My test results on 140 RDF and 147 ELD-M vs 140 Berger Hyrid in 260 Rem

[dstoenner]

I had some 140 Berger's left from a 100 round load for F-Class so I thought I would use them up and use them as a control group to test 140 RDF and 147 ELD-M. My standard load for 140 Berger Hybrid is 42.5 H4350 in Lapua case with BR-2 primers. COL is 2.950

Not knowing how these would shoot, I only used 42 H4350 in R-P brass with BR-2's. I loaded 25 rounds of each bullet. I measure for concentricity all my loads so I culled out the 3 through 5's to use to establish a zero and only used the 1's and 2's to shoot groups. Nosler COL was 2.900 and ELD COL was 2.890

I did all of this shooting prone with my normal F-Class setup except I couldn't use my spike feet for the Atlas on the concrete floor. ALl was shot at 100 yards indoors so no wind induced group size changes.

I shot 4 5 shot groups of the 140 hybrids with group size ranging from .498 to .805. I then shot the 140 RDF's. Groups ranged from .567 to .879

I then tried the 147s. First shot went way high. OK, then the second shot blew the primer. OK but when the 3rd shot blew the primer, I stoped the 147 test. Trying to impact pull my loads ruined all of the bullet tips so only the powder was recovered.

I loaded up 25 more rounds at 41 gn H4350, all other variables the same. On another trip I shot the ELDs. They were grouping at least .750 below the 140 hybrids for POI. Grouping wise they .685 to .840.

Right now, without any further workup, I am completely ruling out the 147. It takes up too much case room and requires too light a charge. If you look at group size they are all in there. I have taken the 140 Berger to the 1000 yard line now twice and it has shot well both times. For me at least, it is the bullet to beat. One of the first time I shot the RDF it just was one big hole at 100. The Berger's have done that also in the past and in this formal testing, shot all the same night, they didn't do better than the 140 Hybrid but they didn't do statistically worse either.

Based on what I have done so far, I would take the RDF to the 1000 yard line with out concern. I need to get some chrono data on these and see how they might do at 42.5. with 42 they shot about .25 low which I would sort of expect with the lighter charge.

HTH

David

 

[ShootDots]

The 147's have a VERY long bearing surface. You would need to throat it out considerably. A friend of mine did some testing with them. The freebore needs to be so long that no other bullet can be used unless you want almost no bearing surface in the case neck. But that is why you had such pressures using only 1/2gr less powder than you were using for the other 140's..

 

[2506]

Here is a little tip I picked up years ago about using impact bullet pullers. Put you a wad of cotton in the end where the bullet will fall into. It will save bullet deformation of the tip and you can shake the powder off of the cotton.

 

[dstoenner]

Here is a little tip I picked up years ago about using impact bullet pullers. Put you a wad of cotton in the end where the bullet will fall into. It will save bullet deformation of the tip and you can shake the powder off of the cotton.

Great idea. Duh on my part after the first 2 were bad.

David

 

[Rob01]

I shoot the 147 ELDs in my Creedmoor with 43grns of H4350 and they shoot great to 1020 yards. I am getting 2820fps from my 27" barrel. I load them at 2.860" at .030" off the lands and they easily fit in AICS mags. The BC held true to 1020 yards. I am very happy with them and plan to use them in some PRS matches next year.

 

[Randy L]

Here is a little tip I picked up years ago about using impact bullet pullers. Put you a wad of cotton in the end where the bullet will fall into. It will save bullet deformation of the tip and you can shake the powder off of the cotton.

I use one of the little yellow foam ear plugs in the bottom of my impact puller. Same principal.

 

[dstoenner]

For me mag length is not an issue in that F-Class is shot single load. Mine were loaded about .020 off the lands but was the shortest loaded bullet of the 3. That means it had the boat tail the furthest back in the case. This bullet might be fine for the CM but it sure isn't for a 260 Remington

David

 

[Liven The Dream]

Shoot 140 H Berger and 140 RDF
Same load as 142's in my 6.5x54 at 200 yards.
140 Berger's 5/8 group 140 Noslers 9/16 group .
I will shoot RDF's at 1000 the price is right.
I picked the up at Nosler the rep. Told me
.030 jump or more do not jam them..
I did .030 on both .

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Here is a little tip I picked up years ago about using impact bullet pullers. Put you a wad of cotton in the end where the bullet will fall into. It will save bullet deformation of the tip and you can shake the powder off of the cotton.

Which inertia pullers don't already have bullet drop padding installed??? Bought an RCBS inertia puller 13 years ago and it already had it in it. Still has the same factory padding in it to this day. Never damaged a bullet

 

[sbhooper]

I tested the 147s in my .260 and absolutely love them. I am not a mega-range shooter, but a friend of mine came out and shot with me out to 550 yards. They were easily 1/2 moa, as long as we were! I used a stiff load of Re 19 and seated them to the magazine max of 2.848. I got 2724 fps average. I am going to try them on deer, although I am generally not a fan of target bullets on game. After they are used up, I will go back to my standard 129 Interlock, but there is nothing wrong with them, for sure.

 

[garyatlp]

Here is a little tip I picked up years ago about using impact bullet pullers. Put you a wad of cotton in the end where the bullet will fall into. It will save bullet deformation of the tip and you can shake the powder off of the cotton.

I've been using foam ear plugs for years. Replace as they wear out.