260 loads oftern go faster than book
I have two 260 rifles based of savages. Both are 1/8 twist barrels. The first is a shillen at 26" and second is Criteron at 24". I am currently shooting most 140 grn pills at an average 2850 fps which is a fair amount faster than all three books say it should be for the given powder and load. That happens all the time. Start at the mid range load in books and work up to hit accuracy node. Also remember that seating depth varies from books with most rifles. My loaded rounds are a lot longer than the sami specs on every load for every bolt rifle. That will be true of most savage short actions as they have long mag areas to allow for bullets to be seated into lans if you want to. Both my barrels are match, long chamber ( not loose, but long) to allow for 140 grn pills to hit lans. The whole thing gets different when you are not loading to exactly the same oal as the book lists. Therin lies the gray area as you would think less bullet protrusion into the case neck would lower velocities but I have not found that to be the case.
for example most books loat the 260 to an overall length of 2.8". Well most of my loads run around 2.87 oal. The nosler book lists the 140 loads with the powder that I use and same charge at more around 2750 - yet I have a lot longer oal and still reach 100-150 fps more with no pressure signs. Books are just a vague starting point, not gospel - heck they are not even likely to be close, just safe. Note what type of chamber is used to test in book ( loose factory or custom, tight. Also some pressure signs are really due to sloppy chamber compared to sizing of brass - if you do not get good brass to chamber fit the primers can show signs when there really is not high pressure.
nice looking to build a 6.5-06 or 6.5-06 ack
Quote:
Originally Posted by
calib
Nice shooting, just got my 260 ai together and looking to get it out running. with the rl 17 have you guys noticed temp sensitivity or how much?
I am loving my two 260 rifles and look to build a 6.5-06 next. am trying to trade two scott fly rods for a savage long action -06 bolt head to buyt a barrel for. 6.5 seems to be perfect for my needs