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Range Report decided on .260...what bullet?

R

rushingbc

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 14, 2009
21
0
43
Beaufort, SC
#1
All,

I have decided on a .260 for my first bolt action rifle build, but have no good clue on how to pick a projectile with out simply using trial and error.

I plan on punching paper and steel out to 400, and hopefully further than that when I get the chance, maybe varmints at some point, but mainly just target shooting. Any suggestions?
 
#3
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

If it's 8 or 8.5 then try the 140 AMAX. It's an excellent bullet and very accurate from my 6.5 Creedmoor. The BC is excellent also. In Bryan Litz testing the 140 AMAX BC average for G1 is .584 and G7 is .299. Compared to what everyone considers the benchmark 6.5 bullet, the Lapua 139 Scenar, which has a tested BC is G1 of .557 and G7 of .285. The 140 AMAX will cost less also. Definitely worth a try.
 
#4
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

I'm having great success with the 139 Lapua in my short 15" barrel gun out to 1000 yards but have not tried the AMAX yet. My barrel is a Lilja 3 groove 1:8 twist.

I'll try to pick up a box of the AMAX's to try them out since others in the area are having good success with them. I do wonder if the better BC of the AMAX will make up for the bit less velocity I'll get with the slightly heavier bullet in my short barrel though? Saving money on reloading components is always a big factor if we can get same performance.

I think you'll be more than happy with your choice of the 260.

Topstrap
 
#5
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

I wasn't saying the 139 wouldn't work as it definitely does for lots of shooters but people look over the 140 AMAX as a lesser bullet without even trying it alot of times. It shouldn't be over loooked just because it doesn't have the "Lapua" name in front of it
wink.gif
 
#9
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

I haven't bought a barrel yet, but it seems like the 'off the shelf' barrels are mostly in 1:8 twists. I am looking at Shilen, Broughton, Brux, but it seems like there are no clear winners in the 'best barrel' category. Money may play the ultimate hand, I plan to spend about 350 bucks on the it.

Any reason none of you have talked about the 120-130 grain offerings? Any Berger flingers in the crowd?
 
#10
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

So I put it out there, I am currently in my prep time for ordering all of my parts.....

I thought I would get some opinions about projectiles before I settled on a twist rate.
 
#11
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

I was advised to stay away from Shilen unless it was going to be a 6BR or something along those lines. I run a Krieger 8 twist and shoot the hell outta the 140 AMAXs. They shoot good and are cheaper than most other 140 class pills in the 6.5 family. As for the barrel choices you mentioned id go with Broughton or Krieger if you can get your hands on one.

With an 8 twist you will be able to shoot the 140 class with ease.
 
#14
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

I am shooting Berger 140 gr. hunting vld's in my pac-nor barreled 260. I get groups in the .2 and.3's at 100 yards and recently shot a 5 shot group at 300 meters under 3/4 a inch.
 
#15
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

I went through the same thing not long ago and I'm in the process of building my .260. My words of advise would be make sure the chamber is cut with a free bore short enough so that the bullets can touch the lands and still fit in your magazine. I went with a .06" free bore but I heard that .1" free bore will work as well.

Other than that I would see what bullets are easily available. I picked up some Nosler CC 140gr to try and I'll see how they work once I finish the rifle. I have wanted to pick up the 140gr AMAX but they seem to be out of stock alot.

As for barrels, unless you want to wait a long time, 6 months to a year, find out what barrels are available. I went with a Bartlien 8.5 twist 5R barrel as I found one with only a month wait at www.accuracyone.com. If I wasn't able to find a Barlien that quick, I would have probably looked at other brands.

Hope this helps
 
#16
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

You can order a Krieger barrel here, alot to pick from.

http://www.brunoshooters.com/Merchant2/m...gory_Code=2KR65

I would look hard at the Nosler CC bullets if you are only going to be shooting out to 400 yards. At Graf&sons, you can get a box of 250 for about $57 or 22.8 cents a piece. That is much cheaper than other bullets and a .550 BC is plenty for 400 yard shooting.
 
#17
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

I'm not following on the Shilen warning. Please elaborate. My 6.5x47 uses a Shilen barrel and with 142 SMKs, it shoots under 1/2 moa all day long if I do my part.
 
#18
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

There are a lot of folks in here with way more .260 time than me as I've only been working with my 2 for the past couple of months I'll share what I've tested so far..

I have a GAP Crusader with a 26" 1-8" Schneider that really likes the 139 scenar with 42.5grs H4350.(2850fps)I've got a box of 140 AMAX laying on the bench that I will try in the next week or so. The other rifle has a 24" Rock, 1-9" 5R. It shoots the 123gr scenar really well and also likes the 130gr Swift SciroccoII...using H4350 in it also.I've only used Federal 210 Match primers so far. Also using Nosler brass and Norma(same?) Yesterday I necked up some .243 Lapua brass to try out. I've got a couple hundred Remington brass here also but havent tried it yet. Quite a few guys run the Remington and like it....I sure like the price!!
 
#19
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ryanjay11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not following on the Shilen warning. Please elaborate. My 6.5x47 uses a Shilen barrel and with 142 SMKs, it shoots under 1/2 moa all day long if I do my part. </div></div>

obviously you arent following. I was given that advice by 2 respected gun smiths, i didnt ask questions nor do i care. Thats why i pay them to do the work and tell me whats the better components. If i knew why id tell you.
 
