6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved Variants

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RyeDaddy

XFirst Sergeant
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6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
11/23/2014 Last edited 11/23/2014 by RyeDaddy

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6.5 Super LR

Winchester brand 243 brass
43.7 grains H4350
CCI-200 primer
136 Scenar-L @ 2.285" base-ogive (2.885" OAL)
2890 FPS via 24" Bartlein, 2905 with a 7" suppressor

Less than 0.5 MOA, SD of 5.
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308GunnerXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
12/19/2014

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Rye how hard is the forming of the brass, do you run it thru the expander die. This might be my next project when I shoot my 260 out.

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308GunnerXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
12/19/2014

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308Gunner wrote:
Rye how hard is the forming of the brass, do you run it thru the expander die. This might be my next project when I shoot my 260 out.​

I tried my google fu and found what I was looking for and this will be my next project

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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
12/24/2014

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For the reamer you used, was it the 6.5 SLR, or the 6.5 SLR/S? Looking at your COAL and length to ogive, I think the 6.5 SLR, but want to verify.

I am in the process of building one now, and will start load development early next year.



Specs will be:

Rem 700 SA trued

PT&G bolt

26-27" Bartlein 1 in 8" 5R Match w. Rem Varmint/Sendero contour

Manners T2A stock

Timney Calvin Elite @ 1.5# (+/-)

Seekins 20MOA Picatinny base, 34mm high rings

Steiner T5Xi 5-25x56 SCR



Remington brand .243Win brass

Federal GM Match LR primers

140gr. Berger VLD Hunting

Powder TBD

Redding 6.5 SLR dies w. competition seating die from Robert Whitley





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RyeDaddy

XFirst Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
12/24/2014

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Mine is closer to the regular (long) SLR print. I used .298" neck for clearance, loaded cartridges using unturned Winchester brass measure .2945" neck diameter.

My freebore is .140". I just measured the throat with a Hornady comparator set and at 534 rounds down the barrel it still shows no change from new. Also measured COAL when on the lands with the 3 bullets I have on hand:

136 Scenar-L 2.910"
140 Amax 2.934"
140 H-VLD 2.978"

All the above loads have the bullet above the neck-shoulder junction.
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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
01/08/2015 Last edited 01/08/2015 by lancetkenyon

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RyeDaddy,

What does one of your empty 6.5 SLR Winchester brand brass weigh? My Remington brass weighs in at 163.2gr. +/- 1 grain.

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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
02/03/2015 Last edited 02/03/2015 by lancetkenyon

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Here are a few loads I shot this weekend through my 6.5 SLR. 27" Bartlein 5R. 27.17" baro, 65°F

Remington .243 Win brass (sized with Redding dies from Robert Whitley)

Federal GMM 210M primers.

Berger 140 HVLD

H4350

COAL 2.882" (jammed 002")

41.0gr. 2734fps

41.5gr. 2776fps

42.0gr. 2794fps

42.5gr. 2833fps

43.0gr. 2865fps

43.5gr. 2902fps

44.0gr. 2941fps

44.5gr. 2966fps (maybe very slight swipe on case head, but no other signs of pressure)

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308GunnerXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
02/10/2015

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Lance have you ever tried Varget I have a ton of it and while I know it won't be the best I would like to use it up not to mention 4350 is like finding a unicorn.

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carlsbad2XCorporal
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
02/20/2015

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I don't see 6.5 SLR listed at Redding. I'm considering the 6.5 SLR for my next build but I"m looking for dies, reamers, and headspace gauges. thanks, Jerry

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RyeDaddy

XFirst Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
02/20/2015 Last edited 02/20/2015 by RyeDaddy

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Redding dies are only available through 6mmar.com as far as I know. Just go to the site, get the phone number and call. I ordered my reamer and gauges through Pacific Tool and Gauge.

Personally I prefer the Whidden dies, having used both. If you go with the Whiddens, be aware they do not come with a tapered expander so you'd need to buy an expander (I like the Sinclair Gen 2) if you want to neck up from 243.
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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
02/24/2015 Last edited 02/24/2015 by lancetkenyon

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I have not tried Varget. But I have a bunch for my .223.

I called Redding myself, and they only make the dies for Robert Whitley to sell from his site, 6mmAR.com , as it is a proprietary round. 6mmar.com/65_SuperLR.php

I have pretty much refined my load.

43.8gr. H4350 @ 2910fps average over 20 shots +/-8fps.

Berger 140 HVLD seated .0300" off the lands.

Shoots in the mid .2s so far.

 

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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
10/05/2015

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I have about 400 rounds down my barrel so far, and have made a few minor changes to my loads. Once the break in was complete, the barrel sped up by about 50fps. Neither of these are max loads in my gun, but crazy accurate.

