260 Tactical load development advice..

[ducks-and-bucks]

I have a custom 260 tactical (260rem with slightly deeper throat)

I've been testing H4350, 140gr Berger VLD Target, Lapua brass, federal match primer... I narrowed my node down to between 41gr and 42 gr.. I have rounds loaded up to test in .2 increments between 41 and 42...

I've found my best ogive seating depth that shoots the best with 41grs - hands down where it sits it likes it. so seating depth Im guessing is found...

My problem is.. I am load testing at 200 yards... and with H3450 my best group I have gotten is .578 5 shot group.... most others get close to an inch or right under...

I still have this last test to run, but I am getting frustrated and wondering if this rifle just doesnt like H4350... I am temped to run test with another powder to see what happens... and its crossed my mind to try a different bullet, but I dont know what I should try...

Every other rifle I have and developed a load for does a little better than half an inch at 200 yards... or at LEAST holds half an inch consistently at 200..... any advice here? I'm getting worried I am going to test load my barrel life away...

 

[jonbearman]

Have you tried shooting at further distance with this bullet.

 

[jonbearman]

To be honest I shoot the 142 matchkings with quite similar results and it drove me to drink darn near.So I tried the 120's and voila,it likes them.It is frustrating when you have a bullet you like and it doesnt like your barrel.Have you tried the sierra's? I would try the 140,142 and then the 123 matchking and see how they react.

 

[signut]

FWIW, I have the same 260 chambering on a BAT action, 28" Krieger 8.5 twist. found that RL17 gave best groups and velocity, running 42.5 grn with both 123Lapua and 140 Berger VLD. The 4350 was ok but this barrel did better with the RL17.

 

[trailrider121]

I tired using H4350 with 130 vld's in my 260. I found a great node, adjusted seating depth, and got this load shooting hole groups at 100 yards. I went to stretch it out to 550 yards it was shooting shot gun groups. Played with powder and seating depth, but gave up and went with different powder. Went with Varget and problems were solved. I think my rifle did not like 130/ H4350 combo.

Currently working on 140 Hybrids and H4831SC in Lapua brass. I settled on 46.6grs charge shot at 340 yards. 46.4 thru 46.9 grs shot same POI and have great vertical (less than 1"). Getting 2820 fps in 24" barrel. H4831SC seems to be a really good powder with 140's in 260 Rem. Full case, and decent speed. Time will tell.