260 Remington Load/Seating Depth Inquiry

[sawacs]

A year ago, I finished a scratch built 260 Rem based on a Savage target action and a 26" 1/8 twist CBI barrel and am just now getting around to creating some loads so I can go test fire it.

My bullet choices that I have on hand are the Lapua 139's, 123's, and the 120's, Berger 140's, along with Hornady 140 Vmax's. With the CBI chamber, if I use the 139's or 140's, the base of the bullet sits below the neck shoulder junction a bit which leads me towards using the 120's initially.

Should I be overly concerned about the heavier bullets sitting below the case neck/shoulder junction?

Here is my case prep procedure along with the initial load I am considering.
Lapua brass
Redding body die
KM 6.5mm .002 expand mandrel

Load
Lapua 120 g Scenar L
42gr RL-19
Seated .010 from the lands based on the ogive

Does what I have listed sound about right for a good starting point?

Cheers!

 

['Freak]

Why run ‘em up the body die unless virgin Lapua is already fat or long head to shoulder datum for that chamber?

 

[Cowtownup]

Do you have the standard 260 chamber or the 260 match chamber on that CBI barrel?

 

[sawacs]

Regarding the sizing with the body die, it was a complete waste of time as nothing was sized The KM 6.5mm .002 expander worked just fine. I will be processing 6.5x284 Lapua brass for second Savage/CBI build I did a year ago and have no plans on running that brass through the body die

I am about 99% sure the CBI 260 barrel is a non match chambered barrel which I purchased through Northland. If I ever purchase another one, I will definitely go with a match chamber.

Thanks!

 

[Michael C]

I shoot the 123g amax with 42.5g H4350 and it shoot amazingly well to 600 yards with a 30 thou jump.

 

[sawacs]

Thanks for the information fellas.

Something I should have mentioned before is farthest I have access to shoot is 200 yards..

 

[sawacs]

While I am at it,

What would you guys recommend for a reduced recoiling accurate load using 120 grainers or 140's for that matter?

Lastly, due to my chamber specs, if I load the 140 grain bullets, the base of the bullet is sitting below the case neck shoulder junction. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Thanks

 

[sbhooper]

I would not worry about the bullet below the case neck. I only tried one type of 140-grainer in my .260. It was the ELD-X and it sure crunched the H4831 that I loaded with it. I did this just to try them and they shot well, but my go-to is the 129 Interlock. I get 1/2-3/4 moa to 550 with it and it whacks deer.

I seat the bullet so that it functions in the Remington magazine. If I had more mag length, my Rem-age Criterion would handle them seated farther out. My opinion is that the .260 really fits with the 130 grainers and under.

 

[loud_noise]

While I am at it,

What would you guys recommend for a reduced recoiling accurate load using 120 grainers or 140's for that matter?

Lastly, due to my chamber specs, if I load the 140 grain bullets, the base of the bullet is sitting below the case neck shoulder junction. Is this something I should be concerned about?

Thanks

Hi I have found that loading 120s instead the 140-142gns reduces recoil and gave me much better accuracy out of my .260. Mine is factory Tikka stainless light 22" and the lighter projectiles and load mitigated recoil and improved accuracy

 

[sawacs]

Do you guys have a min/starting load and a max load for the 260 running 120's and H4350?

I have tried to find some data but have not had any luck

Thanks

 

[the_accuser]

If you want a reduced recoil load for your .260 try the following. I love shooting this load out of my Tikka .260. Very accurate at 100 and 200 yards.

Brass: Lapua
Primer: Federal 210M or Tula LRM
Bullet: 108gr Lapua
Powder: 24.4gr H4895
COAL: 2.800"

 

[sawacs]

If you want a reduced recoil load for your .260 try the following. I love shooting this load out of my Tikka .260. Very accurate at 100 and 200 yards.

Brass: Lapua
Primer: Federal 210M or Tula LRM
Bullet: 108gr Lapua
Powder: 24.4gr H4895
COAL: 2.800"

Much appreciated for the info everyone: this data is exactly what I am looking for!

I found some load data from another site and went ahead and loaded some rounds to test fire the 260 and begin load development.

This is what I loaded so far:

(5) Lapua 120's over 42.5gr H4350 and BR2 primers
(3) Lapua 120's over 43.0gr H4350 and BR2 primers
(3) Lapua 120's over 43.5gr H4350 and BR2 primers

All the loads were seated .010 off the lands using the ogive as the measurement.

 

[pdq5oh]

I ended up at 43 gr H4350 with 123 Scenars and 130 Berger Hybrids in my 260. Both shoot very well. The Berger's are what my rifle likes best when I have to load to mag length.

 

[Hoosier]

I realize this thread is a couple weeks old, but I built a similar rifle. My 260 Remington is a savage model 12 action,8 twist CBI match barrel, and a B&C stock. I load 41.8grs of IMR4350, 139gr Lapua and 142 gr Sierra bullets, all in Lapua brass. I purchased some 140 Bergers, but haven't shot them. According to QuickLoad the velocity is 2800fps. I could go faster, but that velocity gives consistent performance in my rifle. My groups at 200 yards are under an inch. I have hit targets as far as 1000 yards with the farthest at 1260 yards. The long shots were in a prone position, off a bipod. Everyone suggests using H4350, but I haven't tried that powder. You young guys should be better than me, I am 71. I would be interested to know how your rifles perform.
Hoosier

 

[Cowtownup]

I've got the same rifle as you.. Savage model 12 with a bull contour CBI 8 twist 260 Rem match chamber. I shoot 142 SMKs using 41.8 grains of H4350 in lapua brass and my velocity is around 2750.. At 200 yards my groups are from 3/4 to 1" and on occasion will be down around 1/2". I've not shot mine past 1000 yards but plan on trying the mile this spring... I've shot several cleans at 600 yard F-Open matches with it.

I'd say you are a pretty good shot there sir...

 

[Hoosier]

Thank You Sir for the compliment, but again I believe most are better.
I was asked about my seating depth. Actually, I have been keeping it at magazine
depth at 2.800. I have tried .015 off the lands, but it hasn't been any better. I didn't
include in my original comment, my barrel is 28 inches.