1st: Light target load

140 Berger HVLD

41.5gr. H4350

Remington .243 Win brass

Fed GMM 210

COAL 2.880" w. .080" jump

2815fps

Best 3 shot group: (I will probably NEVER be able to duplicate again)

2nd: Hunting load

140 Berger HVLD (or 142 SMK)

43.0gr. H4350

Remington .243 Win brass

Fed GMM 210

COAL 2.880" w. .080" jump

2925fps

200 yard 3 shot group shot by my 13 year old daughter this weekend

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fromtheleftsideXSergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
10/09/2015

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Hello! I have been thinking of this cartridge for a long time. What is the best brass too use, Rem. 260 or the 243 ? I now shoot a 260 Rem. Thanks !

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308GunnerXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
10/28/2015

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You can use 243, 260 7-08 and 308 as long as it is not thick brass like Lapua. You can use it but you will have to neck turn because of the donut.

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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
12/17/2015

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fromtheleftside wrote:
Hello! I have been thinking of this cartridge for a long time. What is the best brass too use, Rem. 260 or the 243 ? I now shoot a 260 Rem. Thanks !​

If you have Remington of Winchester brass already, use it. You will not need to turn the necks. Any other brands require turning necks after the first firing or you get a donut from thicker shoulder brass than neck brass.

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clem81XPrivate
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
02/13/2016

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I have just bought a 6.5slr I have h4350 h4831, rel 17 is that the go to powders for this caliber

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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
02/19/2016

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H4350 has worked very well for me. Good velocity with amazing accuracy. Very temp stable from 108°F to 22°F.

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L98S10XFirst Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
03/10/2016

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Resurrecting an old(-ish) thread here... just wondering if it would be worth having my existing Savage (pre-fit) barrel re-chambered from 260 Rem to 6.5 SLR... I haven't been able to find much information in regard to what kind of velocity increases could be expected from this "upgrade"?

On a side note, can we PLEASE enact an Internet law that whenever someone discusses loads and/or muzzle velocity, he's required under penalty of death to disclose barrel length?? The folks in this thread have been great about this, but FFS, everyone... load data that includes MV is absolutely useless without including the barrel length*.

*Yes, I know that it's entirely possible for two barrels of a given length to offer noticeably different MVs, with all other variables being the same... nonetheless, offering load/MV data without barrel length is akin to saying, "I made a million dollars". You made a million dollars... so far this year? Great! Last year? Good for you! On the sale of your home? Congratulations! Over the last decade? Not bad, man! Over the course of a 50 year career? Ohh... that hurts.

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MTETMXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
03/13/2016

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L98S10,

You will need to set back the 260 to make it an SLR. The shoulder of the SLR is moved back to get the long neck and 30 degree shoulder.

FYI; My match loads are 140's 41.8 of H4350 FPS: 2830 out of 27.5 inch bbls. This is for 2 barrels

The same load in 2 rifles with 24 inch bbl is at 2785.

Good Luck

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L98S10XFirst Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
03/14/2016

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MTETM- I appreciate your response... I was afraid of that. I might end up just waiting until my current barrel is shot out. Thanks again, man!

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sdintowaXPrivate
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
03/15/2016

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Any idea how this compares to the 6.5 competition match from LRI?
I know the 6mm comp match is a 243 with a 31 degree shoulder essentially. Is this a slightly altered 260?
The ol' Google machine doesn't tell me anything regarding the 6.5 comp match, was hoping to find some info here.
Thanks in advance!

 

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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
04/07/2016

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Not sure what the 6.5 Comp Match from LRI is like, but I do know the 6.5 SLR.

6.5 SLR uses the .308 parent case (.243 Win or .260 Rem work the easiest in a single step).

Body length remains the same as the .260 Rem. for the most part.

One throw of the press sets the neck to shoulder junction back, and sharpens the shoulder to 30°. Resulting in the same shoulder/neck design as the 6.5x47 Lapua, a cartridge known for it's accuracy potential.

Final fire forming completes the new case design.

I don't think you will see any velocity gains over a .260 Rem like a .260 AI would produce, as you actually lose just touch of case volume with the SLR design, but gain some efficiency and inherent accuracy potential.

Plus, it looks cool.



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6650coupeXCorporal
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
04/20/2016

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Does anyone know what the head space dimension is for 6.5 SLR? I'm having a new barrel chambered and my smith wants to use a piece of brass instead of a set of gauges. I want to make sure my brass is the correct size after forming.

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breach

XFirst Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
05/05/2016

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Check with jgs tools they make gauges and reamers fir the 6.5 SLR

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breach

XFirst Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
05/05/2016

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PTG customer service is horrid.

