Criterion Prefit 260 AI For Long Range?

[redman]

Somewhat new to re-barreling rifles.

Anybody have a varmint contour Criterion chambered in 260 AI? I was wondering if I was going to run into problems with COAL/throat issues when shooting the long high BC bullets? When I order my barrel what questions should I be asking Jim at NSS?

Thanks!

[rrflyer]

I cant help you with the specifics for chambering. However, after looking into the 260AI the gains weren't really worth the effort.

I'm getting an easy 2800FPS out of my standard criterion tube with the 140amax's. Most people with the AI are getting at most 2900 and most it seems around 2850.

In exchange you get a lot more brass work, poorer feeding, and a bigger pain all around.


Just my thoughts.....

[northlander]

Criterion does offer their Match chamber in the 260 AI. The Match option uses the same chamber but calls for a .062 longer free bore in this caliber. If you would like to shoot more of the 140/142 grain bullets you may want to go with the Match chamber. Option two is to shoot the standard 260 AI chamber, as it is used, throat wear will extend the throat through normal usage.

Jim Briggs
NSS

[stomp442]

I have one and love it. I am achieving velocities of 2940fps with optimum accuracy. I have had it well above 3000 fps with no issues other than groups started opening up past the 2950 mark. I load the 140 Bergers with a c.o.a.l. of 2.916 which is .025 off the lands for me. I am getting half inch or smaller 5 shot groups at 200 meters and avergae 2" groups at 500 meters. My best being 1.401". Cartridge feeds fine and brass life is excellent and fireforming is fun and easy.

Savage Model 111
26" Criterion standard .260 AI chamber
44 grains H4831sc
Lake City Match brass made from Lake City Match .30-06 cases.
Berger 140 VLD
C.O.A.L = 2.916 .025 from the lands
Velocity = 2940fps

[redman]

Stomp442: good to hear! Seems most people that have them really like them and quote about the same advantages as you. I think it is about the best performance you can get to fit in a short action without having to go to a short magnum.

Also, thanks Jim for the info.

I was going to go with the regular 260 rem until I read terry cross's article on 6mmbr about the acklized version. Yes for some it may not be worth the extra 50-150fps but I think its better than trying to stretch the performance of the regular 260 to reach that 2930ish range that is important for doing 1000yds.

[stomp442]

Yeah I'm very happy with it and would put it up against any 6.5-284 on the block. The 140 bergers seem to have a sweet spot between 2900 and 2950 which is why I wanted the ackley version. I achieved the highest velocities using imr4064 and during load development it never shot a group over an inch with any powder or load I tried.