VLD chamber or no?

justinp61

justinp61

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I'm considering re barreling one of my Savage rifles, 260, 1-8 twist, 26" heavy barrel. The rifle will be just something to play with out to 600 yards or so. My plan is to shoot 140ish gr bullets. Should I order a VLD chamber or not?

Thanks.
 
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justinp61 said:
I'm considering re barreling one of my Savage rifles, 260, 1-8 twist, 26" heavy barrel. The rifle will be just something to play with out to 66 yards or so. My plan is to shoot 140ish gr bullets. Should I order a VLD chamber or not?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
What do you mean by VLD chamber? Did you mean you wanted your .260 throated for a 140 VLD? I do not want to misconstrue your point.
 
Looking on Northland Shooters Supply they show two chamber offerings for a 260 in their Shilen barrels. One just reads 260 Remington and the other is 260 Remington VLD.

I'll call James tomorrow.
 
justinp61 said:
Looking on Northland Shooters Supply they show two chamber offerings for a 260 in their Shilen barrels. One just reads 260 Remington and the other is 260 Remington VLD.

I'll call James tomorrow.
Click to expand...
As I suspected ...

1783286198004.png

ADDED:
1783333671696.png

1783333727305.png

1783333800337.png
 
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I would get the .160FB. With the 140 Hyb, you might be just a hair long at the lands to fit in a 2.980" magazine. SAAMI FB is .1185 I think. So the "VLD" adds .0415" FB.

My .260AI reamer is a .140 FB, and I am touching at the lands and just fits in a 2.980" Accurate mag with .010" space.
 
lancetkenyon said:
My .260AI reamer is a .140 FB, and I am touching at the lands and just fits in a 2.980" Accurate mag with .010" space.
Click to expand...
My reamer is identical to this, best of both worlds if you stay with 140/142g class bullets in a true short action restricted mag.
My action milled out for Wyatt's 3.1" extended mag accepts 150/156g class bullets with a .180" freebore.

Cheers.
 
Based on my experiences using Berger VLD bullets, the throat angle is the critical one not freebore. I have several chambers that use the 1.5 degree throat angle and they shoot the VLDs well.

From the net:

A throat angle of 1.5 degrees is typically recommended for cartridges designed for target shooting, which works well with the secant ogive design of Berger VLD bullets. This angle helps ensure optimal performance and accuracy.


The SAMMI spec 260 uses a 3 degree throat angle while the 260 AI uses a 1.5 degree throat. I would ask what those two reamers use.

As for which freebore? Are you setting up a hunting rifle or a bench rest rifle. IMO a hunting rifle has to be capable of holding rounds in the magazine to be fed as needed during a hunt.

FYI the newer cartridges like the Creedmoors, PRCs, 27 and 30 Nosler all use the 1.5 degree angle too.

After all this guff from me, an alternative solution is to use Berger Hybrid bullets they shoot in any chamber regardless of freebore or throat angle!
 
This rifle is just to play with, I already have a 260 that I deer hunt with. I have a buddy that shoots 600 yards and my plan is to try that. Not sure on which bullets yet, I don't want to be married to just one, hence the question about the chambers.
 
justinp61 said:
This rifle is just to play with, I already have a 260 that I deer hunt with. I have a buddy that shoots 600 yards and my plan is to try that. Not sure on which bullets yet, I don't want to be married to just one, hence the question about the chambers.
Click to expand...
I have provided you with as much information in #4 to help you in your decision-making. As @lancetkenyon noted, go with the VLD chamber if your rifle can accommodate the required COAL to take full advantage of the long heavy high BC bullets, and keep it as a repeater.
 
justinp61 said:
I'm considering re barreling one of my Savage rifles, 260, 1-8 twist, 26" heavy barrel.
Click to expand...
It sounds like you might have of Savage's long range versions. Panhandle Precision had one with detachable magazines on his 260 Rem LR. He was able to seat out to 3.XXX". I think I'd check your rifle to see how far you can seat out first.
 
xsn10s said:
It sounds like you might have of Savage's long range versions. Panhandle Precision had one with detachable magazines on his 260 Rem LR. He was able to seat out to 3.XXX". I think I'd check your rifle to see how far you can seat out first.
Click to expand...
Thanks, the 16 is a short action, single feeding won't be an issue.
 
justinp61 said:
Thanks, the 16 is a short action, single feeding won't be an issue.
Click to expand...
Then I'd check how far you can seat out to the lands. You might not have to do anything other than do load workup and shoot.
 

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