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Ringx

XFirst Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
05/09/2016

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308Gunner wrote:
Lance have you ever tried Varget I have a ton of it and while I know it won't be the best I would like to use it up not to mention 4350 is like finding a unicorn.​

varget will normaly work with 123/120's, its to fast to use with 140 class
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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
05/30/2016

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I recently loaded up some 95 V-Max using Benchmark in my 6.5 SLR. 3500fps into high .100s. Should put a whooping on coyotes when I get a chance to get out. Scouting season has started, so I hope to lay some coyotes out through the summer while looking at elk and deer.

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Emouse

XSergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
06/04/2016

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95gr VMAX at 3500fps? Near explosive shallow wound?

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wapiti16bXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
06/05/2016

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Has anyone built a 260 AI ? , I'm thinking about a re-barrel and like the idea of a 260 SLR or AI .

What are the pros and cons of these two cartridges ?

My goal is at least 2,900 fps with 140g bullets out of a 26" tube on a FN SPR SA .

I may go the 260 TIKKA route if it turns out to be more economical .

Any advice will be greatly appreciated , Thanks !

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wapiti16bXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
06/13/2016

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Lance & RyeDaddy what is the round count on your SLR's ?

 

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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
06/27/2016

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I am at 934 for round count in about 17 months in my 6.5 SLR.

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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
06/27/2016

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Emouse wrote:
95gr VMAX at 3500fps? Near explosive shallow wound?​

Near explosive? Yes.

Shallow? The coyote last weekend didn't seem to think so. It was like he was struck by lightning. No major exit would, but about 20 pinholes on the offside. The entire cavity was filled with jelly.





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VaRandy

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
07/05/2016 Last edited 07/16/2016 by VaRandy

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wapiti16b wrote:
Has anyone built a 260 AI ? , I'm thinking about a re-barrel and like the idea of a 260 SLR or AI .

What are the pros and cons of these two cartridges ?

My goal is at least 2,900 fps with 140g bullets out of a 26" tube on a FN SPR SA .

I may go the 260 TIKKA route if it turns out to be more economical .

Any advice will be greatly appreciated , Thanks !​

My .260 Ackly shoots Berger 140 Hybrids at 2950 out of a 30 inch barrel with EXTREME accuracy. Love it/

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SHMILOXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
07/30/2016

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Anyone have any thoughts on IMR 4955 with a 140 eld in 6.5 SLR?

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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
08/27/2016 Last edited 08/27/2016 by lancetkenyon

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My 14 year old daughter is the luckiest applicant I know. She drew an AZ Kaibab 12AE late rifle mule deer tag this year.

AZGFD likes the Kaibab and AZ Strip hunters to use non-lead bullets to help with the California Condor reintroduction. So we are working up a new load using the 127 Barnes LRX specifically for this hunt. With nothing but charge weight testing, we have already found a very acceptable load.

Winchester brass (.243 Win)
CCI BR-2
43.5 H4350
Barnes 127 LRX
2.240" CBTO (.0500" jump)
3051 fps
.383" 5 shot group @ 200 yards (.183 MOA shot by my 14 year old daughter)
Should be plenty for mule deer out to 500-600.

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308GunnerXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
10/12/2016

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I have 2 loads that worked really well the 1st

130gr Norma Golden Target

43.7gr H4350

Winchester 243 brass

Wolf primers

2.850 COAL



140 Hornady BTHP

43.5gr H4350

Winchester 243 brass

Wolf primers

2.820 COAL

2910fps

The rifle was rebarreled by West Texas Ordnance and is an absolute hammer, it has a 1-7 twist 22" Broughton 5C barrel and I run a Harvester. The above loads have been verified out to 1030 yards, as a side note if the Norma's could be found that is all I would shoot.

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pangelos

XSergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
10/14/2016

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308Gunner wrote:
I have 2 loads that worked really well the 1st

130gr Norma Golden Target

43.7gr H4350

Winchester 243 brass

Wolf primers

2.850 COAL



140 Hornady BTHP

43.5gr H4350

Winchester 243 brass

Wolf primers

2.820 COAL

2910fps

The rifle was rebarreled by West Texas Ordnance and is an absolute hammer, it has a 1-7 twist 22" Broughton 5C barrel and I run a Harvester. The above loads have been verified out to 1030 yards, as a side note if the Norma's could be found that is all I would shoot.​

what was your 130 norma speed?

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308GunnerXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
10/29/2016

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It was 2945 but I had plenty of room to go up, but they shot so good there I called it good. The only problem with them that I found was not being able to get them

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260284XSergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
11/22/2016

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Has anyone tried the Lapua Palma brass and neck turned it? I would think it would last forever like 6.5x47 brass. I am considering the SLR for my next barrel on my Tikka CTR. I am considering a 24-26" since I run a suppressor. I am not set up to neck turn yet, but I have quite a bit of Lapua 260 brass on hand.

