Reloader 17 and the 260 remington

I never thought I would see the velocities you guys were getting when shooting a 260 until I started playing around with Reloader 17. My go to load was 45.2gr of H4831SC using a 140gr Berger Hyrbrid. This load is fantastic out to 1000 yards (the furthest I've ever shot to), but the velocity was only 2700. After shooting some loads with Reloader 17, right now with 41.5gr and no pressure signs, I'm getting closer to 2840fps. It was pushing 2900 but the group was abysmal. I'm going to work on it tomorrow.

Whats yalls go to load with reloader 17 and the 260?

I have a lb of re17 I planned on burning up in my .260 just since it's been collecting dust since it first came out. lol (had a wssm that I sold before using it) Don't quote me on this but I seem to remember reading that it takes almost exactly 1gr less than H4350 to match velocity however I thought re17 did it with less pressure so you could work up higher to chase the next node.

When I had my 6.5 creedmoor, I used RL-17 since I couldnt find H4350. Worked awesome. 140 gr ELD with 42.0 gr @2795 fps. Some folks state it is temperature sensitive but alliance web site states it is not. Was going to try the new RL-16 but ended up selling the creedmoor to fund my 338 lapua magnum. One note though, tried to go higher and stated getting case swipes at 42.2 and up.

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Originally Posted by psharon97

I never thought I would see the velocities you guys were getting when shooting a 260 until I started playing around with Reloader 17. My go to load was 45.2gr of H4831SC using a 140gr Berger Hyrbrid. This load is fantastic out to 1000 yards (the furthest I've ever shot to), but the velocity was only 2700. After shooting some loads with Reloader 17, right now with 41.5gr and no pressure signs, I'm getting closer to 2840fps. It was pushing 2900 but the group was abysmal. I'm going to work on it tomorrow.

Whats yalls go to load with reloader 17 and the 260?

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What Barrel length do you have on your 260 Rem?

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Originally Posted by bowfishn

What Barrel length do you have on your 260 Rem?

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It is a 26" CBI barrel.

I did find a better load. It's H4350 at 43.5gr giving me 2820fps. The next challenge I have is finding some in stock lol

I have been waiting to get a hold of some RL16 because of its extreme temp stability, but no one has it in my area. RL17 is also Temp Stable according to Alliant but not to the degree that RL16 is, it looks like 17 has an advantage in better vel with a bit less pressure. I may pick up some of the RL17 I believe I saw some of that the other day. Mine is not a 260 Rem but very similar a 6.5 Creed I also have a 26" barrel by X-Calibar. Will be a couple weeks before I am able to do any load work up. I also have some of the RL26 that I have a few loads to test.

Reloader 17 gave outstanding velocities, but the groups were eratic at 100 yards. H4350 gave great groups, but I don't have much of it. H4831sc has given outstanding groups, but it doesn't produce as much velocity. It gives me ~2700fps.

I have H4350 I am working with, have only done preliminary shooting for sight in and break in. Found out I had a problem with fit on the Boyds stock.
http://www.savageshooters.com/showth...t-Boyd-s-stock
So I am taking care of that problem before going further with load work up.
I have both H4350 loads and some Ladder RL26 from 45 to 47.5 gr loads 5 each in .5 gr jumps to check groups and pressure. Max powder charge I can fit in case is 49 gr. according to QL it should be under 60,000 we'll see.

I'm having the toughest time finding h4350 in stock.

PSharon97,

What Action are you using on your 260? