Custom 260 Rem or 260 AI help

[excaliber]

I'm planning a custom build for my Wife. I'm trying to decide on a few things and was hoping I could get some answers here. This is going to be a lighter weight hunting rifle that will also be shot at the range.

260 Rem or 260AI? Is the 260 AI additional performance worth the effort of fire forming and additional brass prep? I've heard there can be feeding issues with the AI rounds out of a magazine.

I was looking at the Borden Ridgeline action or the Stiller Predator instead of truing another Rem 700. There are not many reviews on the Ridgeline action (med action) but was told it would be a better action length for the longer coal 260 cartridges.

Has anyone here used the Borden Ridgeline or seen one in action?

Would I better served with a med or long action over a short action for this build?
The reamer will be a match grade reamer that will allow 140 gr Bergers to be seated long.

The bottom metal will be BDL type with the hinged floorplate. I need to have the rounds feed from the magazine and do not want a detachable box mag.

Wyatt's extended mag box?

I see some people like .115 freebore others like .195 or so. I'm curious which one would work better for the Bergers or bullets of that length. Is there an issue with too much freebore should she decide to shoot 130's instead?

I'm leaning towards a Bartlein #3 5R .264 8 twist barrel finished at 26" I was thinking about going to the 2B barrel since it's quite a bit lighter but was wondering if it would be too light?
The #3 barrel weighs right at 4 pounds. I think it will be tougher to thread the .630 #2B barrel than the #3 .670 barrel.

I'll be using Lapua brass so is a .298 chamber diameter correct?

It will likely get a McMillan stock marbled in her colors as she likes that look.

I'm still kicking options around so I'm not set on anything yet. The 260 rem or AI looks like it would fit the bill.

Any advice would really be appreciated.

 

[Fast14riot]

I just bought a 260AI and based on performance alone it outshines the standard 260, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5x47L. Running the 140 class bullets up around 3000 in Lapua 260 brass, and even higher in 308 Palma, averaging 3050-3100. However, feeding AI cases is always a concern, centerfeed is far better for AI cases than stagger feed. Mine will be in a single shot configuration as a range gun, using a heavy varmint taper at 26". A true AI chamber nearly always does just fine (in a quality barrel) with factory ammo, accuracy and velocity. 260AI dies can be had off the shelf as I'm finding, FL and neck die sets.

 

[sbhooper]

You have to ask yourself if the bit of extra performance in the AI, will be a game changer for what she will use it for. I do not have an AI, but my guess is that the barrel life will be shorter due to the extra powder/velocity achieved. Just my twist on it, anyway. My standard .260 is a light-recoiling, superbly accurate deer stomper.

 

[VaRandy]

I just bought a 260AI and based on performance alone it outshines the standard 260, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5x47L. Running the 140 class bullets up around 3000 in Lapua 260 brass, and even higher in 308 Palma, averaging 3050-3100. However, feeding AI cases is always a concern, centerfeed is far better for AI cases than stagger feed. Mine will be in a single shot configuration as a range gun, using a heavy varmint taper at 26". A true AI chamber nearly always does just fine (in a quality barrel) with factory ammo, accuracy and velocity. 260AI dies can be had off the shelf as I'm finding, FL and neck die sets.

OFF THE SHELF......Be careful ...All Ackleys are not the same.

I'm planning a custom build for my Wife. I'm trying to decide on a few things and was hoping I could get some answers here. This is going to be a lighter weight hunting rifle that will also be shot at the range.

260 Rem or 260AI? Is the 260 AI additional performance worth the effort of fire forming and additional brass prep? I've heard there can be feeding issues with the AI rounds out of a magazine.

I was looking at the Borden Ridgeline action or the Stiller Predator instead of truing another Rem 700. There are not many reviews on the Ridgeline action (med action) but was told it would be a better action length for the longer coal 260 cartridges.

Has anyone here used the Borden Ridgeline or seen one in action?

Would I better served with a med or long action over a short action for this build?
The reamer will be a match grade reamer that will allow 140 gr Bergers to be seated long.

The bottom metal will be BDL type with the hinged floorplate. I need to have the rounds feed from the magazine and do not want a detachable box mag.

Wyatt's extended mag box?

I see some people like .115 freebore others like .195 or so. I'm curious which one would work better for the Bergers or bullets of that length. Is there an issue with too much freebore should she decide to shoot 130's instead?

I'm leaning towards a Bartlein #3 5R .264 8 twist barrel finished at 26" I was thinking about going to the 2B barrel since it's quite a bit lighter but was wondering if it would be too light?
The #3 barrel weighs right at 4 pounds. I think it will be tougher to thread the .630 #2B barrel than the #3 .670 barrel.

I'll be using Lapua brass so is a .298 chamber diameter correct?

