm assuming that there are different "go/no go gauges"?
Maybe I'll just start rounding up the items I will need before making the jump. I only have 260 rem in bolt guns but have plans for a gasser as well. Would be nice to chamber it strait to an AI chamber.

Parent case go gauge becomes Ackley no-go gauge

 

[Bill Norris]

What are they charging you for the dies?

This Type S die set works great for the 260AI if you can find it.

• Redding two die set - Manufacturer #: 36623

 

[SEGARE]

LA vs SA, and there isn't anything the 6.5-06 can do that the 260AI can't. But, SRP brass for the 260AI sure is nice!

I already have a couple hundred Lapua and a three die Redding set for the AI.

 

[Think4Self]

What are they charging you for the dies?

Whidden will make the bushing sizer for $212. I knew the wait would be long, but it still hurts....we're an impatient lot! I wanted a bushing die made to my chamber. I use Peterson brass, but I may try forming some .308 Palma Lapua and see what it will do.

 

[Think4Self]

What are they charging you for the dies?

Sent the brass off today and I will let you know if the lead time is closer to 12 weeks than 16. They said material is not an issue, but they are still trying to catch up on the backlog.