need 260 load info

[P1ZombieKiller]

Just got my Krieger barrel back in 260, and about to start load development. I already have 140 Bergers, and thinking about getting some 140 SMK's also. I'm using Remington brass,at least that’s what I have so far). Can anyone give me a starting point on loads?

I tried searching, but the search function really did not like everything I punched in,260, 260 load, 260 info). So far I see H4350 is working good, but wanted to play around with a couple other powders too.

 

[JRinCo]

I use the .260 Rem for rifle silhouette and I load the 140's up as hot as the primer pockets will stand it, in order to knock the rams down.

Over the years I've tried several different powders and have had the best luck with H4831 sc. Use a chronograph and start with about 41 gr. of H4831 sc. In my rifles I can load right up to a compressed load, using Rem. brass, but the cases won't last forever.

I just took a look at Hodgdon's manual. The starting load that they recommend won't even fit in my cases. I can only speculate as to why that is. Be cautious!

 

[treeman]

p1zk, if you need more case volume try useing winchester7-08 brass. i use this combo:7mm-08 rp case/37.4gr vv n150/3.2"oal/cci-br2 primer/ you may need a different seating depth depending on your free bore length. I started @35 gr and worked my way up in 1/2gr increments. and this was where it started shooting consistently accurate groups.
another thing that may help knock down rams is useing 140 gr game king bullets. it takes more energy to destroy the tougher bullet and puts more energy on the target thus less ringers. hope this helps,
treeman

 

[JRinCo]

The Berger 140 VLD's at 2775 fps are the most consistent load that I've seen in the last 22 years of silhouette comp. I shot the 190 gainers out of a .308 Win. for the first 7 years.

 

[dmickey]

If you are interested in using Berger and Sierra bullets, why don't you get their loading manuals? It's not safe or prudent to get loading data from people over the internet. They may or may not be correct in their data! If you really don't want to buy a manual,or two) then Hodgdon's site has loading data. But you really need to buy a manual!

 

[JRinCo]

I have all of the latest books from Sierra, Hodgdon, Alliant, Swift and Barnes. But here's the thing, Sierra must have considered H 4831 to be to slow, because they don't even list it. For the .260 Rem. Hodgdon, in their 2009 annual manual lists a minimum charge of 45.0 gr. of H4831 using a 142 gr. Sierra Match King. In my fired and FL re sized Remington cases, 45.0 gr. of H4831 sc, with the heel of the bullet seated at the neck shoulder conjunction is where the charge is very compressed. There will be noticeable pressure on the bolt lift, there will be ejector smears on the case head and after 2 firings at this level the primer pockets will not hold a primer.

Always use a manual, start at the lowest possible recommended charge use a chronograph and be cautious.

 

[HTSmith]

45 Gr of H4831sc behind a 142 Sierra works great in my rifle. I use necked up 243 Lapua brass. I use Remington brass in my hunting rifle but the primer pockets sure seem to open up quick. Your mileage certainly may vary. Start low and work up.

 

[SooStan]

H4831sc gave me good accuracy and higher velocities then H4350, but H4350 gives me tighter groups at 300 and 600yds.

 

[habu]

MORN WES,

first question is - what twist bbl do you have and how long?

both effect your bullet choice and acc. and vel.

RON

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

If you are interested in using Berger and Sierra bullets, why don't you get their loading manuals? It's not safe or prudent to get loading data from people over the internet. They may or may not be correct in their data! If you really don't want to buy a manual,or two) then Hodgdon's site has loading data. But you really need to buy a manual!

have several manuals. I always start low and work up. But the Hodgdon web site lists 9 powders that they give load info. I really do not want to buy 9 powders to do testing. If someone gives me load info, if they do not say they worked up to that load, I assume they did, and I start 1.5 grains lower, and go up. Mostly I'm looking for what powders work best with the 140+ projectiles. If 5 people say pretty close to the same thing,like 42ish grains of H4350) then that should be the first powder I try, and I will start at 40.0 and work up from there. Hodgdon web site lists 42.0 as max load..... so those loads should still be safe.

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

MORN WES,

first question is - what twist bbl do you have and how long?

both effect your bullet choice and acc. and vel.

RON

1:8.5 twist and 28" kreiger. sorry... should have mentioned that in my post.

 

[habu]

THANKS WES,

here goes. i use the following: fed 210m primers, palma head stamp cases[win] 142 SMK, VARGET and H4350. 140's and 139s should work with minor variations.

i have used rem cases, but, have 'very' short case life - primer pockets enlarging. [and not from presure problems]

my gear is: RPA 2000 actions [3], TRUFLIGHT bbls [1-8 twist], CG triggers and NIGHTFORCE scopes [NXS 12-42 x 56, CH-3 ret], i shoot f-open.

i do have, and tried a 1-8.5 twist krieger, but it would only shoot 'fast' loads. have consulted with those in the 'know' - what ever that might be, and they agree - 1-8.5s require 'faster' loads.

i know there are lots of shooters that want/require speed, but i maintain that at least 142's work better going slow. now what is slow? down in the lower 2800 fps range out of a 30/31" bbl.

however, with your 1-8.5, you will need [IN MY opinion] vel. of 2930 fps or better. haveing said that, you 'may' find a good load going slower.

my 1-8.5 only worked 'good' at 2950 or better. i like to shoot my 142's at 2840 or slower! i get .25 MOA and shoot long range.
[remember, i shoot 30/31" bbl]

loads: 39.6 gr VARGET, bullet seated on the lands. 2840 fps .25 MOA
42.6 gr H 4350, -do- 2950 fps .30 MOA.

a word of caution, the varget load is at/near the upper limits of 'safe' chamber pres. for that powder.

how well does my VARGET load work? 3 palmas at phoenix in dec 08 - 439 avg. my best palma in 2007 was 446. these scores shot on the 1/2 min F CLASS tgt.

hope this helps.

ron