Expected speeds for copper bullet in a 260 AI?

[Andy4600]

I am considering a new rifle build, and the 260AI is on my short list. Does anyone have any experience with the following bullets in a 260ai, as far as what peak and accurate velocities would be? My goal is to get around 3000-3050 fps at the muzzle to maximize bullet performance and distance.

120gr Nosler e-tip
127gr Barnes LRX
124gr Hammer Hunters

 

[wboggs]

I have a .260 and my buddy has an AI. I think it will depend on your barrel length. It will probably have to be 26". Those are all hunting bullets so I assume that is what your rifle is. Personally I would go with a 24" and expect 2900 or so with careful reloading and the correct powders. No animal is going to know a 100fps difference in velocity.

 

[Andy4600]

No animal is going to know a 100fps difference in velocity.

No, but it will make about 50 yards difference in maximum range...at least based on ballistic calculators. And I may have to settle for 2900 fps...right now I want to see what is possible.

 

[wboggs]

You may be able to do it with very careful loading with a specific powder/brass combo and running the pressures up some. You will probably need to do a lot of testing. How long is your barrel and where do you hunt?
The AI will give you 50-75 fps more and we have 30" barrels that give 2900-2975 with 140 bergers and 142 smks. Your twist will influence it some as well as your specific barrel.

 

[wboggs]

You may be able to do it with very careful loading wit a specific powder/brass combo and running the pressures up some. You will probably need to do a lot of testing. How long is your barrel and where do you hunt?

 

[Bill Norris]

As mentioned with careful development practices you should be able to meet your goal with the Nosler 120 gr. B T. Not real sure about the E-tip. I have realized speeds in excess of 3100 fps with my 260AI with 120 gr. class bullets in both my 24 and 26 inch barrels. Actually have been able to go above 3100 fps with the 130 gr. class bullets as well. See load details below.

LAPUA BRASS
130 GR. BERGER VLD TAR. 2.183 O M 2.866 COL T/L B S .444 B C .562
POWDER 45.5 GR. H-4350 PRIMER FED 205GM M
SEATED @ 2.173 O M 2.856 COL .010 OTL .293 BUSHING
09/13/21 M V 3110

 

[wboggs]

My buddy had erratic results with the E-tip. I've tested and worked up loads for the Hammers in a 6.5prc. It is an easy bullet to work with

 

[Andy4600]

As mentioned with careful development practices you should be able to meet your goal with the Nosler 120 gr. B T. Not real sure about the E-tip. I have realized speeds in excess of 3100 fps with my 260AI with 120 gr. class bullets in both my 24 and 26 inch barrels. Actually have been able to go above 3100 fps with the 130 gr. class bullets as well. See load details below.

LAPUA BRASS
130 GR. BERGER VLD TAR. 2.183 O M 2.866 COL T/L B S .444 B C .562
POWDER 45.5 GR. H-4350 PRIMER FED 205GM M
SEATED @ 2.173 O M 2.856 COL .010 OTL .293 BUSHING
09/13/21 M V 3110

Thank you. This is the type of information I'm looking for. Actual load data results with barrel length.

 

[Fast14riot]

It should be able to reach those speeds pretty easily. I was shooting the 140VLDT in a 26" barrel at 2975. Going to a 120 and say 24" barrel, I would expect 3000 to be reasonable.