.260 Remington

[lash]

Yeah, that’s pretty odd to me, considering how well the Norma made Prime is working for me. Now, admittedly, my load is lower at 41.8g H4350 w/Federal 210 primers, Lapua 136g Scenars going 2750-2800 (winter-summer). I bought 400 rounds of the original prime ammo and shot it and have been using the brass since. 13+ loads.

I admittedly only have about 240 cases left, but that’s only because I lose some at every match, no matter how hard I try to pick up my brass. I have not had a single split neck (anneal about every third load) or loose primer pocket. In fact, I just finished loading 100 cases and these were as hard to seat the primers using a hand primer as ever.

But, these are all shot in a bolt and all except the original factory load were only the medium load listed above.

I do have two more cases of original Prime ammo I bought just before everything went sideways between Prime and RUAG that I planned to use once I’m done with these. I do hope that the brass is of the same quality as what I’ve been using, since that’s the primary reason I bought them.

 

[Defender3]

I have 6 cases of the original Prime and it clocks in at 2900 in my bolt gun. I've found the Norma / RUAG stuff to be pretty stout. I'm at 2850fps with H4350 and Lapua 136s (bolt gun) and have no idea how many reloads I'll end up getting, but I'm using the Federal and Hornady brass for the gasser as I think it's softer than the Lapua / Norma.

 

[lash]

My experience with Federal and Hornady brass were the same with primer pockets going pretty quickly. The worst I’ve personally run into was about 1500 pieces of SSA brass I picked up cheap from Southwest Ammo. Remember them?

That SSA brass was as soft as butter. After wasting a lot of time on them, I sold the remaining 1200+ pieces to a guy here who just wanted them as throwaway brass for his gasser. The best use for them, imo.

 

[bfk4lyfe]

GAS gun = 130 Berger AR Hybrids @2850 and 123 ELD-M and 123 Scenars at 2890-2905.
Bolt gun load = 140 Berger Hybrids @ 2875.

Gas gun Load for the 130 Berger AR Hybrid was 42.8 H4350, 2.840 OAL, Fed 210 primer @2850-2860fps. Gas gun load for the 123 ELDs and Scenars was 43.2 H4350, 2.840 OAL, @2890-2905fps.

Bolt gun gun load (AI AT): 140 Berger Hybrid, 42.3 H4350, 2.955 OAL. 2875-2890fps.

In the AI bolt gun, I've been shooting that same load for years now. When I tried it in the Prime brass, I did a water volume measurement first and the Prime had a slight larger volume (i.e. larger case capacity) than the Lapua - so in theory it should have been safe to shoot the same load in the Prime. The Lapua i the bolt gun is on firing #9 and the Prime was virgin. After that one load in the Prime through the bolt gun, the primer pockets were absolutely toast. Some went to firing #2, several had to be chucked away as the pocket was far too loose. Everyone that went to firing #2 got chucked as unfired primers were literally falling out of the pocket when in the mag or popped out after being fired.

The results in the gas gun were pretty similar.

I'm probably going to back off to the next lower node down in the gas gun as I am getting some decent swipe with the current loads. I'm getting phenomenal accuracy but I'd like my Lapua to last a few more rounds without having to file down the swipe everytime.

I suspect your gas gun load may be a little warm. Factory Hornady 260 eld-m loads were 2780ish and factory Berger 130 hybrid ar loaded ammo was 2790 out of my 22" gas gun.

 

[bfk4lyfe]

Working up a load for my gas gun, which has a 22" barrel for reference, and need some input. These are RL16, Berger 130 AR Hybrids, Lapua brass and a BR-2 primer at about 2.810 OAL. I'm using LaRue magazines so I think I can go out a to 2.870 or so.

The bottom group of 41.5 was shot first on a completely clean but fully broken in barrel. I think 42.3 is a trap since the POI is starting to shift and I probably got lucky since the other groups are about the same size. Should I focus on 42.0 and change seating depth? Any input on how big the changes in OAL for testing purposes would be appreciated.

 

[lash]

I’d look at 42.0 and adjust seating depth for group.

 

[ShootnFool8]

Could be a trap, but could also just adjust seating depth. See what you get, wouldn't hurt to to try. @lash also has a good point.

 

[ReaperDriver]

I suspect your gas gun load may be a little warm. Factory Hornady 260 eld-m loads were 2780ish and factory Berger 130 hybrid ar loaded ammo was 2790 out of my 22" gas gun.