It will likely get a McMillan stock marbled in her colors as she likes that look.

I'm still kicking options around so I'm not set on anything yet. The 260 rem or AI looks like it would fit the bill.

Any advice would really be appreciated.

 

[VaRandy]

You mentioned .298 neck. My Ackley reamer was set up for long throat 140s and neck is .297. I do neck turn and anybody too lazy to do that should shoot a standard .260 and maybe factory!

I'm planning a custom build for my Wife. I'm trying to decide on a few things and was hoping I could get some answers here. This is going to be a lighter weight hunting rifle that will also be shot at the range.

260 Rem or 260AI? Is the 260 AI additional performance worth the effort of fire forming and additional brass prep? I've heard there can be feeding issues with the AI rounds out of a magazine.

I was looking at the Borden Ridgeline action or the Stiller Predator instead of truing another Rem 700. There are not many reviews on the Ridgeline action (med action) but was told it would be a better action length for the longer coal 260 cartridges.

Has anyone here used the Borden Ridgeline or seen one in action?

Would I better served with a med or long action over a short action for this build?
The reamer will be a match grade reamer that will allow 140 gr Bergers to be seated long.

The bottom metal will be BDL type with the hinged floorplate. I need to have the rounds feed from the magazine and do not want a detachable box mag.

Wyatt's extended mag box?

I see some people like .115 freebore others like .195 or so. I'm curious which one would work better for the Bergers or bullets of that length. Is there an issue with too much freebore should she decide to shoot 130's instead?

I'm leaning towards a Bartlein #3 5R .264 8 twist barrel finished at 26" I was thinking about going to the 2B barrel since it's quite a bit lighter but was wondering if it would be too light?
The #3 barrel weighs right at 4 pounds. I think it will be tougher to thread the .630 #2B barrel than the #3 .670 barrel.

I'll be using Lapua brass so is a .298 chamber diameter correct?

It will likely get a McMillan stock marbled in her colors as she likes that look.

I'm still kicking options around so I'm not set on anything yet. The 260 rem or AI looks like it would fit the bill.

Any advice would really be appreciated.

 

[JLT]

For a hunting rifle, I'd probably go with a straight .260. Reliable feeding is a higher order of priority in a hunting rifle.

As for freebore, ~ .170 will accommodate the heavier VLDs pretty well and shoot the 130s just fine. You may find a FB of .100 somewhat limiting if the rifle's intended diet is the 140 gr. bullets. I would definitely go with something longer than a short action to get the most out of the heavier bullets.

I'm assuming you are referring to neck diameter at .298. That'll do fine for a no-turn neck.

If you plan on threading for a brake, the #3 contour would be better. Fluting is an option if you want to save a little weight (ounces, not pounds). Shopping for the right optic, rings and mounts with weight as a primary consideration might make the difference in barrel contours a wash without fluting.

 

[Fast14riot]

OFF THE SHELF......Be careful ...All Ackleys are not the same.

Yes, of course. Ackley vs Clymer dimensions, etc are important to know. But, there are dies available for the right chamber.

 

[NickB1075]

I vote for a 260ai in the Borden. I got my Borden for a 260ai build and couldn't be happier with it. I went with the long action do to plans down the road for other chamberings. The .298 nk is fine for a no turn chamber. I can't comment on feeding because this is my first Ackley in a repeater.

Nick

 

[jimbo88mm]

How serious of a shooter is your wife? Is she really in to it or is this just something for her to use when she's tagging along?

If she's just tagging along on hunts and range time, I'd go with the simplest setup, like a 260. Heck, I would consider a Creedmoor that way if I didn't have time to get reloads done or she decides at the last minute to join me (my wife does this occasionally) then we can just stop at some place local on the way and pick up factory ammo. I actually put together an inexpensive 243 for just this scenario.

If she's an avid target shooter (or has genuine interest in long range shooting) then a 260ai becomes more reasonable IMO.

Good Luck!

 

[HTSmith]

My 260 match rifle is throated to put the heel of the Berger 140 VLD just a smidge above the doughnut area and the loaded rounds are 3.1" long. I have to remove the bolt to unload a live round with a Rem SA. So I'd say you need a medium (depending on specs) or a long action. Also my no turn rounds with Lapua brass measure .295" across the neck, so a .298" could work but I might go a couple thousandths more for a hunting rifle. Finally, I don't think the improved version is worth it in your application but that's just my humble opinion.

BTW I think you are making a great choice for your wife. You can handload rounds that kick like a 243, but kill deer like a hammer.

 

[excaliber]

Jimbo88mm No she is not an avid shooter at all as this is going to be here very first rifle. We will(meaning me too) be using it for Mule Deer so that why I was thinking about the 260AI

She couldn't tell the difference from one to another. Everyone has a 6.5CM but for me they are just too common and I'd like something similar but different.