#20
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ryanjay11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not following on the Shilen warning. Please elaborate. My 6.5x47 uses a Shilen barrel and with 142 SMKs, it shoots under 1/2 moa all day long if I do my part. </div></div>

obviously you arent following. I was given that advice by 2 respected gun smiths, i didnt ask questions nor do i care. Thats why i pay them to do the work and tell me whats the better components. If i knew why id tell you. </div></div>

Ive been told the same thing by my smith.
 
#21
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

I think the Shilen thing may be similar to the mechanic saying don't buy Ford, stick with Chevy. He may have had a bad barrel, or even seen possibly a bad couple of barrels and not want to deal with the customer having issues. If your smith felt like he could make a better barrel for you from a Shaw barrel, I'm sure that's what he would suggest.

I think I'll be looking for a smith in the NW PA area in the coming weeks to talk about working on a Krieger blank for me...

How exactly do you determine how deep to get the throat reamed for the projectile you are looking at shooting?
 
#22
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

My local gunsmith built himself a 6.5x47 after seeing how well mine shoots. Mine is a Bartlien. He uses Shilen all the time mainly because he likes to order everything from one company. His initial group was under a 1/4" 5 shots. My only recommendation is if you use Shilen get the Select Match. That said I still prefer Barlein.
 
#23
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

I have Shilen barrels on my 260 and my Edge.
Iwont hesitate to buy another one. Ibelieve there
is a record somewhere saying more bench rest
matches have been won with Shilen than any other.
Cant prove that but I did hear it.

Keith
 
#24
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

I have had good luck with 123&139gr Lapua over 42.5gr of H4350. I have a Shilen that shoots in the .2s out to 500yds fairly cosistantly and the other is a Lothar/Walther that will keep up with it. The Shilen likes the 139's and the LW likes the 123's slightly better, both are 1-8" twist. I have always heard that Shilen barrels are of softer steel and that the LW will out last it by a fair margin. The LW is heavier for the same length and contour of barrel (German steel).
 
#26
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?


obviously you arent following. I was given that advice by 2 respected gun smiths, i didnt ask questions nor do i care. Thats why i pay them to do the work and tell me whats the better components. If i knew why id tell you. [/quote]

I'm following. You are passing on a warning about a company without knowing the actual reason for it.
 
#27
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ryanjay11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
obviously you arent following. I was given that advice by 2 respected gun smiths, i didnt ask questions nor do i care. Thats why i pay them to do the work and tell me whats the better components. If i knew why id tell you. </div></div>

I'm following. You are passing on a warning about a company without knowing the actual reason for it. [/quote]

Ok.....the guy asked for advice, im not hiding shit about what I said, nor do i care why the two smiths steered me away from Shilen. Its no sweat off my back. I run Rocks,Kriegers, Broughtons, Bartleins are on my guns.....take it for what its worth
 
#28
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">your barrel shoots in the .2s @ 500 yards, are we talking inches of MOA? </div></div>
yes MOA, sorry I should of been more clear 1.25" @500yds.
 
#30
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Triggerhappy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">your barrel shoots in the .2s @ 500 yards, are we talking inches of MOA? </div></div>
yes MOA, sorry I should of been more clear 1.25" @500yds.</div></div>

thats hard to believe! I wonder what Im doing wrong?
 
#33
Re: decided on .260...what bullet?

CarbonOne- Would you mind sending me a PM with your RL22 load you mentioned? I'm up to get some 140's working in my 260 with RL-22 and I need a starting point.

The reason that Shilen warning was given was for 2 reasons

Q1) Button rifled process vs. Cut Rifling process
Q2) Post-rifled lapping

A1) Shilen button rifles their barrels instead of cutting the rifling like Brux, Kreiger, Bartlein, etc. It tends to leave more residual stresses in the blank than the cut process does. This isn't a factor if the barrel is properly stress relieved after it's been rifled. For the Chrome Moly match barrels I don't think they do this, but they do stress relieve the Select Match versions in SS.

A2) They do not lap the barrels to polish the bore surface on the CM Match barrels like other manufacturers do to their high end stuff. The SS Select Match barrels (which cost just as much as everyone elses stuff) are lapped.

My personal experience with several CM Match Shilens in 6, 6.5, 7, and 30 cal (6 rifles total) are that they all shoot inside 1/2 MOA at very long range. They copper foul a little bit more than the SS Select Match cousins or the competitor hand lapped barrels that I've owned.

I see no reason not to use a CM Match barrel on a barrel burner. If you're going to build an F-class rifle or a BR rifle where 1/2 MOA is not anywhere near acceptable then go with a SS select match grade or a cut rifled, lapped barrel from Brux, Krieger, Broughton, Bartlein, etc etc.

If your rifle needs to shoot consistently in the 1/2 MOA range or a little better/worse then save the money and get the CM Match and enjoy it. Spend the other $150 on more reloading components and shoot more often.

I won't put an absolutely top shelf barrel on my 6.5-06 because the barrel life is 1200-1500 rounds. For the 6mm BR that I plan on building in the near future it's getting a Brux 1:8
 
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