Yeah, was thinking the same thing on the Berger 130s. I have a node down around 2750-60 that was good. I might explore back down in charge weights to see if I can find a node around that 2790 factory load range. Mine is also a 22" gas gun. How was the cycling and pressure of that factory berger load? Any issues? Do you shoot it suppressed?

For the Factory ELD-Ms.... was that the 123 or something different? If it was the 123 ELD-M, 2780 seems very slow for that bullet weight. Seems to defeat the entire purpose of shooting the lighter bullet if you don't get the speed delta to achieve a flatter shooting round.

Thanks!

 

[bfk4lyfe]

Yeah, was thinking the same thing on the Berger 130s. I have a node down around 2750-60 that was good. I might explore back down in charge weights to see if I can find a node around that 2790 factory load range. Mine is also a 22" gas gun. How was the cycling and pressure of that factory berger load? Any issues? Do you shoot it suppressed?

For the Factory ELD-Ms.... was that the 123 or something different? If it was the 123 ELD-M, 2780 seems very slow for that bullet weight. Seems to defeat the entire purpose of shooting the lighter bullet if you don't get the speed delta to achieve a flatter shooting round.

Thanks!

No I don't shoot suppressed....California...

The Hornady factory rounds were 130s.

 

[Big Grizz]

I just built a LR 308 260 Rem gas BHW 22” and then a bolt gun build using a Defiance Deviant Tactical receiver and a 26” BHW 26” M24 Profile Remage. I have 200 rounds of Nosler Match 140 RDF and 200 Rnds Berger Match 130 Hybrid Tactical. Then 200 cases Peterson 260 Rem, with (100) 130 RDF, (100) 140 RDF and (100) 147 ELD M. Goal here is to get a round suitable for PRS in both bolt and gas gun. Going to get out and start shooting ladders in the next week or so . I have already loaded up ladders for Reloder 17, Reloder 26, and. H4350. I also loaded some ladders for 123 gr SST’s. Goal here is just narrow down best bullet and powder configurations for each rifle. Any input would be welcome.

 

[lash]

My suggestion is to pick a bullet that will perform well with a large jump or with varying jump. For example, a friend and I both shoot 136 Scenars in our bolts with great results. This bullet doesn’t mind or seem to care much about jump variations. He’s found a single load that performs really well in both his bolt and in his gas gun.

 

[Defender3]

I just built a LR 308 260 Rem gas BHW 22” and then a bolt gun build using a Defiance Deviant Tactical receiver and a 26” BHW 26” M24 Profile Remage. I have 200 rounds of Nosler Match 140 RDF and 200 Rnds Berger Match 130 Hybrid Tactical. Then 200 cases Peterson 260 Rem, with (100) 130 RDF, (100) 140 RDF and (100) 147 ELD M. Goal here is to get a round suitable for PRS in both bolt and gas gun. Going to get out and start shooting ladders in the next week or so . I have already loaded up ladders for Reloder 17, Reloder 26, and. H4350. I also loaded some ladders for 123 gr SST’s. Goal here is just narrow down best bullet and powder configurations for each rifle. Any input would be welcome.

I shoot .260 in a bolt and gas gun. I've found the factory Hornady 130gr ELD-M to be an excellent performer in each, albeit a bit lower in velocity than you may get handloading.

The factory Berger 136s were single hole groups in my bolt gun and equally impressive in the gasser. I also shot the Berger 130s and 140s. While each shot sub MOA, they did not equal the 136s.

The original Prime (Norma) 130s (bought cases when they blew it out) shoots sub MOA in the bolt gun @2900FPS, but a no-go in the gasser, blew the primers. I've also shot the FGMM 142s, but those too were too hot for the gasser.

I tested Hornady 130s, 140 and 147gr ELD-Ms over H4350, H4831SC and RL17- each shot well although the gas gun definitely preferred a lighter bullet and the H4350.

I tested the Lapua 136 and 139s with the same powders - the H4350 and 136s were incredibly consistent and accurate, and gave me some additional velocity over the 139.

I tested the 142gr SMK with the same powders - The H4350 load was extremely accurate.

I tested a couple of different RDFs (I believe a 123 and a 130) and could never get them to perform consistently - I gave them all away after reading similar concerns on-line.

I did not test any other 120gr class of bullets.

I also do not load to get the fastest velocity, I load to try and find a node my rifle likes and then adjust seating depth. IIRC, most all my loads liked 0.0020" off the lands. I did not test a jump of .0060" although Cortina seems to no longer chase the lands in his testing.