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260284XSergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
11/22/2016

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308Gunner wrote:
It was 2945 but I had plenty of room to go up, but they shot so good there I called it good. The only problem with them that I found was not being able to get them​

I ran the Norma Golden Targets in my 260 and my son's RPR. They are very stable when they go trans-sonic. I have them on back order at a few places.

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MTETMXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
12/16/2016

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6.5SLR

We have been shooting them for several years, We have built almost a dozen of them this year as match/hunting rifles

Our barrels are going about 2500 rounds. This is with moderate loads. We shoot 140s at 2825 from 26 or 27 inch bbls. The same loads are in the 2780 range with 23 to 24 in bbls. There is room to push the velocity, but we have not seen any reason to do so. The rifles are extremely consistent and we don't worry about pressure issues when the weather changes or shooting in the rain. Even though WW brass is cheap, we don't see a reason to waste it..

The load we use is between 41.5 and 42.0 H4350. Somewhere in the 1200 round range and again at 2K this load needs to be bumped up to retain velocity. We use either Russian primers or CCI 200. With these loads we are over 10 loadings with WW243 brass.

When we had issues getting 4350, we went to 4831sc and loaded in the 44.0 range for similar velocities that shot very consistently out to 1150. Using 4831 this fall Hornady 143 ELD-X out of a 24 inch bbl were at 2750 with 44.o grs

The same rifles 26-27 barrels shoot the 130 Berger, either the vld or the hybrid in the 2930 fps range at 43.5 grs H4350.

The brass is simple to form. Just run new 243 into an SLR FL die, load and shoot. We do not change our load for FF, and we have shot FF loads in matches without any issues.

We have played with Lapua brass, but I don't want to turn a pile of necks, not when the rifles shoot so well with WW. We built a rifle for a customer that uses Lapua 308 palma brass. It was neck turned a couple of times and his velocities are much greater than what we shoot. It does work, it is a question of effort v. return.

Why the SLR:

30 degree shoulder..hate to trim brass

WW 243 brass..cheap and always available

Proven to be easy to load for and maintain great consistency

Cons: You must reload

Eric

AEM Precision

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TheToothman

XPrivate
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
12/28/2016

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Hello party people,

First post. I have been shooting/reloading for several years now, the 6.5 SLR is my first wildcat though, and I know I have some stuff to learn. I have it set up as such:

243 Win, Prvi Partisan brass
43 gr IMR 4350
CCI match primers
24" Bartlein
142 gr SMK
OAL 2.862" (couple thousandths jump)
2810 fps

I have a few questions though.

1) I resized the brass with a Whidden bushing die, and got a donut. I tried Winchester brass, and also got a donut. My theory is that the Whidden die doesn't size all the way to the neck-shoulder junction due to the bushing, has anyone else experienced this? For the record I think they are good dies, I am having them make me a custom non-bushing die so that I can hopefully avoid this problem.

2) If I switch to H4350, would I potentially gain any velocity? 43 gr of IMR is pretty close to a max load in my gun, I'm getting a sticky bolt, primers are still fine though.

3) One of the biggest challenges that I have experienced with this gun is the OAL. I am limited to 2.880" as I am feeding out of a mag. The SMKs seem to be a decent choice, because I can still seat them off the lands a couple thousandths and my OAL is at 2.862." The only problem is that the SMKs are seated deep, right to the neck-shoulder junction, and are definitely a "compressed load." I have flirted with the idea of using the 130 gr Berger AR tactical bullets, as they are approx 50 hundredths shorter and would allow me to seat the bullets the same distance from the lands, but without having to compress the load. G7 BCs are comparable between the 2 bullets.

I am curious to hear your responses.

Thanks

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308GunnerXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
01/13/2017

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Okay first I use Whidden dies and have not had a problem with donuts at all using Winchester or Remington brass you are using Hornady one shot when you are resizing? Second H4350 is pretty much the standard for all of the 6.5s you can get more speed by going to RL17 but lose some temp stability, as far as your COAL did your smith use the short or long reamer. The short reamer which is what mine is chambered with is for magazine fed rifles so there is no way I can get 2.9 all of my loads are 2.8 plus.

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TheToothman

XPrivate
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
01/13/2017 Last edited 01/13/2017 by TheToothman

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Right, the donuts are the weirdest part, because most people I talk to that use the Winchester brass don't have any problems, I've only heard of one other. I'm using the Imperial Case sizing wax.

The smith used the short reamer, I've tested and re-tested with the Hornady headspace gauge and I keep getting an OAL length of 2.804 (yes it changed from the first post, I didn't have the hornady headspace tool then) for Sierra SMKs, which isn't bad, it's just that it's seated a little deep in the case. The Berger 130 AR hybrids are at 2.820 when I last checked, but that works out a little better because they are a shorter bullet and don't go as far back in the case.

