It is a no-brainer. I would not want to be without mine.the thought of a 260AI interests me add to the list
It is a no-brainer. I would not want to be without mine.the thought of a 260AI interests me add to the list
Thank you. It all sounds pretty straightforward and a worthwhile improvement for the heavy bullets, which is what I want to use this rifle for. Would you say there are any downsides to going to the AI version?Yes Sir and jam the bullet in the lands with a normal 260 load.
It is very easy with no issues at all. If there is any downsides to going AI I have not seen it yet and I have had mine since 2021. Honestly, if I could not have the AI then I don't think I would want a 260. The reason I say that is due to the added performance over the regular 260 especially with the heavier bullets.Thank you. It all sounds pretty straightforward and a worthwhile improvement for the heavy bullets, which is what I want to use this rifle for. Would you say there are any downsides to going to the AI version?
You should get that velocity no problem and more like 2750 even with bullets in the 150 range.I've got 800 more 142gr SMK's on the way, probably some N555 to try too. I'm very impressed with what this Tikka Tac A1 suppressed can do. I imagine it would be hard to miss with an F class 260AI rifle. It's all about the wind then! I'm expecting around 2,700fps with N555 out of the 24" barrel.
That's good to know. I'm currently using 40.0gr N550 as I had a tub, at 2600fps and 2.895". I can push it to 2700 but get pressure signs so backed it off as the brass and barrel is new.You should get that velocity no problem and more like 2750 even with bullets in the 150 range.
Gotcha, It may likely be necessary to change the powder to the next step slower, If all that is available is VV powders.....Your N550 sounds much like how my AA-2700 acted, same charge and everything.That's good to know. I'm currently using 40.0gr N550 as I had a tub, at 2600fps and 2.895". I can push it to 2700 but get pressure signs so backed it off as the brass and barrel is new.
Yes N550 is probably a bit fast but these days powder is a bit expensive not to use! It shoots very well but a bit more velocity and the same accuracy wouldn't hurt. We can mostly get VV or Reload Swiss powders, no Alliant to be seen and Hodgson is scarce and expensive, many are not sold here either due to the REACH regulations.Gotcha, It may likely be necessary to change the powder to the next step slower, If all that is available is VV powders.....Your N550 sounds much like how my AA-2700 acted, same charge and everything.
which is kind of unfortunate as there is A LOT of other powders in between N550 and N555
Which means going the next step slower is a BIG step.
But, still may work.
If not, do not get too caught up in speed, accuracy is more important to load for and makes everything more predictable.
I did not realize you were using a Tikka Tac A1,
One of my shooting buddies has the same gun but in a 6.5 Creed and I was about to recommend to him he let me rechamber it to a .260
....Until we shot it
It is throwing factory 140 ELD-m Loads at 2850 fps
I dont know how but it must be his barrel.
I said never mind, leave it a 6.5 Creed if it is that fast. lol
Excellent. It looks like 42-44gr should be about right for the 142gr SMK. No VV data for that bullet but I seat 0.1" longer.I shoot N555 in my 260AI currently, its a fantastic powder. I shoot the 153.5 LRHT in the low node at 2800fps. 45.0gr
I did find that it was nearly identical to my RL23 data. I think 42-44 would be a safe place to look.Excellent. It looks like 42-44gr should be about right for the 142gr SMK. No VV data for that bullet but I seat 0.1" longer.
I have one of those. What is your load?Go for the lighter ones, i'm having very good results with Hornady 130 ELD-M's running around 2880 in a Tikka CTR.
I've managed to get hold of some N555 now. I'll load up some test rounds from 42-44gr with the 142 SMK's and see how they do. The load data for those seems very consistent with the 144gr Berger LRH with the slower powders. Hoping I can get about 2750fps with accuracy out of my 24" Tikka barrel and the most of that BC.I did find that it was nearly identical to my RL23 data. I think 42-44 would be a safe place to look.
I believe that load will do well for you.I've managed to get hold of some N555 now. I'll load up some test rounds from 42-44gr with the 142 SMK's and see how they do. The load data for those seems very consistent with the 144gr Berger LRH with the slower powders. Hoping I can get about 2750fps with accuracy out of my 24" Tikka barrel and the most of that BC.
SameI got started in precision rifle with a 260 Remington. There is a huge selection of 6.5 bullets to choose from. I had some success with Sierra Matchking 123s and Lapua Scenar 136s using H4831sc. ADG was making 260 brass back then. I wouldn't venture into reforming 308 brass - I suspect you might have problems getting consistent neck tension.
43.0 gr. may be a good place to check as well.Did some testing today with N555: All three shot groups, measured edge to edge minus .264"
42.3 0.331" 2623
42.6 0.245" 2632
42.9 0.771" 2649
43.2 0.439" 2655
43.6 0.566" 2675
44.0 0.367" 2700
44.4 0.287" 2723
No signs of pressure, 142SMK at 2.895" COAL. I want to load some more at 44.4gr and shoot a larger group to see if it is consistent.