Anyone shooting 260Rem in 2022?

[The D]

Well, I can’t complain about how it shoots, but I do have a problem that I have to figure out before it’s useful to me.

I tried out some already-loaded rounds I had left over from my last barrel. As mentioned before, I shoot a medium load, so wasn’t worried about pressure. I only shot 10 rounds and had to use a short piece of 2x4 to coax the bolt back on all 10. No signs of pressure at all.

From what I can tell before getting home and taking measurements, the cases are binding just above the base, just like you might get if you did not full length size. Firing leaves a shiny ring around the case for about 0.080-0.100”.

Anyway, here’s the target at 100 yards. Shots include sighting in the scope and then the remaining. Note that shot 1 is on bottom left of paper, shot 2 was still off center, shots 3-4 were still about 0.1 mil low and left, the rest were then pretty well where they needed to be.

View attachment 7922919

That seems like acceptable accuracy… Thanks for the report.

 

[lash]

That seems like acceptable accuracy… Thanks for the report.

Most welcome. Understand that I’ve done no load work for this barrel yet, so I expect I can do better once I resolve the case sticking issue. I need to dig up some factory ammo and see if I have the same issue with new cases. I admit that these loads are using cases with about 20 reloads on them. It could be a factor.

 

[Charger442]

I shoot my outdated 260 Remington in the equally outdated and much maligned AI Arctic Warfare. It's like a double negative that cancels itself out. Almost hard to handle all that mediocrity

 

[whatsupdoc]

I’ve said this same exact thing on perhaps different words a bunch of times already.



There are quite a few other examples of Remington's great engineering and cartridge design followed by a lackluster or non-existing marketing effort and very limited support on the firearm side. Another that is near and dear to my heart is the .357 Maximum. A great deer Cartridge and Accurate as all get out past 100-300 yards, but I guess they only saw it as a silhouette competition Cartridge and never chambered it in anything worth using. Still my favorite handgun hunting Cartridge out of a Contender.

Remington’s idea of product intro was (possibly still is) send some samples to the gun writers and then rest on their laurels, waiting for the orders to flood in.

P.s. I have no idea why this site insists on capitalizing the word Cartridge every time I write it. It does so even if I go back and edit the capital C out.

The thing is that we do not know what happens at meetings behind closed doors, its likely that Remington bean counters
did not want to market this new cartridge as it might interfere with their bread and butter offerings that Remington may have millions
of dollars invested in components and tooling.

 

[GIXXER2000]

Going to rebarrel my Steyr SSG-04 IN .260 Rem when the .243 barrel is done. Already have brass and dies for .260 rem.

 

[The D]

I’m gonna maybe veer this train off track a bit.

I intend to eventually have several remage barrels for my rifle and 260ai is also something I’ve considered. Is the performance gain worth any hassle involved or would it be easier to get another barrel in something a step bigger(280ai) and stay with something that I don’t need to make special brass for or hunt down a goofy set of dies?

 

[FuhQ]

I’m gonna maybe veer this train off track a bit.

I intend to eventually have several remage barrels for my rifle and 260ai is also something I’ve considered. Is the performance gain worth any hassle involved or would it be easier to get another barrel in something a step bigger(280ai) and stay with something that I don’t need to make special brass for or hunt down a goofy set of dies?

IMO, having been wildcatting for a long time, and owning several AI chamberings, I'd say, yes, the AI 40º is worth the fire-forming hassle. Fire-form about 100 pieces of Lapua brass to start out with, and you'll have enough brass to last you a while. Then, when you need more, fire-form another 100, and wear those out, too. Only fire-forming 100 pieces at a time (as needed) helps to alleviate excess wear & tear, just for the sake of fire-forming brass. Also, load your fire-forming loads at book STARTING loads. Do not load anywhere near max, or you can get some cracked necks and shoulders during the violent forming process inside the chamber.

 

[The D]

IMO, having been wildcatting for a long time, and owning several AI chamberings, I'd say, yes, the AI 40º is worth the fire-forming hassle. Fire-form about 100 pieces of Lapua brass to start out with, and you'll have enough brass to last you a while. Then, when you need more, fire-form another 100, and wear those out, too. Only fire-forming 100 pieces at a time (as needed) helps to alleviate excess wear & tear, just for the sake of fire-forming brass. Also, load your fire-forming loads at book STARTING loads. Do not load anywhere near max, or you can get some cracked necks and shoulders during the violent forming process inside the chamber.