Some charts FWIW as your mileage will vary.

ETA - I was using virgin Lapua brass in an Accuracy International with a 24" Proof Carbon Fiber barrel.

 

[ReaperDriver]

@Defender3 - Great charts, but they are essentially worthless to anyone unless you also include which brass you're using for each load as well as which gun you are shooting it from (gas or bolt) as well as the barrel length. Without that data to go by, trying to use someone else's data to get a feel for starting points and expected performance could be apples to oranges.

 

[ReaperDriver]

The Hornady factory rounds were 130s.

That makes more sense, thanks.

 

[Defender3]

@Defender3 - Great charts, but they are essentially worthless to anyone unless you also include which brass you're using for each load as well as which gun you are shooting it from (gas or bolt) as well as the barrel length. Without that data to go by, trying to use someone else's data to get a feel for starting points and expected performance could be apples to oranges.

Everyone's mileage will vary, but I used virgin Lapua brass in an Accuracy International with a 24" Proof Carbon Fiber barrel.

 

[Big Grizz]

Now that is awesome information for the 260 Rem. Thanks defender. As per Lashes reply getting a load that will shoot well in both the 26” bolt gun and the 22” gasser would be the ultimate. I will be ordering some Lapua 136 and 139 Scenars and some Berger 140’ and 144 hybrid targets.

I do have another 26” Remage barrel for the bolt gun in 308 1-10 twist Xcaliber. Same thing as the 260 Rem thinking keeping it below 178 gr so I can shoot tactical class. What butlets do you think for this combo. The 308 win LR308 is a Black hole Weaponry 20” bull barrel 1-11 twist. This rifle currently shoots bug holes with Mem 147 gr M80 ball at 100. Never got their velocity but with CFE 223 I am getting 2,900 fps with 155 gr TMK’s.

I have hand loaded for the last three years or so, I have and idea what to looks for. So really looking for really low ESD’s this will limit the amount of vertical. Reading the wind. I am sure I will have mor em a more questions as I move forward on all this.

 

[Big Grizz]

Here is a pic with the 308 win barrel on her.

 

[ReaperDriver]

Everyone's mileage will vary, but I used virgin Lapua brass in an Accuracy International with a 24" Proof Carbon Fiber barrel.

Thank you. Knowing what the details are definitely helps when trying to compare data.

 

[LRRPF52]

No, the lapua is doing fine in terms of primer pockets. I'm getting a bit of swipe on both. But the Lapua is not seeing the same issues as the prime after the same number of firings.

I’ve had the same problem with brass life in my .260 Rem gasser, but haven’t worked into my Lapua brass as much as I have with my Winchester 7mm-08 brass, which is much better than Remington factory or most of the other brass that was available pre-Lapua.

I’m lucky to get 3 loads with my Winchester brass necked-down before primer pockets are loose, which isn’t fun. I shot a lot of N540 though under 130gr VLD.

I’m also shooting RLGS 22” Bartlein with no adjustable gas. It runs though and is a laser. GAP built it before the GAP-10 was an option with receivers and parts I sent them, like I did for a .308 as well. Both are lasers, very fun guns to shoot.

Another great thing is that .260 Rem ammo has been plentiful through all this BS, so practically every time I run my vulture circle pattern through LGSs, Cabellas, Sportsmans, etc., I find .260 Rem factory ammo. One of my LGSs has multiple options for it every time I walk in, so I picked up some Hornady 130gr ELD-M last time I was there.

 

[FuhQ]

 

[ReaperDriver]

After much laborious effort and chasing my tail because I started too high, I finally settled on a Berger 130 AR Hybrid load with IMR 4451 and virgin Lapua brass that repeated for the new .260 gasser. It was a 111F when I shot it 2 days ago. It will be interesting to see how it shoots in the winter and just how "temp insensitive" Enduron powders are.

Now I just need to finalize the 123 Scenar seating test and get that done with.

BTW - the flyer was all me. I was not warmed up yet and yanked it.

 

[Steel head]

In a gasser that’s pretty reasonable.

In my bolt gun with roomy brass and long throat I was considerably higher charge and faster.
For me 4451 was plenty good in the stability dept and accuracy was excellent.

 

[bfk4lyfe]

Weird just under 2800, what a coincidence lol.

 

[jambau]

I also run 4451 in my 260. I've shot it from 88 degrees to 32 without adjustment. Having said that I was only shooting to 300 yards and no chronograph.

