Range Report 130gr or 140gr for 260rem?

[skatz11]

What your thoughts on 130’s vs 140’s in a 24” bolt action 260rem (Benchmark TRG barrel from KRG)

I’d like pick a bullet and stock up for the life of the new barrel.

My current plan is to shoot some factory ammo first to shoot in the barrel and collect some data.

I’ve had good results with 140 class bullets for the life of my first barrel. But that was base on the old heavier is better mantra from a few years back.

I need to look at the theoretical numbers in detail, but I’d really like some opinions based on actual experience here.

 

[ShtrRdy]

For you to know the best choice for your rifle I think you're going to need to work up a load for each bullet and then compare the ballistic results.

For me I like to use the Berger 140 gr Hybrid n my .260 Rem.

 

[Rillhurst]

Agree with ShtrRdy.
And I’ve had equal success with the Berger 130 gr AR Hybrid in my 260s.

 

[squib]

I use the berger 130gr AR also.

 

[47guy]

Another vote for the 130s...I shot them out of my 260 when I shot one at 3050 hot load you should easily get 2950-2975 and at those speeds your not giving up anything.

 

[Diver160651]

I agree with @47guy

If your only shooing prone however, really not much of a difference. But you can see the difference in the recoil impulse if positional when looking through your glass where a very light shoulder and cheek load are needed. That alone tips the scales..

 

[squib]

I run the 130gr AR @3000 fps as well. My only complaint is the base to ogive measurements vary more than I would like.

 

[Tunnuh]

I shoot in prs style matches and recently went from 130 to 140 grain bullets but a hotter powder for cloae to the same velocity 2660 vs 2675 and had my worst score ever. Im starting to think 130s are better.

 

[Danco411]

I don't shoot PRS but exclusively 1000K distances with my .260. I'm sold on the 147g Hornady ELD-Ms. My 26" barrel consistently shoots them at 2820 FPS with 43.5g of H4350 in Peterson brass with BR-2 primers. With a near .700 G1 and a .350 G7 at 2800+ you can't go wrong.

 

[VegasHKShooter]

I don’t believe any of us can give you an answer. The answer lies in your barrel. I’m not trying to be a smart ass, but it’s true.
If your barrel shoots 130’s to 2950, but the best you can muster is 1.1moa, and the 140’s shoot 2700, but are consistently .4-.5, THATS your answer. I love speed for downrange performance and wind bucking, but I’ll take heavy and accurate every time.

 

[Brandon05_88]

As most have said, 140 is the sweet spot for a 260. I see more 140s shot than most other weights from 6.5x47, 6.5 CR, and .260. They're just that popular. I'd try the 130s and the 147 though. I toyed with the 150 SMK, but I don't have the necessary twist with a 1:8".

 

[Mtndog05]

Having tried both, 140 hybrids seem easier to shoot tiny groups with. The 130 ar’s are a bit faster but shoot to the same drop out to 800. My .260 shoots 140 hybrids better but that doesn’t mean your will.

 

[FCS]

What your thoughts on 130’s vs 140’s in a 24” bolt action 260rem (Benchmark TRG barrel from KRG)

I’d like pick a bullet and stock up for the life of the new barrel.

My current plan is to shoot some factory ammo first to shoot in the barrel and collect some data.

I’ve had good results with 140 class bullets for the life of my first barrel. But that was base on the old heavier is better mantra from a few years back.

I need to look at the theoretical numbers in detail, but I’d really like some opinions based on actual experience here.

How much freebore is present in your chamber?
Can you put the bullet where wanted and still feed from magazine?
Inside of 8-900 yards the 130s are flatter but 140s will typically be inside of 130s for drift past 2-300 yards.
Does your rifle just shoot the 130s better? Sometimes you just gotta run with what the barrel is going to give you in terms of what the barrel / chamber will shoot best.
How far out are you shooting on regular basis? If 600-800 on regular basis, then it is a coin flip. 800-1K for 60%+ of shots then I'd lean towards the heavier, slightly higher BC bullet as drift #s are better. Not earth shattering, make up for a bad wind call better drift #s but a little better; gives you slightly more wiggle room on the tolerance stack for your wind call.

Factory ammo isn't going to tell you much, IMHO. Use your preferred brand of bullets in 130 and 140 gr, see what barrel likes and make an informed decision based off what your system tells you.

 

[Steel head]

I’m now developing a 130 load(130TMK’s and 130ELD-M but probably the ELD for price) for 1000 and under load but I’m totally sticking to my 147 ELD-M load for further distance shots.

I used to shoot 140 hybrids a lot as they were the hot ticket in the past but now you can get equal or better performance cheaper.

I wish 142 SMK’s were cheaper as I’d love to shoot that bullet for a general purpose load.
So easy to find a happy load with those.

 

[Tunnuh]

I’m now developing a 130 load(130TMK’s and 130ELD-M but probably the ELD for price) for 1000 and under load but I’m totally sticking to my 147 ELD-M load for further distance shots.

I used to shoot 140 hybrids a lot as they were the hot ticket in the past but now you can get equal or better performance cheaper.

I wish 142 SMK’s were cheaper as I’d love to shoot that bullet for a general purpose load.
So easy to find a happy load with those.

Are you using the 147 ELD M for equal or better to the 140 hybrid or is there something else not listed here?

 

[Steel head]

Are you using the 147 ELD M for equal or better to the 140 hybrid or is there something else not listed here?

Yea.
I’m finding them slightly better than the hybrids past 1000 and considerably cheaper.