Hmmm, thanks for the info. Any advice on dies? I have a standard set but if the juice really is worth the squeeze I could upgrade. And any advice on a remage barrel chambered in the 40* version? I guess I’ll start interneting for some more in-depth 260ai info

Edit: Is there a general round count for life expectancy using approximately 3000 fps?

 

[ToKeepAndBear]

I have around 2500 rounds on my 260 TRG and it is still a great performer. It has been super consistent. Not pushing it hard, 142 SMKs at 2750fps. I don't think have had to adjust zero since I first mounted my scope.

 

[ToKeepAndBear]

When I need to replace this barrel, will put on another 260 Rem!

 

[FuhQ]

Hmmm, thanks for the info. Any advice on dies? I have a standard set but if the juice really is worth the squeeze I could upgrade. And any advice on a remage barrel chambered in the 40* version? I guess I’ll start interneting for some more in-depth 260ai info

Edit: Is there a general round count for life expectancy using approximately 3000 fps?

Redding dies. But as far as barrels, anything but Criterion. I don’t do remage barrels, so no idea. I like Bartlein, Shilen, Kreiger, and Proof.

 

[6brshooter]

IMO, having been wildcatting for a long time, and owning several AI chamberings, I'd say, yes, the AI 40º is worth the fire-forming hassle. Fire-form about 100 pieces of Lapua brass to start out with, and you'll have enough brass to last you a while. Then, when you need more, fire-form another 100, and wear those out, too. Only fire-forming 100 pieces at a time (as needed) helps to alleviate excess wear & tear, just for the sake of fire-forming brass. Also, load your fire-forming loads at book STARTING loads. Do not load anywhere near max, or you can get some cracked necks and shoulders during the violent forming process inside the chamber.

I've reloaded 243ai a bunch, so pretty similar to 260 vs 260ai. I always loaded my fireform loads to a salty level. 105/107@3050-3075, they shot sub 1/2moa and were quite good for not wasting barrel life on a hot 6mm.

 

[The D]

Redding dies. But as far as barrels, anything but Criterion. I don’t do remage barrels, so no idea. I like Bartlein, Shilen, Kreiger, and Proof.

Why no criterion? Is it just that they’re not shouldered? Everything I’ve seen said about them says they shoot great

 

[FuhQ]

Why no criterion? Is it just that they’re not shouldered? Everything I’ve seen said about them says they shoot great

Back when Weatherby used Criterion in their Mark-V rifles (they went through a cheap MF'er phase around 2008) as a money-saver experiment, instead of using cut-rifled Krieger blanks, like they always had... I incidentally (and unknowingly) bought a Mark-V Accumark in .257 Wby Mag that had one of the POS Criterion barrels on it brand new. It shot great for about 75 rounds...Then everything went to shit. Had my gunsmith borescope it, and the barrel was caving in from a shitty fluting job, and had developed about 10 tight spots in the bore out of nowhere (defective blank), the trigger couldn't adjust the slop out, and there were shims between the stock and bottom metal to make it fit correctly...That is NOT $2000 rifle level quality.

And when I called Weatherby, they refused to do anything about their defective $2,000 piece of shit. Criterion told me it was Weatherby's warranty, they just sold them the blank, and Weatherby essentially told me to fuck off it was impossible something with their name on it was defective pile of junk. So I traded the rifle back to the store I bough it from at a substantial loss, and bought another Remington 5R Milspec and never looked back.

So, I have actively championed against Weatherby and Criterion ever since. Fuck both of them.

 

[The D]

Fair enough, thankfully it’s not my responsibility to convince you that companies can have bad runs of products and/or improve their products over time

 

[spife7980]

Back when Weatherby used Criterion in their Mark-V rifles (they went through a cheap MF'er phase around 2008) as a money-saver experiment, instead of using cut-rifled Krieger blanks, like they always had... I incidentally (and unknowingly) bought a Mark-V Accumark in .257 Wby Mag that had one of the POS Criterion barrels on it brand new. It shot great for about 75 rounds...Then everything went to shit. Had my gunsmith borescope it, and the barrel was caving in from a shitty fluting job, and had developed about 10 tight spots in the bore out of nowhere (defective blank), the trigger couldn't adjust the slop out, and there were shims between the stock and bottom metal to make it fit correctly...That is NOT $2000 rifle level quality.

