Re: 260 build
Hodgdon max book load:
308 WINCHESTER, CASE: WINCHESTER, BBL: 24", PR: FEDERAL 210M, 168 GR. SIE HPBT COL: 2.800" H335, 42.0 gr., 2631 fps, 49,300 CUP
My test:
Pacific .308 Win reamer, VZ24 trued action, A&B fluted stainless 24" F54 barrel, H335, CCI200 primer, 2.9" OAL, Speer 168 gr. HPBT Gold Match, brass: Win308Win:
0) 42 gr. QL= 2565 fps & 46 kpsi, 0% overload, did not load 42 gr.
1) 43 gr. QL= 2618 fps & 49 kpsi, 2% overload, ok
2) 44 gr. QL= 2670 fps & 52 kpsi, 5% overload, cratered primer this and higher
3) 45 gr. QL= 2722 fps & 56 kpsi, 7% overload
4) 46 gr. QL= 2774 fps & 60 kpsi, 10% overload
5) 47 gr. QL= 2825 fps & 64 kpsi, 12% overload
6) 48 gr. QL= 2875 fps & 68 kpsi, 14% overload, mark on brass from bolt face extractor this and higher,
7) 49 gr. QL= 2925 fps & 73 kpsi, 17% overload
8) 50 gr. QL= 2974 fps & 78 kpsi, 19% overload, extractor cut on brass expands .0020"
9) 51 gr. QL= 3024 fps & 84 kpsi, 21% overload, extractor cut on brass expands .0020"
10) 52 gr. QL= 3073 fps & 90 kpsi, 24% overload, extractor cut on brass expands .0110", primer fell out
What does it all mean?
Mausers are plenty strong.
The book to read is Bolt Action Rifles by Frank De Haas
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0873496604/ref=dp_ob_olp_book_display_on_website
In that book, he describes dissembly, design features, and some wise comments on ~100 bolt action designs:
1) The cost savings of the Rem 700 with push feed, round bottom, small extractor, soldered on bolt handle, washer for a recoil lug, safety on the trigger, and gas in your eye simple bolt.
2) The expensive to manufacture Mauser with controlled feed, flat bottom, claw extractor, forged bolt handle, integral recoil lug, safety on the firing pin, and gas by passing with firing pin and bolt body.
De Haas breaks down the other 98 bolt action designs that are all somewhere in between on the difficulty to manufacture spectrum. i.e. the Sav 110 is closer to the Rem700, the pre '64 Win 70 is closer to the Mauser, and the Howa is somewhere in the middle.