I've got a full length Whidden die coming and I'll update then. I was just wondering what everyone's experience was with this cartridge.

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308GunnerXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
01/14/2017

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Get some Hornady One Shot and I think your donut problems will go away

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lancetkenyon

XGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
01/15/2017 Last edited 01/15/2017 by lancetkenyon

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Still loving my 6.5 SLR....when I can pry it from my 14 year old daughter's hands.

She took her buck with mine this year at 637 yards. One shot, pushing a 127 Barnes LRX @ 3050fps, and the buck dropped instantly without a single twitch.

 

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308GunnerXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
01/18/2017

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Lance it looks like you will have to ask if you can borrow your 14 year olds rifle every now and then

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socaltrailXGunny Sergeant
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Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
01/21/2017

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Wanted to resurrect this thread and post some of my recent experiences with the 6.5 SLR. I turned a barrel for my AI AX - a 26" Bartlein, med. palma contour. I bought the "short" throated 6.5 SLR reamer and hand reamed the throat specifically for 142 Sierra Match Kings. The boat tail sits just above the neck / shoulder junction with the bullet seated .02" off the lands.



I bought Whidden's dies and formed my brass using new Win. 243 brass. I loaded up 50 rounds with the 142 sierras and 43 grains of H4350. Accuracy was good, even with the un-formed brass. I ran an OCW test today with the prepped / fire formed brass and was very impressed. Everything was under 1/2" except one group, with a very clear node at 44.4 grains of H4350. Absolutely no pressure signs, the primers are nice and round and no ejector marks. Just a little tweaking and this thing is going to be a hammer. I didn't chrono these today because I was running the OCW test, but based on my other chrono results, I estimate this load to be somewhere between 2950 and 3000. I am very impressed with this cartridge. This load will give some nice numbers out well past 1k yards.



Anyone else start messing with the 6.5 SLR??

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308GunnerXGunny Sergeant
Rating: 3.2/5 this site
753 posts this site
Re: 6.5 Super LR and 260 Improved variants
01/24/2017

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I Don't know if I could get those speeds,I went with a 22" Broughton and I shoot suppressed 100% of the time so I wanted a shorter barrel.

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[308Gunner]

I started playing with RL26 and the 140 RDF I have gone up to 44.0 and the primers are still round, absolutely no pressure signs at 44 I have reshoot 43.9 and 44 my suppressor was loose and I didn't catch it until I had shot the first at 44. With a loose suppressor the 43.9 was still a half inch so it looks promising, I am going to reshoot those 2 loads and if the 43.9 does what I think it will I am going load some and try to get some drop data and speeds. I have a pound of RL23 on order so when it comes in I am going to play with it also

 

[Geno C.]

Not too many 260ai's in here.

Reamer has .060" freebore so I can mag feed the 140s
Formed Lapua brass
Rem 9 1/2 primer
140vld .010" jammed
44.9gr H4350
2910fps in 27" barrel

I went up to 49gr of H4831sc and got 2860 with no pressure signs but ran out of room so I went back to H4350.

 

[308Gunner]

Found some RL23 I am going to load some up this weekend and see what it does

 

[308Gunner]

Ok I loaded up some 140 RDFs with RL23 I started at 44.2 and went up to 44.6 the 44.2 load shot a bug hole. I am not going any higher as the 44.2 is as good as I can shoot. Once I get some more bullets I will run these out to a grand

 

[30calDeath]

Anyone shot the 260 Terminator by Defensive Edge?

 

[Triggerf16]

6.5 SLR
Eliseo RTS chassis. Trued Rem700, PTG bolt. 26" Bartlein barrel, HV contour, smithed by Clay Spencer

Lapua 260 brass, neck turned to .014", trimmed to 2.015".
CCI BR2 primers.
H4350, 42.4gr.
Berger 140 Hybrid
2.875" OAL

 

[demonjigger]

308Gunner did you ever get MV's for your loads?

 

[demonjigger]

I'm curious what you saw with RL 26

 

[pinzmann]

6.5 SLR
Always had trouble forming brass with 243 Winchester and 260 Reminton. Best luck with the 260 Rem. But still had loose pockets after 7-9 reloads. Even worse with the
Win brass. Just got some Alpha 260 small primer brass. Resized like a dream. Hopefully will get more resizes.
Alpha brass
139 Lapua bullet
41.5gr H4350
CCI 450 primer
2845 fps out of a 25in bartlein barrel, Surgeon action

 

[MTETM]

Pinzmann,

Can you tell me the neck thickness of the brass and did you have any binding in the chamber at the case head? Did you turn the neck/shoulder junction?
Very interested in how this is working...

