broden cartridge selection or keep what you got?

[squirrel_slayer]

Figure i'd give you a quick background on my situation. over the last 5 years I consolidated calibers down to 22lr, 9mm, .308, 12gauge last year I sold my .308ar to finish my 300blk and build a bolt gun. I chose a .260 rem as my bolt gun caliber I for the life of me cannot find h4350 (or any suitable powder) for it(going on 5 months now) along the way I picked up a .338 edge barrel to work on that 1 mile shot. having the same issue with this no h1000. now my frustration and ADD is kicking in and considering dropping the .260 in favor of a .223ai and/or .308 barrel(s) (as I have appropriate powder/bullets)
also my thinking is .223ai is capable of small critters out to 1000yds cheaper to shoot and the .338 would bridge the gap if I feel like shooting further
then a .308 is just a nice tool to have around. would do a 16.5-18.5" light varmint shooting 208's most likely.

long story short which would you reccomend.
22, 9mm, 300blk, 12g, .223ai, .338 edge
22, 9mm, 300blk, 12g, .260, .338 edge
22,9mm, 300blk, 12g, .308, .338 edge

 

[capreppy]

I am doing 260 (own) and 338 Edge (building).

The component shortage is easing up. Just picked up 20# of H4350 for my buddy and I (260 for me and 243 for him). Keep an eye out. Subscribe to the Hide and Seek thread and you'll get a heads up in product availability.

I also do have a 223 and plan to rebarrel to 223AI when the time comes. As you said, it is a cheap trainer and that is the role it fills. The 338 is going to be a long time coming given what I want for it and the fact that I have twin 15 month olds that aren't cheap. I sold my 308 to fund the 260 and will not likely go back.

 

[Bradu]

Unless you have a bunch of components for the .223ai and .308 then you will be in the same boat you are in now. I say keep what you have and keep your eyes open for powder, it's out there you just have to check the online suppliers on a daily basis.

 

[ZLBubba]

Powder availability is getting better. Don't depart from 260, especially if it's a good shooting rifle. Most people shoot many years before finding out how nice the 260/6.5CM/6.5L family is. Hold the line!

 

[squirrel_slayer]

havent screwed on the barrel yet so no idea if its a shooter or not. 28" lothar walther 260rem. I have a lb of R17 that I could possibly use to start breaking in the barrel but was pretty set on h4350 as I hear its the go-to powder and should see better throat life with it over r17. guess I should just cool my jets and wait a little longer

 

[scudzuki]

I've seen quite a few reports of good results with RL-17 in the .260, namely higher velocities and no pressure signs with accuracy equal to H4350.

You already have it so why not try it out?

Joe

 

[VKC]

I've seen quite a few reports of good results with RL-17 in the .260, namely higher velocities and no pressure signs with accuracy equal to H4350.

You already have it so why not try it out?

Joe

I second that and can confirm the higher velocities with RL17 in a 6.5Creedmoor, so it should translate to 260rem too.

 

[Bruno]

I also think you should hold on to the 260. Everything is coming around for powder, and use the re17 to get started. You might like it. Once you shoot the 260 you won't need a 308 or 223ai as it will fill both roles, and shoot inside both.