 

[ReaperDriver]

I shoot .260 in a bolt and gas gun. I've found the factory Hornady 130gr ELD-M to be an excellent performer in each, albeit a bit lower in velocity than you may get handloading.

The factory Berger 136s were single hole groups in my bolt gun and equally impressive in the gasser. I also shot the Berger 130s and 140s. While each shot sub MOA, they did not equal the 136s.

The original Prime (Norma) 130s (bought cases when they blew it out) shoots sub MOA in the bolt gun @2900FPS, but a no-go in the gasser, blew the primers. I've also shot the FGMM 142s, but those too were too hot for the gasser.

I tested Hornady 130s, 140 and 147gr ELD-Ms over H4350, H4831SC and RL17- each shot well although the gas gun definitely preferred a lighter bullet and the H4350.

I tested the Lapua 136 and 139s with the same powders - the H4350 and 136s were incredibly consistent and accurate, and gave me some additional velocity over the 139.

I tested the 142gr SMK with the same powders - The H4350 load was extremely accurate.

I tested a couple of different RDFs (I believe a 123 and a 130) and could never get them to perform consistently - I gave them all away after reading similar concerns on-line.

I did not test any other 120gr class of bullets.

I also do not load to get the fastest velocity, I load to try and find a node my rifle likes and then adjust seating depth. IIRC, most all my loads liked 0.0020" off the lands. I did not test a jump of .0060" although Cortina seems to no longer chase the lands in his testing.

Some charts FWIW as your mileage will vary.

ETA - I was using virgin Lapua brass in an Accuracy International with a 24" Proof Carbon Fiber barrel.

It would be interesting to see similar charts for your gas gun .260 loads.

 

[Defender3]

It would be interesting to see similar charts for your gas gun .260 loads.

I'm not sure I did charts for the gas gun, but I'll look.

Even with the +2 gas system, the BCG takes a beating if you try and go faster, or with a heavier round and faster. This gun just has a sweet spot at 2775 for the 140s and 2825 for the 130s. I routinely shot it out to 1,000 and did the 1,000y Milk Jug challenge with it.

 

[ReaperDriver]

I'm not sure I did charts for the gas gun, but I'll look.

Even with the +2 gas system, the BCG takes a beating if you try and go faster, or with a heavier round and faster. This gun just has a sweet spot at 2775 for the 140s and 2825 for the 130s. I routinely shot it out to 1,000 and did the 1,000y Milk Jug challenge with it.

I'm also running a +2 gas system with both the JP Variable mass BCG and the Silent capture spring. And an adjustable gas port. Even with all of that, I found that anything much over 2810 for the 130s was still beating the brass and the BCG up.

Would love to know what your 130 and 140 loads are for the gas gun to get me in the ballpark. Thanks!

 

[Lightning8]

I just picked up a low round count 260 Rem custom bolt rifle. Rem 700 SA action that was "blueprinted" and a 26 inch Bartlein barrel. I am running out of 140 grain projectiles. I have 1000 of the 123 grain Nosler Custom Competitions on hand originally purchased for my 6.5 Grendel. I have H4350 on hand. Lapua brass. Fed 210s. Any experience with Nosler 123 CC and H4350 in 260? Goal is PRS competition with majority of shots in the 500 - 900 range and occasional targets at 1000 to 1200 yards. Ok with moderate velocity etc. for longer barrel life. Thanks

 

[FuhQ]

I just picked up a low round count 260 Rem custom bolt rifle. Rem 700 SA action that was "blueprinted" and a 26 inch Bartlein barrel. I am running out of 140 grain projectiles. I have 1000 of the 123 grain Nosler Custom Competitions on hand originally purchased for my 6.5 Grendel. I have H4350 on hand. Lapua brass. Fed 210s. Any experience with Nosler 123 CC and H4350 in 260? Goal is PRS competition with majority of shots in the 500 - 900 range and occasional targets at 1000 to 1200 yards. Ok with moderate velocity etc. for longer barrel life. Thanks

123's in a .260 Rem would be a flat-shooter out to 500 yards or so... Laserbeam! Haha

If it's a 1:8 twist, I'd try the Berger 153.5 or 156 EOL with IMR 7828 SSC and CCI 200's in Lapua brass... Been shooing really well for me in mine. You won't get magazine-length ammo, but single-shot loading you'll get some damn-accurate LR ammo that will stretch way on out there.