Thanks,
Eric

6.5 SLR
Always had trouble forming brass with 243 Winchester and 260 Reminton. Best luck with the 260 Rem. But still had loose pockets after 7-9 reloads. Even worse with the
Win brass. Just got some Alpha 260 small primer brass. Resized like a dream. Hopefully will get more resizes.
Alpha brass
139 Lapua bullet
41.5gr H4350
CCI 450 primer
2845 fps out of a 25in bartlein barrel, Surgeon action

 

[pinzmann]

Can't get the neck thickness right now as all have been loaded. No binding like I got with the other brass. No turning done. Loaded and shot 10rds yesterday. Justed loaded the rest this morning. Trying this brass primarily to get better life without the primer pockets opening up. The brass seems pretty consistent, all within 8/tenths of a grain, weighing around 175 grains a bit heavier than the win and rem brass.

 

[grovermn5]

260 30* Improved (Whitley design) i realize this isnt a popular choice but wanted to add it.....just because.

still in the early stages of working up loads but here is some of what ive got.

27" Benchmark 1:8 twist.
cci 200's
Reloder 16
Lapua 260 brass
Hornady 130 ELDM's


this load is with virgin 260 brass doing pseudo fireforming, meaning that you can run factory 260 or 260 handloads without changing anything. just load it and shoot and out pops 260 30* brass.
42.8gr RL16 2960fps
SD: 5
this seems to be the ticket with zero signs of pressure, still tinkering with H4350 but the RL16 works well enough. this load is very accurate. i would have no problems running this in a match and probably will to blow out brass when need be.

* i ran a little H4831ssc but couldnt get any real velocity without over compressing. ran a box of brass to form with it and practice. not worth pursuing.


formed brass loads w/ the above components.
RL16 42.8gr 2960fps sd:5
RL16 43.0gr.2970fps SD:8
RL16 43.2gr 2980fps SD:8

the forming load of 42.8 would shot just as well as the accuracy node is in that area.

H4350 tests,
havent really come up with anything concrete yet but its looking like 44.0 at the top and accuracy will be at 43.6-43.8. the 44.0 load ran 2980fps sd:5.


VV N150
seemed pretty fast and had pressure much earlier. 40.0gr produced 2919fps with an SD of 1(thats not a typo) and that was the top end, probably wont pursue that powder either as pressure came up quick.

ill edit as i do more work.



left to right.

6.5x47Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor, 260 30* Imp.

 

[308Gunner]

Can't get the neck thickness right now as all have been loaded. No binding like I got with the other brass. No turning done. Loaded and shot 10rds yesterday. Justed loaded the rest this morning. Trying this brass primarily to get better life without the primer pockets opening up. The brass seems pretty consistent, all within 8/tenths of a grain, weighing around 175 grains a bit heavier than the win and rem brass.

What reamer did you use I called Alpha and they said that I would have to turn my necks, my reamer has a .295 neck

 

[308Gunner]

I worked a load up with the Nosler 130 RDF that is shooting good,40.3 gr of Varget loaded at 2.845 I am going to load up 100 and shoot to get some velocity numbers. I am using Winchester brass and Wolf primers.

 

[lancetkenyon]

6.5 SLR
Rem .243 Win brass
Fed210M
127 Barnes LRX
43.0 H4350
3040fps

My 14 year old daughter shot this 5 shot group at 200.





Then, she took this buck at 637 yards with a single shot. Took out both front shoulders and shattered a vertebrae. Buck dropped like a sack of hammers.

 

[308Gunner]

Lance tell your daughter that is a great group and one heck of a deer

 

[JRodMT]

I’m running a 6.5 LRP (longer neck/35 degree shoulder)
My load is:
Lapua Brass (Reamed and turned)
210M primers
140 Berger Hybrids
44.7gr H4350
COAL 2.955”
2920fps

 

[308Gunner]

I worked a load up with the Nosler 130 RDF that is shooting good,40.3 gr of Varget loaded at 2.845 I am going to load up 100 and shoot to get some velocity numbers. I am using Winchester brass and Wolf primers.

I got to shoot yesterday and it is running 2850, I had 12 mils to get to 1345. This load was hammering I can get more speed but I am happy with the accuracy and it is easy on the brass

 

[308Gunner]

I just got some Peterson SPR 260 and sized it I have to get some small primers and then I M going to work up a load, brass sized likes a dream and has a .291 neck after sizing .

 

[308Gunner]

I have finally got some numbers on the Nosler 130 RDF’s
Muzzle velocity 2922
Es 4
Sd 2.6
Brass is Peterson SRP 260
40.8 gr. Varget
CCI Br 4
COAL 2.815
The rifle has a 22” Broughton 1-7 twist with a Harvester suppressor

 

[Mr.BR]

.260 inch , with shoulders moved forward 3.5mm , neck 3,78mm ,cca 15% gain in capacity

Easily 3050fps with 140g bullets ,48 grains of AR2209

For resizing, a standard .260 die can be used, simply set 3,5mm higher in the press. If you need a body die a 30-06 can be used to form the botom of the case , Sizing dies are made custom by Redding

 

[lancetkenyon]

Man, there is no neck on that case!

