I, like another person on this site, has a few different caliber guns, of which 1 is a Rem 260 that has maybe been fire 100 times, and not that impressed with. My HB 6.5 CR loads and shoots better groups w/hand loads using about the same weight bullets. Yes, I load and attempt to find the most accurate combination the gun will give me, as I do on all of them.
Over the past 26 years, I, with 3 other precision shooters, have been taking trips West for "Prairie Dog Safari's" using 22/24/26 caliber rifles, and have found that this is 1 of the best ways to instill proper methods for accuracy to shoot long distances. ALL ammo is hand loaded, checked for accuracy to 1/2" +/_, and Ballistic range cards made to 600 yards.
Answer to another comment....if spending big money on a hunting trip, ship all of your ammo, cleaning gear, etc. to your Outfitter/Guide, min of 12 days before arrival, via UPS, insured @ 110% of value. This insures its arrival and you will know in advance your paid trip isn't ruined. If it has not arrived, do not go due to retrieving all monies outlaid. Hand carry or all of your cloths etc
Check cloths bag and all guns @ Airline ticket desk in unlocked cases w/4-1/4"X48" plastic AC hanger straps, 2 each way. Airline will receive same and you will sign 2 "orange" cards, 1 for each case and 1 for Airline. Upon completion and boarding ticket is given, you will accompany an Airline employee to Home Land Security. Request the Homeland checkers to please install 2 straps around each case @ inside of locks locations. After their check, request they cut off excess strap, key lock the cases and give you the keys.
NOTE#1: have an additional set of keys accessible at ALL times. #2: have available a cheap set of wire cutters or knife, for cutting straps and give to the Security team when finished, #3: DO NOT ship any high value items in Check baggage....Hand carry ONLY, because they will not arrive !!