And when I called Weatherby, they refused to do anything about their defective $2,000 piece of shit. Criterion told me it was Weatherby's warranty, they just sold them the blank, and Weatherby essentially told me to fuck off it was impossible something with their name on it was defective pile of junk. So I traded the rifle back to the store I bough it from at a substantial loss, and bought another Remington 5R Milspec and never looked back.

So, I have actively championed against Weatherby and Criterion ever since. Fuck both of them.

I wouldn’t hold that against criterion. I wouldn’t warranty a piece of shit weatherby either.

 

[FuhQ]

I wouldn’t hold that against criterion. I wouldn’t warranty a piece of shit weatherby either.

You weren't privy to the wonderful attitudes I got from both companies acting as if their products were impervious to defects...

I still maintain... Fuck Criterion and their shitty button-rifled barrels, and fuck Weatherby and their overrated legacy products.

 

[FuhQ]

Fair enough, thankfully it’s not my responsibility to convince you that companies can have bad runs of products and/or improve their products over time

I've been in this game a LONG time, and have bough plenty of defective products. I know companies have defects and lemons. But it's how they handle those defects and how they treat their customers after the sale, that prove what kind of company they really are at their core. And both companies showed their true weak narcissistic greedy and pathetic natures.

 

[darth_ritis]

I started shooting long range using a .260, crazy accurate round. The only issues I ever had with it were lack of factory match ammo and difficulty with bullet seating where long heavy pills would seat too far into the case when mag feeding.

 

[hafejd30]

I started shooting long range using a .260, crazy accurate round. The only issues I ever had with it were lack of factory match ammo and difficulty with bullet seating where long heavy pills would seat too far into the case when mag feeding.

Those imo are it’s two biggest downfalls.

 

[fdkay]

I’ve said this same exact thing on perhaps different words a bunch of times already.



There are quite a few other examples of Remington's great engineering and cartridge design followed by a lackluster or non-existing marketing effort and very limited support on the firearm side. Another that is near and dear to my heart is the .357 Maximum. A great deer Cartridge and Accurate as all get out past 100-300 yards, but I guess they only saw it as a silhouette competition Cartridge and never chambered it in anything worth using. Still my favorite handgun hunting Cartridge out of a Contender.

Remington’s idea of product intro was (possibly still is) send some samples to the gun writers and then rest on their laurels, waiting for the orders to flood in.

P.s. I have no idea why this site insists on capitalizing the word Cartridge every time I write it. It does so even if I go back and edit the capital C out.

They fucked up the 6.8 SPC and the 7-08 as well.

 

[Ledzep]

Started with a .260 here, too. Clung on for a while but in the last few years gave it up for the Creedmoor. Prefit barrels, match ammo, better case design, much more prevalent.

 

[lash]

I started shooting long range using a .260, crazy accurate round. The only issues I ever had with it were lack of factory match ammo and difficulty with bullet seating where long heavy pills would seat too far into the case when mag feeding.

Those imo are it’s two biggest downfalls.

Yes, if you want to load heavy for caliber bullets, case length is an issue. For my money, I’ll stick with 130-140gr projectiles as I personally feel they are the optimal weight for this cartridge. If I want to throw heavier 6.5 bullets, I’ll go PRC or similar.

I’ve grown to form the opinion that each cartridge has a projectile weight range that is optimal for it. Yes, you can get good results with heavier projectiles and you should do you, but that’s how I’ll roll.

 

[hafejd30]

In my 260 (Savage 10 with CBI barrel) I seat the 142 smk .015” off the lands. No issues. A buddy has to seat his 143 ELDX .030 off to clear the magazine.

 

[lash]

Also, some mags give you more length. I run AIAW mags and have plenty of extra room in the mag, loading mine to an oal of 2.888”.

 

[Prebanpaul]

I shoot 260 and 6.5 grendel. Both amazing rounds.

 

[Charger442]

I shoot 260 and 6.5 grendel. Both amazing rounds.

 

[Chargerguy]

I’ve got a Gradous AI AT prefit in 260 Rem I plan to take out this week. Haven’t shot it much over the last few years. Only 100 rounds on it

 

[jmp1]

Still running my Steyr in .260. Absolutely loves 140 accubonds but will tolerate 130 gr. hammers. Blacktail tremble at the sound of the bolt closing.....added bonus...no creed pride flag...lol

 

[FuhQ]

I’ve got a Gradous AI AT prefit in 260 Rem I plan to take out this week. Haven’t shot it much over the last few years. Only 100 rounds on it

Sacrilege! Burn the witch!

