260 with 130TMK advise requested

[86alaskan]

Looking for some tips on the TMK in my 260. I've been running a Norma 130gr for a while and while it works good, I think if I went away from the moly bullets I may pick up some speed. I get 2900fps from it now with RL26, so I'd like some more to level out the curve. Rifle is a Savage 12 with 22" Criterion 1-8" barrel and SiCO omega suppressor. I've got all the usual powders for accuracy in 260, H/IMR 4350, RL17/22/26, H4831sc. Doubt any of the other powders will beat 26, but I've got them to try.

 

[boltfluter]

I think your speed is great for a 22" barrel. Gonna be hard to beat RL26 I would think.

Paul

 

[JLT]

I'm in complete agreement with Paul. I haven't seen anything that will produce speed like RL-26 will in the .260 case, improved or standard. Like Paul said, 2,900 out of a 22" tube is pretty darned impressive.

I hope it delivers the accuracy you're looking for.

 

[86alaskan]

so, update.... ran the 130gr TMK and Norma Diamond today. Both varying charges from 49.4gr up through 50.6gr of RL26. Was getting medium compression at the top charges. I can certainly say that about 50~gr is the efficiency limit of the 22" 260. I ran at 2960~fps below 50gr and topped out at 3020 with the top 3 charges. it just leveled off and would not increase. Will have to tune because the ES and SD were just a touch too high for good long range performance. 49.7gr had me at 20ES and 12 SD for 10rds across the Labradar. I'm really going to work the tuning because the Norma has been testing with and adjusted BC in the neighborhood of .590G1. so at 3000fps and .590, that's a pretty darn good low recoil long range load.