Gunsmithing .260 ackley

[tazmad]

Im thinkin of venturing from my .243 ackley(1-12 twist) to the .260 ackley(in a 1-8 twist for long range)
But can anyone tell me how short can i go on the barrel length,as i need it as short as possible

 

[turbo54]

Unless you register it as a short barrel rifle, the barrel will have to measure at least 16" from bolt face to muzzle to be legal.

 

[tazmad]

I dont think a 16" would work without losing a lot of speed

 

[Redcreek1]

If you want to get the benefit of the AI case capacity, which allows you to drive 139 Scenar and 142 MK's in the 2950 to 3000fps range (thats the sweet spot) then you need a 26" barrel. My 6.5 Longbow cartride is substantially similar, just throat and some other minor mods and from our testing, you loose a lot choping it to 24" (about 150 "ish" fps).

If you need a shorter barrel and less velocity is ok then go with a 6.5 Creedmore.

 

[BoilerUP]

A 16.5" 260 should be good for 2550-2600 with 139-142s, 2750fps with 123s.

 

[turbo54]

I dont think a 16" would work without losing a lot of speed

What is your minimum acceptable velocity? With which bullet?

 

[Glenn]

I would go with this before the Ackely.

260 Imp 30?

At least it would feed!

Glenn

 

[Redcreek1]

I would go with this before the Ackely.

260 Imp 30?

At least it would feed!

Glenn

The 260 AI / 6.5mm/08 AI, which has a 40 degree shoulder doesnt have any feeding issues I have encountered and Terry Cross has won over half a dozen major sniper competions over the past decade with that cartridge out of magazine fed bolt guns. I think that answers the "does it feed' question.

 

[tazmad]

Im trying to get a balance of reaching about 1000 yrds on steel but with having a supressor attached thats its not too long for gettin in and out of a jeep while varminting

 

[krw]

Go to 6mmBR.com and read Terry's article on the 260AI. Interesting but in the end He quit using it saying the slight gain was not worth the trouble. Your asking for a lot wanting a short barrel and high velocity.

 

[BoilerUP]

Im trying to get a balance of reaching about 1000 yrds on steel but with having a supressor attached thats its not too long for gettin in and out of a jeep while varminting

123gr A-Max @ 2770fps (easily reachable from a 20" 260 and possible from a 16.5" 260 based on powder choice) is 10.0mil to 1000yd @ 500' ASL.

 

[JWV]

You really don't gain a ton in a 260AI and it seems they are more well suited for long barrels. I have one with a 28inch barrel and it is awesome. High velocity with very very mild loads. I think the bigger benefit of Ackley is lack of the need for trimming. It really isn't a hassle though as fireforming loads are just as accurate as formed loads. What I would do is get a 24inch varmint count barrel for weight savings, but get a folding stock so it would fit nicely in your Jeep. Jump out, unfold stock, and let a 2800 fps 140gr berger Hybrid go screaming towards a coyote.