I still have not deiced as I'm still kicking things around. I'm waiting for some input from a couple rifle builders.

 

[jimbo88mm]

My sister took at a 10 point Mule Deer in Colorado a couple years ago using a cheap Remington 770 in 260 shooting federal factory ammo with a neck shot. I think the 260 will be fine inside of 300 yards.

I don't see the benefits of the AI having much value in a hunting rifle. If your worried about energy than moving up to a 6.5-284 or something in 7mm would have a more meaningful difference, so my choice between the two for this scenario would be the 260.

 

[savageboy]

I've had both, wish I never sold my 260AI. I was running Lapua 139's at 2930 fps with H4831 sc. I could get much more velocity with RL 17 but my barrel- prefit Shilen sel. match 26" then I went to a straight bull bbl 28".

That was the sweet spot accuracy node with very low es/ sd. I sold it to fund my 6brx and have recently gone back to a straight 260 rem for shooting steel, but the taper in that case just honestly "bugs" me every time I look at it! It feeds well but after having the AI, I really liked the added velocity - about 130fps- that allowed me a little more lee way in blowing a windage/ mirage call at 1000yds.

Honestly, she'd never know the difference as has been said here.

Just a tip if you do go with the AI, I found fireforming to be not a bad experience. I did 300 Lapua brass and a bunch of Rem before I wised up- rem brass= not consistent, primer pockets shot after 2 firings-I found I ended up liking the "pistol powder, corn meal" (no salt ) method and a lil dab of crisco to keep it all held in place. I added a false shoulder at 7mm- just enough so I had to jam the bolt handle the last 1/3rd of the way to close it and it yielded at least 90-95% first hit, sharp shouldered brass. You can do a search and find out how much pistol powder- seems to me it was around 12-17 gr of something like Bullseye, etc. but don't take my word here for reloading advice. It was not a bad chore and I even had some fun at the range and shot and killed 2 large carpenter bee's with my "shot load" of cornmeal!
You do end up with a little mess to clean up in the action w/ some spilled corn meal, crisco, black gunk, but I just loaded them all up after perfecting the powder charge, kept them upright on the way to the range and kept the muzzle tipped up higher than horizontal when loading and firing and it worked great, kept my round count down on my barrel, etc.

 

[nakneker]

Borden Ridgeline would be perfect for your project shooting 140s with 160-170 freebore. I have a similar rifle built on a lightweight Defiance with a number three Hawk Hill, very close to the Bartlien. It's fluted but I wish I would have gone a touch lighter.

If your sharing the rifle and really pushing for the extra performance than maybe the AI makes sense, you can always tone it down for the wife. If the rifle is going to used primarily for hunting though the standard 260 makes things easy. If she doesn't have a lot of practice working a bolt the easier the better in my opinion.

Either way it sounds like a great project. What will new rifle project will the wife need next year

 

[VaRandy]

Yes, of course. Ackley vs Clymer dimensions, etc are important to know. But, there are dies available for the right chamber.

Within the Ackley designation, there are quite different dies.Don't find out the hard way.

 

[savageboy]

This probably isnt the best way to do this, but I'll share what worked for me.

I bummed 2 pieces of fired brass from a fellow shooter off one of these boards, added 4 thou of scotch tape carefully trimmed for the no go gage, and the go gage was the other one. This isn't advice at all, its just something I did a few years ago and worked out great.

Since it was a Savage Pre fit, I was able to head space it fine based off my buddies chamber and once fireformed, I just neck sized. So, just an option there if you'd look at a Savage. It was an inexpensive way to go for me and occasionally it / I won relays at least - not matches of course F-open at Camp Butner F class 600-1000yd.

 

[onelastshot]

I've got two AI cartridges, a 6mm Remington and a 22-250. I personally have never had any problems with cartridges feeding properly. The two reasons for choosing an AI cartridge is the additional 5-10% case capacity as well as increased velocity and better brass for reloading. AI brass does not stretch at the neck because of the sharp shoulder so you'll have less trimming and longer brass life. The other benefit is increased velocity. The percent of increase in case capacity and increased velocity depends on the cartridge, the 6mm AI obtains about a 10% increase in case capacity. I don't know of the overall increase in case capacity for a 260 cartridge.

Lastly, my personal choice to form AI brass is to simply purchase regular ammunition and fire it. Any AI actions will shoot standard cartridges. I use my 6mmAI all the time shooting standard 6mm ammunition. It's extremely accurate and the brass fire forms perfectly. There's no reason to make fire forming brass an issue when you can shoot regular ammunition accurately and end up with perfectly formed brass.