 

[lash]

I just picked up a low round count 260 Rem custom bolt rifle. Rem 700 SA action that was "blueprinted" and a 26 inch Bartlein barrel. I am running out of 140 grain projectiles. I have 1000 of the 123 grain Nosler Custom Competitions on hand originally purchased for my 6.5 Grendel. I have H4350 on hand. Lapua brass. Fed 210s. Any experience with Nosler 123 CC and H4350 in 260? Goal is PRS competition with majority of shots in the 500 - 900 range and occasional targets at 1000 to 1200 yards. Ok with moderate velocity etc. for longer barrel life. Thanks

I’m not familiar specifically weigh the 123 Nosler CCs, but 123s in general are great in a .260. Including past 500 yards. Yes, the wind does affect the 123 a bit more but consider that 6BR guys are launching 105s at about 2850-2900 and it’s easy to get that with 6.5 123s.

 

[Roscoe_M4]

I just built a LR 308 260 Rem gas BHW 22” and then a bolt gun build using a Defiance Deviant Tactical receiver and a 26” BHW 26” M24 Profile Remage. I have 200 rounds of Nosler Match 140 RDF and 200 Rnds Berger Match 130 Hybrid Tactical. Then 200 cases Peterson 260 Rem, with (100) 130 RDF, (100) 140 RDF and (100) 147 ELD M. Goal here is to get a round suitable for PRS in both bolt and gas gun. Going to get out and start shooting ladders in the next week or so . I have already loaded up ladders for Reloder 17, Reloder 26, and. H4350. I also loaded some ladders for 123 gr SST’s. Goal here is just narrow down best bullet and powder configurations for each rifle. Any input would be welcome.

I shoot 260 Rem in both a bolt gun and an LMT MWS gas gun. Unfortunately MWS built their .260 with a 1-9 twist 20" 5R barrel, so I'm stuck with using the shorter bullets. The two most accurate so far have been both the 130 gr Hornady ELD-M and the Berger Hybrid-Tactical factory loads. I have some 139 gr Lapua Match that works OK but not as well as the 130s.

My factory duplication handload has been Remington cases, FGM primers, 43.0 gr H4350 and the 130 Berger Hybrid Tactical at 2.815" that gives me 2,715 fps and single digit SDs in the 20" LMT versus 2,710 fps for the factory Berger ammo. Upping the load to 43.2 gr of H4350 and re-using the Lapua brass gets 2,880 fps and an SD of 5 in my GAP 23" 1-8 Schneider P5 bolt gun and gives excellent groups.

I haven't started load development on the ELD-Ms yet, because I only had 100 on hand for that purpose when the supply chain went sideways and I didn't want to waste components on load development with no more bullets available. However, the factory loaded Hornady 130s slightly outperformed the factory loaded Berger 130s in the very few 5-shot test groups I ran through the LMT, while breaking in the new barrel.

Also, the 123 gr Lapua Scenar that shoots lights-out in the GAP 260 won't stabilize properly in the 1-9 LMT, but I've loaded up a few hundred old 120 gr Sierra BTHP Match bullets with 47.0 gr of RL-19 and Fed 210 primers that get about 2,840 fps and work great for 200 - 500 yard practice and plinking with the LMT. That's also a very accurate load.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: 260 loads...

Noting the wonder at how the first round is so much slower, I suspect the propellant kernel coating to be involved.

As a quick experiment, I began with a clean barrel, then patched it with an alcohol/graphite mix, allowing it to dry completely.

First round was not so much of a flyer.

For a shorter bullet, try the Speer .264 140gr Gold Dot Bullet; the protected soft point has some degree of bluntness and the base is rebated, resulting in an overall shorter bullet length. This has the effect of truncatng the Ogive, moving the rfiling contact point closer to ultimate front end of the bullet.

If I was not stuck with this damnified oxygen therapy, I'd already have data on this.

Yes, the BC is reduced somewhat, but the main result is that one needs to substitute one set of drop/drift values for another. Subsonic transition also occurs closer in.

IMHO this is all a part of the "Know Your Rifle" concept. The point where the subsonic transition occurs is also the part of the trajectory where all those cumulative other accuracy issues are exerting their influences; so the BC issue is not quite so comparable to "The Sky Is Falling".

Greg

 

[Snaz]

AI AT 26" 1-8 Bartlien
Lapua LRP
Federal 210 Primers
43.7gr Staball 6.5
Hornady 147 ELD-M
COAL 2.845"
5 shots: AVG: 2867fps ES: 10 SD: 4.5
10 shots: AVG: 2866fps ES: 28 SD: 7.3

I shot the 5 round group yesterday, then loaded up 10 rounds each at 43.7-43.9gr. Went back out today and shot them at 200 yds. I wasn't nearly as steady today and the groups opened up. 43.7gr was still the best out of the bunch and the lowest SD.

