.260 Rem Load. Please Help!!

[Tamarac]

I've just completed a .260 Rem build on a Mauser action with a 1:9" twist, 27" Shillen barrel. I'm planning on shooting the 123 gr SMK because I'm doubtful anyting in the 130/140 gr weight class will properly stabilize.

I'm getting pretty confused on what powder to use with the SMK. On hand I have H4831, Varget and IMR4064(I'd really rather not go buy more powder if I don't have to). I'm reading that Varget is too fast and H4831 is too slow. Can anyone set me straight on how these powders will perform inside 500 yds and what would be the better of the three to use.

 

[Shortmagman]

I have a 260 Rem built on a Remington Model 7 with a 1 in 9 twist Hart barrel. I had the same feelings that you have that with this twist it would not stabilize a 130 or 140 grain bullet, so I spent a lot of time shooting 120-123 grain bullets. I also load a friends Savage 260 Rem with a 1 in 8 twist. I loaded some 142 Sierra Match bullets for his rifle and they did not shoot that great so I shot them in my Remington Model 7. They shot great in my gun!

What does this have to do with you? Well give the 130-140 a try they may shoot great.

Look at the Hodgdon web site and you will find that you can use either Varget or H4831. The Varget may be better with the lighter bullets and the H4831 with the heavier bullets.

I have used H4350, RL-19, Hunter, and RL-17, but I am sure Varget or H4831 would do well in my gun also.

 

[260shooter]

I have a fresh AR-10 in 260 that I will be trying out 123 Lapuas and 47.0 gr of H-4831SC hopefully tomorrow. I tried RL-15 and velocity was only 2690 fps from a 22" barrel. I'll post results when I get more data.

 

[260shooter]

I have a fresh AR-10 in 260 that I will be trying out 123 Lapuas and 47.0 gr of H-4831SC hopefully tomorrow. I tried RL-15 and velocity was only 2690 fps from a 22" barrel. I'll post results when I get more data.

 

[jlamb]

I tried both H4350 and H4831SC with the 123gr SMKs. The H4831SC worked the best. The rifle specs - 26", 1 in 8" twist barrel, blueprinted action, etc.

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Here are my choices in order of precedence, H4350, H414, R19

 

[MTGunner]

Try the Berger 130VLD hunting with some H4350 or IMR4350. this load is deadly from my 260AI. You will have to determine the amount of powder drop. BTW, this load will not fit in my short action magazine and essentially my 260AI is a single shot. If you load a 120 Nosler BT it will fit nicely. I load both but prefer the 130VLD hunting. MTG

 

[jwing]

Had good luck, with h -4350 and h 4831ssc with 123 to 140. 3 gun all sub min.

 

[GCTracker]

Going to start working up some loads for a 260 and was wondering. Will I notice any difference between H4350 and IMR4350?