.260 Remington Reloading Questions: Case, Bullet, and Powder

[Das Capitolin]

I've recently purchased a Savage Model 11 Long Range Hunter in .260 Remington. This bolt-action rifle has a 26" barrel with 1:8" twist rate, and adjustable muzzlebrake (details at http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/11LONGRANGEHUNTER). I will be loading for this rifle, which I plan to shoot in long-range varmint matches (600yds), but also plan to shoot 1000 yard targets. A SWFA SuperSniper HD 4-16 will be attached, with proper MOA base. So my questions are:

Brass: I can purchase 200 cases of Lupua .260 brass for the same price as 400 cases by Remington. Which is the better value?
Bullet: 6.5mm bullets come in all shapes and sizes. What's the most ideal bullet for long-range shooting with this configuration?
Powder: What's the most favored powder for this purpose/caliber?

Your feedback and opinions are appreciated.

 

[ttfreestyle]

buy the lapua, it lasts. my 26 inch bbl 260 savage shot the 142 smk very well with H4350. it also shot the 123 smk well with varget. if you plan on shooting 1000 i would stick to 139-142 bullets. just my experience, lots more on here that know way more than i do. maybe this will help some.

 

[Das Capitolin]

I imagine trimming case neck lengths will happen regardless of the brand I choose; mighty Lupua or otherwise. I might not get the same case life from Remington, but I'll have twice as many cases for the same price.

I use Varget in my .223 loads, but I'm not sure how well it will work for .260/6.5mm.

 

[maxscm]

Brass: Lapua ,,, No Sorting ,Weighing needed.

Bullets for Long Range---Amaxes 140's, If the Amaxes won't group, ---Sierra 142MK's, ---then Berger 140's, ---then Lapua 139's. Try the Amaxes first and if they shoot well you have an economical bullet to shoot alot.

Powder--Varget, H4350,IMR4350, IMR4064.(Old School).

Since you are a reloader, you Know Your Gun will be Bullet & Powder, Specific,,,, and what works in your 260 might not in another.
The 260 is a terrific round,, blows away a 308 at the 1000 yardage, with those High BC Bullets available. Those 140gr Bergers have a G1 BC of .612!!! Plug that in QiuckLoad.

 

[Das Capitolin]

I can buy new Remington brass for $.49 each, so I'm getting two cases for every one Lupua. Is Lupua really going to give me twice the life?

Thank you for all of your advice.

 

[maxscm]

If you are going to shoot 1000 yds you are going to "Need Consistancy" in your reloading precedures.
Lapua Brass gives that from the start.....my.02worth.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

Everyone gets advice...............ONLY THE WISE PROFIT FROM IT. Don't be penny wise and dollar foolish. Buy the damn Lapua. If you don't, they will eventually cost you $1.49 each after you buy the Remington and then buy the Lapua.

 

[260Remshtr]

I have been shooting F-Class with the .260 out of a custom rifle. What everyone says about Lapua brass is true, but I started with Remington brass, then Winchester 7-08 and necked it down. I have shot groups as small as .16 in. inside to inside at 100yrds with the remington stuff...that being said I had to sort it, and spend lots of time making everything perfect, and if I were to pay for that time....lapua is cheaper.

For me Sierra 142's have shot the best at 600 and beyond. But I am going to try the Berger 140VLD's.

H4350 is the go to powder for the .260, but 4831 isn't bad and I've seen plenty of shooters using it.

 

[ttfreestyle]

i have about 185 to 190(same lot) win 7-08 sized to 260, primer pockets are uniformed and twice fired. i will sell them to you for $55.00 shipped , i tried these and shot good but not as well as with stock Lapua right out of the box. Buy the Lapua in my honest opinion and dont look back.