 

[killer-e]

Very nice. Thank you for the good information. Nice to see someone who is very good at presenting data.

 

[Andrew863]

GAS gun = 130 Berger AR Hybrids @2850 and 123 ELD-M and 123 Scenars at 2890-2905.
Bolt gun load = 140 Berger Hybrids @ 2875.

Gas gun Load for the 130 Berger AR Hybrid was 42.8 H4350, 2.840 OAL, Fed 210 primer @2850-2860fps. Gas gun load for the 123 ELDs and Scenars was 43.2 H4350, 2.840 OAL, @2890-2905fps.

Bolt gun gun load (AI AT): 140 Berger Hybrid, 42.3 H4350, 2.955 OAL. 2875-2890fps.

In the AI bolt gun, I've been shooting that same load for years now. When I tried it in the Prime brass, I did a water volume measurement first and the Prime had a slight larger volume (i.e. larger case capacity) than the Lapua - so in theory it should have been safe to shoot the same load in the Prime. The Lapua i the bolt gun is on firing #9 and the Prime was virgin. After that one load in the Prime through the bolt gun, the primer pockets were absolutely toast. Some went to firing #2, several had to be chucked away as the pocket was far too loose. Everyone that went to firing #2 got chucked as unfired primers were literally falling out of the pocket when in the mag or popped out after being fired.

The results in the gas gun were pretty similar.

I'm probably going to back off to the next lower node down in the gas gun as I am getting some decent swipe with the current loads. I'm getting phenomenal accuracy but I'd like my Lapua to last a few more rounds without having to file down the swipe everytime.

I have had this issue in Hornady brass so I got a good deal on the prime brass so I picked it up to try. After my first firing the primer pockets were lose. If I'm lucky I'll get one or two more. I just check them with the ballistic tools primer tool. I guess it's alpha or Lapua next bc this chasing brass is getting old. My load is 42 hr of H4350 with a Hornady 153 A tip at mag length which is .080 off the lands.

 

[260284]

I have had this issue in Hornady brass so I got a good deal on the prime brass so I picked it up to try. After my first firing the primer pockets were lose. If I'm lucky I'll get one or two more. I just check them with the ballistic tools primer tool. I guess it's alpha or Lapua next bc this chasing brass is getting old. My load is 42 hr of H4350 with a Hornady 153 A tip at mag length which is .080 off the lands.

You are 1 gr over max for H4350 and the 153gr A-Tip according to Hodgdon's online data and that is with Hornady brass. Lapua and Alpha will have less capacity compared to Hornady, as does the Prime brass you are using. Probably ought to consider lowering your charge and working up slowly. I have had great luck with Prime bras, usually 10+ firings with a reasonable load.

 

[Andrew863]

You are 1 gr over max for H4350 and the 153gr A-Tip according to Hodgdon's online data and that is with Hornady brass. Lapua and Alpha will have less capacity compared to Hornady, as does the Prime brass you are using. Probably ought to consider lowering your charge and working up slowly. I have had great luck with Prime bras, usually 10+ firings with a reasonable load.

But I'm not getting flat primers, stiff bolt or any other pressure signes. Yes I'm sure I can do a soft load but when I was going out to a mile in strong wind I really hate to slow it down. If I'm over pressure I should be getting another sign before losing the primers pockets. That tells me its the brass.

 

[ReaperDriver]

But I'm not getting flat primers, stiff bolt or any other pressure signes. Yes I'm sure I can do a soft load but when I was going out to a mile in strong wind I really hate to slow it down. If I'm over pressure I should be getting another sign before losing the primers pockets. That tells me its the brass.

I still believe the Prime brass is really soft. I've shot a fairly stiff load in Lapua brass and have had no issues through 10 firings. After 2-3, the new primers almost fall out of the case. And that's not an exaggeration. I've literally had some come loose in the magazine.

 

[Steel head]

I still believe the Prime brass is really soft. I've shot a fairly stiff load in Lapua brass and have had no issues through 10 firings. After 2-3, the new primers almost fall out of the case. And that's not an exaggeration. I've literally had some come loose in the magazine.

Could be Norma brass, I tried 260 Norma brass and was pretty disappointed.

