New to reloading, Need help on a .260

G

Gerald McDonnell

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Minuteman
May 20, 2011
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#1
I have a Savage model 12 LRP in a .260 Rem.
It has a 26" barrel with a 1:10 twist.

I'm using the 120 gr. Nosler B-tips

So far, through my research, I have learned that the w760 powder (I got 1 MOA, 4 @ 3/4 with 1 flyer) may be to slow burning for the weight of bullet that I was shooting, which in turn, was not working with the barrel harmonics.

The Nosler reloading manual is based on a 20" barrel. After a bit more research I found that the H380 might be a better bet. Anyone have experience with these rifles and bullets?

Any help would be appriciated.
 
#2
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

H4350 is the most common powder I see people using, but this is also with 140gr range of bullets. That is what I plan on using when I get my new barrel in a couple weeks.
 
#5
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

FYI when I started out with my 260 I knew that H4350 was the go to powder. But me being me I could not just follow the crowd. So I tried 4 other powders to see what I could do better. Well the results were not bad but it was overwhelmingly obvious that the H4350 was the powder. I could have saved myself lots of time and some money by just following what others said.
stick with the H4350.
 
#7
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

But don't rule out the H4831SC though. It's what I use in mine and I love it. Works great win mine at 45 grns, 142SMK, win 7-08 brass. 28" kreiger on a surgeon. It shoots with my friends and the 4350. I have shot it too with similiar results. Less than a MOA difference at 1k. I know that others have had better luck with 4350 and thats cool. Just don't rule out the 4831 till you try it. Good luck with it.
 
#8
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Less than a MOA difference at 1k.</div></div>

Less than MOA group at 1K or less than MOA (10 inches) difference between loads?
 
#10
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

Those of you using H4350, Are you using the 120 gr bullets? The reason I ask is because it seem that people are using it for the heavier bullets in the 130-140 range.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but am I understanding right-slower burning powders are generally used for heavier bullets. And faster powders for light bullets. Is this correct?
 
#12
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

Well thank you all. I got a lot of great info from this. I think I will try to play with the seating depth before I change powder. If that doesn't work, then I will probably hit up the H380.

Thanks again guys. I learned a lot.

Jerry
 
#13
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

H4350 works great for 120-123gr bullets in the 260 Rem; 3000fps with no pressure should be easily achievable somewhere between 44-45gr.

Varget will produce less velocity than H4350 (2800fps from a 22" 1:9 barrel, 2930fps from a 26" 1:8 barrel) but 39.3gr has provided great accuracy in both rifles with both the 120gr NBT and the 123gr A-Max.
 
#14
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

I think you will want to check the twist rate. I had an LRP in 260 and the twist is 1/8. Mine would shoot 5 shot groups measuring .280 with 44.5gr of H4350 and 142gr SMKs. I tried 140gr VLDs but the SMKs are cheaper and shot better in my rifle. I would stick with H4350 and heavier bullets if you want to shoot long range.
 
#16
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LRS_35</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Those of you using H4350, Are you using the 120 gr bullets? The reason I ask is because it seem that people are using it for the heavier bullets in the 130-140 range.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but am I understanding right-slower burning powders are generally used for heavier bullets. And faster powders for light bullets. Is this correct?

</div></div>

Yep use it for 120-142
 
#17
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

LRS if you can find some I would suggest you also give VV N160 a try. I have a custom 260. I started with H4350 since it seems to be the most go to powder for the heavies (139-142gr). That stuff shot "HORRIBLE" through my rifle no matter what load I put through it. On my third outting with the rifle I ran home from the range mid-session, loaded up a quick 20rnds with N160, returned to the range and instantly shot a 5 shot group in the .3's. The next 3 groups were all under .5. I now swear by that stuff. It almost doesn't matter what bullet or what recipe the stuff shoots lights out.
 
#18
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

I have used H-4350 successfully for the .260 with bullet weights from 142gr right on down to 95gr. My barrel lengths are 24", and 28".
 
#20
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dMac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">anybody using RL17 for a little extra kick in speed? </div></div>

My experience with RL17 is one can achieve H4350 velocities with 1.0gr less powder, ie. 43.5gr RL17 produces same speeds as 44.5gr H4350. At a given charge weight RL17 will be ~100fps faster than H4350, and both powders start showing pressure around the same charge weight.

I experienced very good accuracy with 130gr Berger VLDs and 43.5gr RL17 @ 3000fps from 26" barrel, with low ES/SDs.

I did see temperature sensitivity though, with 60fps+ spikes if ammo was in direct sunlight (even on mild temp days) for more than 5-10 minutes.
 
#21
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

Another newb here with a 260... not to jack your thread but hate to start a new one with a very similar question...

somewhat similar.. I'm working on loads and trying different bullets, and I keep seeing 44.0-44.5gr of H4350... Question is what kind of velocities are ya'll getting, I'm at 2810-2896fps depending on seating depth with 42.5.. I'm not showing preasure but am wondering since I keep seeing 44grs and the gunsmith that built it said to start around 42grs and work up... (could my chonograph be consitantly off?)

(26" barrel, 8 twist, .090" throat, 120 rnds so far)
 
#22
Re: New to reloading, Need help on a .260

With the 140 A-Max and SMK, and the 142 SMK, I would consider 44.5gr. of H-4350 to be a reasonable and practical max load, and I like 43.8-43.9gr. as my load for 24" and 28" barrels. That load gives about 2850fps in the 28".

The 139gr Scenar tended to go peaky with pressures at a lower charge, and although it was as accurate, I didn't like the pressure signs and discontinued using it. I was blowing primers with 40.0gr of V-V N550 on hot days, and decided the bullet and powder were both too zippy for my gun.

Greg
 
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