Considering a new barrel, need some opinions

[sbhooper]

I am considering re-barreling my left-hand Savage 110-cl. It is one of the older actions that is longer than the current short action. I would call it a medium-length action. I think that it would handle some long bullets in a .260 real well, as the magazine will take about any of them.

The only barrel that I will consider, is Criterion, based on the performance of the three that I already have. The dilemma is, do I get a standard (already have one and it is fantastic), a "match" which has the longer throat, or the same two options in 260 AI. Is there really enough advantage to the AI, to overcome the hassles of fire-forming etc.?

Any input will be appreciated. I already have a Creed and a .260, with 24-inch barrels and they are both fantastic. This one will be with a 26-inch barrel.

 

[Bc'z]

If you want to push heavier bullets to 2900
I'd go improved.

 

[dstoenner]

I shot a 260 in f-class for the last 5 years. I went from 26 inch to 30 inch barrel for my last re-barrel. That gave me another 100 fps. That said i was getting 2840 in this barrel with 42.5 gn h4350 and berger 140 hybrids.

I would definitely consider going to 260AI but to be honest I don’t think you will make 2900 in 24 inches.

David

 

[B23]

Maybe have these guys chamber it in 260 Terminator for you and you'll get better speed as well as you can get formed brass from them too.

http://www.defensiveedge.net/index.php/terminator-cartrdige-data/133-260-terminator

Here's a pretty in depth article on the 260 Terminator as well.

http://panhandleprecision.com/260-terminator-initial-review/

 

[sbhooper]

Re 26 gets me 2825 in my .260, now, with the 147 ELDM and I think it would go a bit more, but did not test it much. I am not necessarily looking for a ton of speed, but every little bit helps. I am mainly looking at it, for handling the long bullets a bit better than what I have now.

That terminator looks interesting.

 

[JLT]

I would recommend the Ackley chambering for a couple of reasons:

1. Greater flexibility - You don't necessarily have to use the extra capacity for increased velocity. You can run a known accuracy node at lower pressure, thus extending barrel and brass life. On the other hand, you can hot-rod a .260 AI to 3,100 fps+ with a 140 and 26" to 28" of barrel. Brass won't last long, but it can be done. The 147 grain Hornady ELD-M and the 150 grain SMK are also more easily handled by the Ackley case, allowing one to achieve and exceed the velocity threshold beyond which the heavier bullets deliver an advantage at longer ranges.
2. All other things being equal, the Ackley chambering will yield better brass life. Minimal, if any, trimming is required and if you size to your chamber and don't get silly with pressures, your brass will last a very long time. 100 pieces of Lapua or Peterson brass will last as long as the barrel.

The Criterion match chamber (.160" free bore) would be my choice. Their standard chamber (.098" free bore) imposes some big seating depth limitations. If you're going to run the 123 grain bullets, the standard chamber should be fine but the .260 AI handles the 140 grain+ bullets so well that it would be a shame to limit those options.

Anyhow, good luck with your project.

PS. Fire forming is not that big a deal. I usually load some 123 grain blems/seconds in front of a max-for-standard load and go shoot crows or something similar.

 

[fredo]

Dunno if you'd consider changing parent case, altogether?

If so, ya might dig on a 6.5x55 AI, aka, "Addiction", aka "Swedemoor". Not 100% sure as to minor difference between em, but ya could run em on Lapua Swede brass, and they seem to get right up there in velocity potential to at least match a .260AI?

Regardless, heed JLT's advice & see about what OAL that action will allow, reliably, and choose your reamer based on the best use of that space...

Have fun!

 

[B23]

I wouldn't forget about the 6.5-284 either. They benefit from being run in a LA but even at SA OAL's the 6.5-284 will out run the 260AI and with Lapua brass the 6.5-284 is a simple load and go right out of the box, well, almost.

 

[mikeinct]

I'm very happy w the CBI 260 Rem AI barrel I have,,,If they offered the 6.5 x 55 Swede Imp. [the GBI] I'd try one but the 260 AI is pretty nifty..I use blems to fire form also...The Lapua brass takes at least twelve loading & about 25% of the hundred I started with have loose primer pockets...The nice thing about the AI version I get to use H=4350 or H4831sc...Both work well in LR applications w the 140 to the 150 grain bullets...Mike in Ct

 

[6MMsteve]

for fun shooting why not the 6XC long barrel life and fun to shoot, I like the 260AI, 68x284 have both but I love the 6XC, cheaper to shoot, less recoil, longer strings of fire before barrel heats up, longer barrel life

 

[sbhooper]

Thanks everyone, for the input. I have lots of 308 Hornady Match brass, so the 260 route is more appealing to me. I think that the AI may get the nod, since I already have a great standard .260. At whatever point I do this, I will post the results.

 

[Rust]

The only problem with a 6.5 X 284 is that it burns out a barrel in 1200 rounds or less. Any other 6.5 that matches the velocity (typically 2950 fps with a 140 gr bullet) will have much the same barrel wear problem. Been there, chamber more than one barrel at a time.

Maybe something like a 6mm Rem necked up to 6.5. Longer necks can help a bit with barrel wear. The 6mm Rem is based on the X 57 case as in 8 X 57, 7 X 57, .257 Roberts etc. Make that an AI and you'd hit good velocity at lower pressures.

As far as fire forming for an AI goes, get a cheaper barrel along with the match barrel to switch out for fire forming. It's a Savage so swapping takes a couple of minutes.

 

[mauser284]

I shot a 260 in f-class for the last 5 years. I went from 26 inch to 30 inch barrel for my last re-barrel. That gave me another 100 fps. That said i was getting 2840 in this barrel with 42.5 gn h4350 and berger 140 hybrids.

I would definitely consider going to 260AI but to be honest I don’t think you will make 2900 in 24 inches.

David

That is an outlier for sure since the OEM of the Powder in a 24 inch barrel and 140gr Speer SP and 46gr of powder is listing velocity at 2701fps. I understand your bullet is more aerodynamic but to get 139fps more with 3.5gr less powder is not typical.Since distance is not listed I am assuming your measurement and Alliant Powders are close enough to the muzzle to be PB. I do not doubt your observation is true either just that it is not typical!

https://www.alliantpowder.com/reloa...wderlist.aspx&type=1&powderid=14&cartridge=61

 

[sbhooper]

This is an old thread, Joe.That being said, I went with a standard .260, 24-inch, light varmint barrel with the long throat-as that was the only one that was in stock. It is a fantastic shooter and I push 129 Interlocks to 2977 in it. It has accounted for several deer and a couple antelope. Great barrel, great rifle.

 

[dstoenner]

That is an outlier for sure since the OEM of the Powder in a 24 inch barrel and 140gr Speer SP and 46gr of powder is listing velocity at 2701fps. I understand your bullet is more aerodynamic but to get 139fps more with 3.5gr less powder is not typical.Since distance is not listed I am assuming your measurement and Alliant Powders are close enough to the muzzle to be PB. I do not doubt your observation is true either just that it is not typical!

https://www.alliantpowder.com/reloa...wderlist.aspx&type=1&powderid=14&cartridge=61

Mine was with Magnetospeed. Based on that velocity my come ups at 1000 were within 2 clicks.

You referenced Alliant in your post. My understanding is that h4350 is more energetic than A4350. I don’t know because once I found H4350 and I got great velocity with great groups I quite testing and started shooting.

David