 

[FuhQ]

Went and did some more load development today at the range. Did max load testing with Varget and Nosler 140 RDF's at magazine-length (so I can have a repeater) which is a 0.055" jump. So far, looks promising! Groups were all touching and some bugholes. I'm safe at 38.0 & 38.5gr of Varget, and the primers still look fairly good, but the bolt throw upon extraction is a bit stiff. So I'll just work between the 37.5-38.5 range on the next batch, and see what ends up producing the best groups. Whatever it lands on, will then get chromo'd, logged, and batch-loaded for my plinking loads for 100-1000 yard range shooting. I have a nice load using Berger 153.5 Elites and IMR 7828 SSC for really reaching on out there...But it's a single-shot deal (way too long to use the magazine).

 

[Snaz]

Is anyone using the Berger 153.5gr LRHT bullet? I have some Staball 6.5 loaded up w/some @ 0.030" jump (COAL: 2.930"/CBOL: 2.2345") and I'm curious what jump you guys using it have had luck with.

 

[Andrew863]

Is anyone using the Berger 153.5gr LRHT bullet? I have some Staball 6.5 loaded up w/some @ 0.030" jump (COAL: 2.930"/CBOL: 2.2345") and I'm curious what jump you guys using it have had luck with.

I have been wanting to see someone post some loads on this bullet. I have loaded the 153 a tips in my 260 with awesome results but I have to run .045 jump to make mag length and get qtr in groups. I hope some people have some info on the Berger 153.5.

 

[FuhQ]

Is anyone using the Berger 153.5gr LRHT bullet? I have some Staball 6.5 loaded up w/some @ 0.030" jump (COAL: 2.930"/CBOL: 2.2345") and I'm curious what jump you guys using it have had luck with.

Yes, been testing them for about a year now. I'm using it with IMR 7828 SSC, in Lapua brass with CCI 200 primers. I'm seating them 0.015" jump (this is a single-shot load, they won't fit in a magazine). Shoots ragged-hole groups in my R700 5R .260 Rem. Found a great load, but it's HOT. I don't feel safe recommending it for others, it's that compressed. But if someone wants to know, I'll post it, but it's one of those "CAUTION - ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK" type of loads. Always work-up safely looking for pressure signs along the way. Not every rifle is the same, and not all will handle the same load.

 

[Snaz]

I have been wanting to see someone post some loads on this bullet. I have loaded the 153 a tips in my 260 with awesome results but I have to run .045 jump to make mag length and get qtr in groups. I hope some people have some info on the Berger 153.5.

I have some loaded w/Staball6.5 from 42.0gr-43.4gr. Hopefully I'll be able to make it to the range in the next couple days. Had a surgery a couple weeks ago and not sure how I'll actually do though. Fingers crossed...

Yes, been testing them for about a year now. I'm using it with IMR 7828 SSC, in Lapua brass with CCI 200 primers. I'm seating them 0.015" jump (this is a single-shot load, they won't fit in a magazine). Shoots ragged-hole groups in my R700 5R .260 Rem. Found a great load, but it's HOT. I don't feel safe recommending it for others, it's that compressed. But if someone wants to know, I'll post it, but it's one of those "CAUTION - ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK" type of loads. Always work-up safely looking for pressure signs along the way. Not every rifle is the same, and not all will handle the same load.

Thanks, I can hit 0.015" at mag length on my barrel. If I don't have any luck at 0.030" off, I'll start playing with it and see what I find.

 

[FuhQ]

Here’s the best load (so far) for the 140 RDF w/ Varget… Still needs more testing, but 38.5 is getting ejector swipes, but shot REALLY well (better groups than thone below). But due to the excess pressure, I backed it down 1/2 grain.

But this one is at 38.0 grains with 0.050” jump (fits in the Magpul 7.62 magazine). I didn’t measure it, but eyeballing it, it’s between a 0.50" to 0.750” 5-shot group @ 100 yards center-to-center. Most would call that good, but I’m still not happy until it puts them in the same damn hole.

I’m going to clean the barrel and see if it just needs a good scrubbing to start stacking them in there again. If not, I’ll start screwing with seating depth, and see what I can come up with.

 

[Snaz]

I pulled shot 5 or this wouldn't been a lot better. I'll rework up 42.4, 42.5, 42.6 to see if I can tighten it up a bit. I'll probably do 0.030"-0.020" off the lands in 0.005" increments. I was hoping to pull 2800fps off, but developed pressure at 42.9gr. AB shows 2729fps supersonic until 1800yds at my altitude.