 

[Mr.BR]

Plenty enough and more than you find in a tank cannon or artillery shell , which have worked well for decades ,if anything it much easyer to get consistent neck tension than on a longer neck


This is much more extreme case of short neck ,good enough for some BR records.

 

[djskit]

Anyone working with the 6.5 heavies? I’m dusting off my old 6.5 LRP barrel and a, going to play with Hornady 147s.

 

[308Gunner]

I loaded the 143's and with 4 different powder charges they all shot under 1/2 MOA but after loading the 130RDF's with a .615 BC running 2922 I am done.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I shot out my old 6.5SLR barrel in 2800+ rounds, and did a rework on my 15.5# target rifle (that my daughter loves to hunt with, so I have to carry).
Swapped Manners T2A for a PRS2 w. Gen 2 mini chassis
Swapped 28" Bartlein Sendero for 22" Proof Sendero Light
Swapped Kahles K624i for S&B PMII 3-20×50US

Shaved 5 full pounds down to 10lbs 8oz.

New load work up went well, and after 100 rounds to break it in, this is what I ended up with.

R700SA trued
PT&G bolt, fluted, mini M16 extractor, carbon fiber bolt knob, alloy bolt shroud
22" 1:8" Proof Sendero Light w. Area 419 brake blended to contour
Manners PRS2 w. Gen 2 mini chassis
Timney CE @ 8oz
Seekins alloy 20MOA Picatinny rail
Seekins alloy 34mm low rings
S&B PMII 3-20×50 US
Flatline Ops level




R-P .243 brass (used my old brass, since I still have 400+ pieces)
Fed GM210M
43.4gr H4350
130 Berger OTM
2.210" CBTO
2888fps

At 100


At 200



I thought my Labradar was not picking up the shots until I checked...

 

[308Gunner]

I think that load will do I am waiting on a my new Bartlien I went with a LH GT just to see how it works. I have 1900 on my current barrel so your round count gives me some hope that it will last. I was quoted 6 months on lead time

 

[Steel head]

I think that load will do I am waiting on a my new Bartlien I went with a LH GT just to see how it works. I have 1900 on my current barrel so your round count gives me some hope that it will last. I was quoted 6 months on lead time

I’m contemplating a LH GT barrel for my next 260( or 260AI) I’m hoping my current barrel lasts long enough to hear your results first.

 

[308Gunner]

I have a buddy running one in a 398 and he loves it, it is a switch lug and after he shot the 308 for about 6 months he ordered one chambered in 6.5 creed and it hammers also. I don’t think you can go wrong with one

 

[basshusker]

Anyone have any updated info on trying Reloder 26 in 6.5 SLR? Please list barrel length also.

Thanks

 

[308Gunner]

No 26 I have switched to Varget and 130 RDF’s running 2910 out of a 22” LH GT Bart.

 

[lancetkenyon]

H4350 for me in a 22" w. 130 OTMs @ 2925 suppressed, not .ax loads either.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Building a .260AI to comliment my daughter's 6.5SLR. (Also so I quit shooting it so much)

This is pretty much the final configuration (minus the 26" Proof Sendero Light barrel on the barreled action). Just waiting on my custom reamer w. .130FB vs the standard .050" FB. This is set up for the 140 Hyb to still fit in the Accurate mag and clear the Fuzion feed ramp seated to touch the lands.

Lone Peak Fuzion TI SA
24" 1:7.5" M24 Bartlein CF (not pictured)
TBAC CB w. TBAC Dominus CB
Manners MCS-LRH in custom "Americana" based paint
Hawkins M5 DBM w. Accurate mags
Bix N Andy Tac Sport Pro @ 4oz
ARC M10 34mm "low" rings
Kahles K318i SKMR2
Flatline Ops level
As shown, 10lbs 2oz scoped and suppressed

On hand:
300pcs Alpha SRP .260 Rem brass
Fed GM205M or CCI BR4
H4350
140 Berger Hyb and Sierra 130 TGK

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Bump, considering a 260AI over a 6.5 creed in an 18" shorty...

 

[nrspence]

Building a .260AI to comliment my daughter's 6.5SLR. (Also so I quit shooting it so much)

This is pretty much the final configuration (minus the 26" Proof Sendero Light barrel on the barreled action). Just waiting on my custom reamer w. .130FB vs the standard .050" FB. This is set up for the 140 Hyb to still fit in the Accurate mag and clear the Fuzion feed ramp seated to touch the lands.

