Criterion 260 Rem pet loads?

[BoilerUP]

This seems like a better section to put this thread than 'reloading'...mods please move if you think otherwise.

I'm curious what kinds of loads folks who have Criterion barrels chambered in 260 Remington are using.

My barrel (26" varmint contour) loves:

130gr Berger VLD
43.5gr RL-17
Lapua brass
WLR
2.94" OAL
3000fps

It also likes:

123gr A-Max
39.3gr Varget
RP or Nosler brass
WLR
2.85" OAL
2930fps

No pressure signs with either load IN MY RIFLE.

Currently working on loads for the 130gr Norma Golden Target and 140gr A-Max using H4350.

[BoilerUP]

140gr A-Max
Lapua brass, 1x fired, FL sized
CCI-200 primer
43.2 or 43.5gr H4350
2.89" OAL

No chronograph data from yesterday but I'd guess ~2820-2840fps based on previous results. Both charges shot 0.5" @ 130yd.

120 Nosler BT
RP brass, virgin, FL sized
CCI-200 primer
39.3gr Varget
2.79" OAL

This is my whitetail load for a Rem 700 Mountain LSS, but needed some sighters and damn if they didn't cloverleaf from the Criterion! This load is pretty hot and shows a bit of pressure, so work up accordingly. Again no velocity data but I'd guess 2950fps based on previous range trips.

[6mmBR_Shooter]

3000FPS with no pressure signs! Sounds like a winner.

Just out of curiosity, why do you full length size your brass instead of neck it?

[trailrider121]

Boilerup,
Have you tried H4350 or H4831 with 130's?

[BoilerUP]

Boilerup,
Have you tried H4350 or H4831 with 130's?

Lapua brass
WLR
44.5gr H4350
130gr Berger VLD @ 2.91" COAL: 2975fps
130gr Norma Golden @ 2.865": 2951fps

Bergers shot very well there, the Normas not so much. Didn't test higher than 44.5 with either.

Never tried H4831SC with 130s; got 3065fps with 123gr A-max and 48.0gr 4831SC with good accuracy, and only 2762fps with 140gr A-Max and 46.0gr (any higher charge and compression prevented consistent OAL).

My OCW is 43.1gr H4350 with a 140gr A-Max or HPBT; about 2810fps with the HPBT, maybe 2820 with the A-Max.

[trailrider121]

Hey thanks for sharing your info, much appreciated.

[scope eye]

If you want to have some fun, 48gr or 50gr if you have an AI of Varget with 85gr SierraHP, are good for 3600+ or 3800+ AI very amusing.

Dean

[stomp442]

The last .260 I built ran 43.5gr of H4350 and a 140 Berger at 2960fps with no pressure. Must have had a fast barrel because I ran it through two different Chrongraphs to confirm velocity and it was indeed confirmed as haulin the mail. Brass was Federal premium 308 cases necked down and neck turned. Standard deviation was a 8.6 and this load printed 1-1/4" groups at 400 meters all day.

[redmister]

BoilerUp - Thanks for the info; I'm presently working up a load for my CBI using the 120 gr Nosler BT. As you know, it's a great whitetail bullet. Is your barrel 1 twist/8 in.? Have you tried any lighter bullets? I am thinking about some 95-gr V-max loads for whistle pigs and coyotes.

[trailrider121]

BoilerUp,

How has RL-17 been for on temp sensitivity? Might have to try RL-17 after deer season.

[BoilerUP]

RL17 is temp sensitive...but its consistent & predictable in my limited experience.

I've seen as much as 130fps velocity variation (lowest of low to highest of high) with my 130 VLD loads, but admittedly the biggest swing was about 80fps above the nominal average and that was due to my dumb ass leaving the ammo in direct sunlight on an ~80 degree day for about an hour prior to shooting.

Definitely more than H4350 but way less than, say, H380 or W760.

[Wildboarem]

OK here it goes. CBI .260 26"

.260 RP brass
140 AMAX/ 140 Barnes Match
44.2 H-4350/ 43.5 Rl-17
aol 2.86
2950 fps confirmed on 2 chronos and 1.7 mils @ 435yds @ 6000 dsa

.243 win necked up
123 CC
44.2 RL-17
2.85
3100 fps (1.6 mils @ 435yd )

The barrel is fast, no pressure signs. The 140's seem to like 2950- 2975 fps doesn't matter what powder is getting them there. I find it interesting that my nodes correspond to velocity more so than powder charge. Going to test the 123 SMK and AMaX to see if I get the same results, my original SMK's turned out to be Noslers CC (Midway blemished).

[storeyteller]

48.5 N550
85 gr Sierra Varmiter
3625 fps

[scope eye]

48.5 N550
85 gr Sierra Varmiter
3625 fps

Hey
storyteller I see you also are anti establishment. LOL

Spanky

[stangfish]

Be careful storyteller. Somebody is twitterpated. Settle down Thumper!

[storeyteller]

Read the thread wrong...thought it said pest loads.