Opinions, re-barrel or buy another rifle?

[justinp61]

1 3/4" was the best at 100 yards with the reloads, it has shot 1" with factory (same bullets) loads though. I'd like to be able to consistently shoot 3" groups at 400 yards.

Nothing is coming apart anytime soon, I still have other loads to try.

 

[Zero333]

1 3/4" was the best at 100 yards with the reloads, it has shot 1" with factory (same bullets) loads though. I'd like to be able to consistently shoot 3" groups at 400 yards.

Nothing is coming apart anytime soon, I still have other loads to try.

If a Factory load can shoot 1 moa then your reloads will do .75 moa for sure, it just takes some trial of different components. If things don't pan out I would suggest getting a Criterion Pre-fit, you will be very happy you did. If you have $500+ burning a hole in your pocket then get a smith to chamber a blank.

 

[Spike A]

I would like to add a couple of things, First, I have heard people mention that they think field/lighter contour barrels tend to be a little more finicky in reloading, do you guys tend to think this is true?. Second, a couple years ago i was messing with my browning A-bolt trying to get it dialed in, and factory loads would on a good day shoot 1 moa and with many of the hand loads i tried it was well well over that. I went through 5 different bullets with almost as many powders per bullet, along with seating depths. And i finally came across one that shot, and it will shoot .25" moa consistently. For a while it was about it get turned into a flag post, but now by far my most accurate hunting rifle.

 

[Cold Bore]

I would like to add a couple of things, First, I have heard people mention that they think field/lighter contour barrels tend to be a little more finicky in reloading, do you guys tend to think this is true?.

No.

What you may find though is that a lighter weight rifle is harder to hold steady, consistently, and that may affect group size.

A lighter weight barrel is capable of the same raw accuracy as it's heavier brothers; it is just harder sometimes to realize that accuracy in real world situations.

However, with a normal sporter weight tube, it shouldn't be much of an issue, especially in the hunting world. You are more likely to find those issues in the ultra lightweight guns (Kimber Montana type stuff), where small changes in form or holding can show big differences downrange.

The rifle in question here is a standard weight rifle, intended for hunting deer.

But as for your question about being finicky with handloads specifically.... no. You will have those same issues with factory ammo as well.

 

[dkhunt14]

If you can't get that gun to shoot well with 130 Bergers and H4831 or SC, something else is wrong! H4350 is better (IMHO) for longer barrels and heavier bullets... Remember not to use that danged expander ball!

H4350 is faster and should be better with lighter bullets and shorter barrels. I would think either powder should shoot great in a 260. I would try another bullet because that barrel might not like the one your shooting. I would also go a little heavier then a 120. I like Berger VLD hunting bullets for accuracy. I would also try a Hornady A-Max or something like that. For Deer and hunting I would use a 130 or 140 grain bullet. Matt

 

[justinp61]

I have Berger 130 VLD hunting bullets. How do they perform at short ranges, 100 yards or less?

I'm done turkey hunting and the hot rod is getting close to being in tune so I'll be turning my attention to reloading again. I have been eye balling a new Savage mdl 12 LRP in 260, I hate this disease.

 

[Andy Work]

If you like your rifle...you can keep your rifle

Did obama say that?

 

[walker2713]

Give Jim Briggs at Northland Shooters a call....they stock Criterion barrels in a variety of calibers and configurations....good folks to do business with.