View attachment 7734921

Lone Peak Fuzion TI SA
24" 1:7.5" M24 Bartlein CF (not pictured)
TBAC CB w. TBAC Dominus CB
Manners MCS-LRH in custom "Americana" based paint
Hawkins M5 DBM w. Accurate mags
Bix N Andy Tac Sport Pro @ 4oz
ARC M10 34mm "low" rings
Kahles K318i SKMR2
Flatline Ops level
As shown, 10lbs 2oz scoped and suppressed

On hand:
300pcs Alpha SRP .260 Rem brass
Fed GM205M or CCI BR4
H4350
140 Berger Hyb and Sierra 130 TGK

How has the alpha SRP brass held up for you? Anything you would change on the build if you did it all over?

 

[lancetkenyon]

How has the alpha SRP brass held up for you? Anything you would change on the build if you did it all over?

The thing is a tack driver.
130 OTMs @ 2999 for my steel load, or 3086 for my hunting load.
140s @ 2920 for a steel load, or 3000 for a hunting load.
Alpha brass is solid. Even with the hot hunting loads, I have 5x firings with tight primer pockets.

I like it so much...I have a new short/lighter build I am doing as we speak.

Kelbly Atlas Lite SA
20" 1:7.5" Benchmark CF Sendero Light
TBAC CB to run the Dominus on
Manners LRH (might still be waiting for a while, but I have an EH1 for a loaner)
Hawkins M5 Oberndorf BDL w. Wyatt's extended box OR Hawkins Hunter DBM w Accurate mags
Bixn Andy Tac Sport Pro X
ARC M-Brace 30mm low rings
Premier Heritage Light Tactical 3-15x50

 

[nrspence]

The thing is a tack driver.
130 OTMs @ 2999 for my steel load, or 3086 for my hunting load.
140s @ 2920 for a steel load, or 3000 for a hunting load.
Alpha brass is solid. Even with the hot hunting loads, I have 5x firings with tight primer pockets.

View attachment 8286018

I like it so much...I have a new short/lighter build I am doing as we speak.

Kelbly Atlas Lite SA
20" 1:7.5" Benchmark CF Sendero Light
TBAC CB to run the Dominus on
Manners LRH (might still be waiting for a while, but I have an EH1 for a loaner)
Hawkins M5 Oberndorf BDL w. Wyatt's extended box OR Hawkins Hunter DBM w Accurate mags
Bixn Andy Tac Sport Pro X
ARC M-Brace 30mm low rings
Premier Heritage Light Tactical 3-15x50

Awesome speed goat!

 

[nrspence]

Finally got my 260 Ackley barrel spun up using lances reamer. It shoots the factory 130 Berger hybrid ammo real well fireforming brass.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Finally got my 260 Ackley barrel spun up using lances reamer. It shoots the factory 130 Berger hybrid ammo real well fireforming brass.

You have a flier....

 

[lancetkenyon]

I got my 20" .260AI back too. FF loads are shooting just fine. 2720fps for forming w. 140 Hybs.

 

[nrspence]

You have a flier....

Dang fliers…that was my bore sight shot, threw on a different scope.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Went yesterday and shot some fire forming loads from 450 to 1008 yesterday. Missed one shot at 989 due to a wind call. But 19 out of 20 hits wasn't too shabby.

This morning, I took it to the range to fire form some more brass (40 rounds of 130 OTMs @ 2820fps, across 4.5 hours and fired at the same target), and also tested some 140 Hybs in once fired formed brass. I tested H4350 and the "magic" RL26 just to see if the claims of "an additional 100fps" were realistic.

H4350 topped.out at a whopping 2915fps from my 20" 1:7.5" Benchmark! I was pleasantly surprised. I was hoping for 2850. But best accuracy was at 2880fps.
RL26 started out a lot slower than I thought (2750fps), and I was pretty disappointed. So.I actually skipped the next charge weight, planning on shooting every other one to see of it improved. Charge weight #3 was 2850, just .8gr over #1. RL26 would end up topping out at 3011fps, but it started to open up. Just a hint of an ejector shine on one case, sonit is max. From a 20" pushing a 140 Hyb. Best accuracy was at 2960 and 2982. The RL26 was not as accurate as the H4350 loads, but I think seating depths might bring them in some.

 

[nrspence]

That’s pretty amazing speeds out of a 20 inch barrel.

 

[XTREM HTR16]

Dang. That’s what my new 20” barrel on my 6.5 PRC is getting with the 140 elite hunter. 58.3 N560.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I think I have finalized my load.

Alpha LRP .260Rem fire formed to .260AI
Fed GM210M
45.2gr H4350 (very moderate load)
140 Hyb @ 2.220" CBTO
2890fps
ES 9 over 20 shots today.

This was 20 shots