260 improved reloading data or powder to utilize

[Twitch24]

Looking for powder or load suggestions for a 1 & 9 twist Morrison 260 40 degree improved chamber / barrel. Bullet weight will be 127 to 130. I have been loading Hornady 123 SST and reloader 17. The speed that I am achieving, the 123 grain is not holding up to my expectations on game. Accuracy was awesome with this combo. After looking around on the net, I have second thoughts on using RL 17. Powder suggestions should not be an issue. Thanks in advance. Sam

 

[LongBomber]

I found rl17 to give me some of the best speeds with the 120-130gr bullets, but its pretty temp sensitive. I run 4831sc with everything in my 260ai now. I can get a 130 up just under 3000fps, or a 140 to 2930-2950. With rl17 I could run the 129lrab up to 3110fps. I might give up some speed, but the consistency and accuracy is better.

Sounds like you should try the 130 accubond, bit tougher bullet that should still be stable in a 1:9 barrel.

 

[Hespco]

For what it's worth . In my 260 Rem, Savage 22", 1/8 twist. 47.5 gr Rel 26, Badlands Precision 125gr bullet. 3032 fps with sub 1/2" groups.

 

[sturner]

135 Berger elite hunter
42.8 H4350

 

[Twitch24]

Thanks guys. Really appreciate the info. Normally I enjoy working up loads and shooting the groups. Currently I would prefer to hit the node on the first combination. I have no idea when the current frenzy will ease up. Any of you guys use the 130gr Sierra Gamechanger ? I bought into the hype and have a couple of boxes on hand.

 

[sturner]

Thanks guys. Really appreciate the info. Normally I enjoy working up loads and shooting the groups. Currently I would prefer to hit the node on the first combination. I have no idea when the current frenzy will ease up. Any of you guys use the 130gr Sierra Gamechanger ? I bought into the hype and have a couple of boxes on hand.

Tried some in my 308 and 7-08 didnt find what I was looking for

 

[kiwikid]

The 130 grain Game Changers shoot very well out of my 6.5-284 Norma rifle which has a1:8.25" twist 26" barrel. Also I worked up a load in my cousins 6.5x55 rifle with a 1:9" twist 24" tube.

In my 6.5-284 the group size almost halved when I went from .020" off the lands to .030" off. I have shot 0.22 MOA 3 shot groups at 100m and they are still at 0.44 MOA at 400m.

The stag pictured in my Avatar was shot with one at 300m.

 

[codyadams]

I haven't shot anything that light other than 85 gainers for fire forming my .260ai, but have lots of experience with 140's up to the 156's. Rl26 might get you what your looking for as far as speed, I am lightly compressed with my 156's at 49.0 grains rl26, they are going 2940 fps from my 29" barrel. I used H4831sc with the 140 bergers and they were ridiculously accurate, but shot best at 2930, maxed out around 3000 fps, even in the long barrel. Rl26 got me 3120 before I had the same max pressure signs, I ran the 140's at 3070 with rl26 for a while. Then transitioned to hornady 147's, they were running 3040 where they shot best, max was about 3080, and then switched to 156 bergers, which max out around 3000, and shoot best at 2940.

For the lighter bullets, RL23 might be an interesting option, I haven't tried it though. But considering it's a little faster burn rate than rl26, temp stable, and should get great velocities....that would probably be my first attempt.

 

[trigger puller]

I shoot a 6.5 SLR on my last barrel I was shooting 140's with H4350. This barrel I am shooting the 130 RDF's and using Varget. I chose it because that is also what I load in my 308. RL16 is also really good for the 130's and lighter bullets.

 

[bengineer]

I am using H4350 with 130 Bergers in the 260ai 40 degree shoulder. Used same powder with 140 bergers.

 

[del2les]

.260 Ackley Improved @ www.reloadersnest.com

Reloaders's Nest is a resource for all handloaders seeking the ultimate load. Browse trough thousands of loads, even in the oddest and rarest caliber. Now you will also find a lot of reloading hardware and reviews of all the equipment you use during reloading.

web.archive.org

 

[264MHC]

I have a load for my 1:9 twist 6.5x55 with 135 Berger classic hunters running 2870 over 47.0 grains of RL23. The 135 Bergers provide the best ballistic performance attainable while still being stable in a 9 twist, depending on your elevation. I'm at sea level. I believe the 260ai has a little more capacity than the Swede so you should be able to run a slightly higher charge, but I would work it up from 45 or so. I was also running those bullets .015 off the lands which was pretty far up the neck not taking up powder space.

 

[Swinehunt74]

Picked up a 6.5 Rem Mag 22" factory barrel model 673. Restocked with Rem laminated stock from Numrich to make it factory new looking. Had to make brass from 7mag, man, what a hassle, at least 20 min per case and $350 worth of Redding dies, and $200 neck turner. Shot nice So Texas buck 2 days ago with Barnes 120 ttsx 3,000 fps+. Neck shot with no exit. Blew up spine in neck with 4" crater, internally confined. Would make a great suppressed short rifle. Really fun shooting cartridge and first short belted mag made in 1964 in 2 cals, 350 and 6.5 Rem Mag. Referred to as Guide gun. Sweet once i removed the vent rib off top of barrel.