260 Remington AI AT
26" WinTac Bartlien 1-8
Lapua Virgin brass
CCI 200
Berger 153.5gr LRHT
COAL: 2.930" CBOL: 2.2345" 0.030" off
42.5gr Staball6.5

 

[Clark]

I built a 260 and throated the chamber.
I made a 6.5mm throater holder.

 

[ReaperDriver]

Went and did some more load development today at the range. Did max load testing with Varget and Nosler 140 RDF's at magazine-length (so I can have a repeater) which is a 0.055" jump. So far, looks promising! Groups were all touching and some bugholes. I'm safe at 38.0 & 38.5gr of Varget, and the primers still look fairly good, but the bolt throw upon extraction is a bit stiff. So I'll just work between the 37.5-38.5 range on the next batch, and see what ends up producing the best groups. Whatever it lands on, will then get chromo'd, logged, and batch-loaded for my plinking loads for 100-1000 yard range shooting. I have a nice load using Berger 153.5 Elites and IMR 7828 SSC for really reaching on out there...But it's a single-shot deal (way too long to use the magazine).

What sort of speeds are you getting? I’ve had decent luck (OK but not great) with Varget and 123 Scenars in my .260 gas gun. I think Varget may be a bit fast for 140s.

Yes, been testing them for about a year now. I'm using it with IMR 7828 SSC, in Lapua brass with CCI 200 primers. I'm seating them 0.015" jump (this is a single-shot load, they won't fit in a magazine). Shoots ragged-hole groups in my R700 5R .260 Rem. Found a great load, but it's HOT. I don't feel safe recommending it for others, it's that compressed. But if someone wants to know, I'll post it, but it's one of those "CAUTION - ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK" type of loads. Always work-up safely looking for pressure signs along the way. Not every rifle is the same, and not all will handle the same load.

What sort of speeds are you getting? I’ve had decent luck (OK but not great) with Varget and 123 Scenars in my .260 gas gun. I think Varget may be a bit fast for 140s.

 

[ReaperDriver]

I pulled shot 5 or this wouldn't been a lot better. I'll rework up 42.4, 42.5, 42.6 to see if I can tighten it up a bit. I'll probably do 0.030"-0.020" off the lands in 0.005" increments. I was hoping to pull 2800fps off, but developed pressure at 42.9gr. AB shows 2729fps supersonic until 1800yds at my altitude.

260 Remington AI AT
26" WinTac Bartlien 1-8
Lapua Virgin brass
CCI 200
Berger 153.5gr LRHT
COAL: 2.930" CBOL: 2.2345" 0.030" off
42.5gr Staball6.5
View attachment 7716854
View attachment 7716861

That looks really promising. I’ve been toying with the idea of trying the 153’s in my stick. It’s the identical copy of yours but with a Bartlein Gradous barrel. I’m having outstanding success out to 1600 yds with Berger 140s HT and 144 LRHTs. I’m getting just at or slightly under 2900 with the 140 and about 2830 with the 144s. I feel like the 153.5 is a bit too heavy with a .260 as you can’t get then fast enough to take full advantage of the BC. I think the heavier bullet is better suited to some of the short magnums, 6.5 PRC, etc. I’d be interested to see the wind difference between a 144 and 153 at say 1200+ yds.

 

[FuhQ]

What sort of speeds are you getting? I’ve had decent luck (OK but not great) with Varget and 123 Scenars in my .260 gas gun. I think Varget may be a bit fast for 140s.

What sort of speeds are you getting? I’ve had decent luck (OK but not great) with Varget and 123 Scenars in my .260 gas gun. I think Varget may be a bit fast for 140s.

I havne't choreographed anything yet. I find an accurate node, and then chrono it once I'm happy with the performance. If I could afford a LabRadar, then I'd chrono everything all the time, but getting out the MSv2 and attaching it to the end of the gun/suppressor, has proven to affect my groups (barrel harmonics), I've tested this theory a bunch of times over the years. So I don't chrono until I find a load I'm happy with and KNOW how it's going to perform. I haven't chromo'd anything yet, as I haven't been prepping to shoot any farther than 200 for right now.

*** EDIT ***

I lied, my bad... I just checked my records, and I DID chrono the 153.5 loads... My best accuracy load was 45.0 grains of 7828 SSC, and it was averaging 2,620 FPS MV out of my 22" .260 Rem. That's thumping along for a 22" barrel.