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Sacrilege! Burn the witch!

Maybe he’s one of those “IRS snipers” buying up all the ammo?

 

[Keith Maggard]

Nope..needed a new barrel and changed it over to a 6 GT.

 

[81STFACP]

Yes..

 

[Charger442]

Yes.. View attachment 7924795

 

[lash]

I’ve got a Gradous AI AT prefit in 260 Rem I plan to take out this week. Haven’t shot it much over the last few years. Only 100 rounds on it

Priorities man! Shoot that mfer

Nope..needed a new barrel and changed it over to a 6 GT.

It’s okay, you’ll breakdown soon and get another .260. We’re pretty tolerant of the prodigal son.

 

[Chargerguy]

Priorities man! Shoot that mfer

I just don’t shoot 6.5s much. My focus has been on the 7mms. But I’m gonna make an effort to start shooting my 6.5s.

 

[xsn10s]

I just don’t shoot 6.5s much. My focus has been on the 7mms. But I’m gonna make an effort to start shooting my 6.5s.

I've been looking at more 7mm options since my 260 AI went to my smith. I'd like to do one but I already have a good supply of 6.5mm bullets. Kind of a bummer because a 7-08 or variant would have been easier since I have a ton of 308 win brass.

 

[lash]

I've been looking at more 7mm options since my 260 AI went to my smith. I'd like to do one but I already have a good supply of 6.5mm bullets. Kind of a bummer because a 7-08 or variant would have been easier since I have a ton of 308 win brass.

lol. That sounds like an excuse or like you want us to talk you into it. Bullets are currently available and fairly reasonable.

 

[xsn10s]

lol. That sounds like an excuse or like you want us to talk you into it. Bullets are currently available and fairly reasonable.

Nah it's been something I've been considering for a long time. Allocating funds is the big deal and the 7mm pills I'd want aren't as readily available. My concentration would be for a longer range elk rifle so a 30 cal could fit the job too. Right now family responsibilities won't allow enough time away for decent elk hunt. So a decent new EDC pistol is more of a priority. I've had to intervene in a few incidents lately and it seems like a more prudent investment.

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Nah it's been something I've been considering for a long time. Allocating funds is the big deal and the 7mm pills I'd want aren't as readily available. My concentration would be for a longer range elk rifle so a 30 cal could fit the job too. Right now family responsibilities won't allow enough time away for decent elk hunt. So a decent new EDC pistol is more of a priority. I've had to intervene in a few incidents lately and it seems like a more prudent investment.

Damn. Be safe out there.

 

[xsn10s]

Damn. Be safe out there.

Yeah always. The last incident was a guy harassing an elderly lady. He wasn't all there at times and carrying an ice scraper on a really hot day. I used my Jedi mind trick and convinced him to walk away. Sixty percent of the time, it works every time.

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Yeah always. The last incident was a guy harassing an elderly lady. He wasn't all there at times and carrying an ice scraper on a really hot day. I used my Jedi mind trick and convinced him to walk away. Sixty percent of the time, it works every time.

Good on ya.

100% of the time I mind my own business.

 

[Lowlight]

I have a lot of 260s and still shoot them today

 

[81STFACP]

So a decent new EDC pistol is more of a priority. I've had to intervene in a few incidents lately and it seems like a more prudent investment.

Nothing fancy, 3 inch SP101 357 Mag will not fail you.

 

[xsn10s]

Nothing fancy, 3 inch SP101 357 Mag will not fail you.

I already carry a S&W 686 4". But it's getting harder to clearly see my sights so I'll be looking for compact pistol with red dot system.

 

[xsn10s]

I have a lot of 260s and still shoot them today

Do you have a favorite load or bullet for your 260's?

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Do you have a favorite load or bullet for your 260's?

Frank doesn’t reload

 

[Major Wader]

I have an 8 twist hunting rifle in .260

Really happy with it.

 

[lash]

Do you have a favorite load or bullet for your 260's?

Frank doesn’t reload

The Prime 130gr loads work really well for factory Match ammo.

 

[81STFACP]

My old stash works well.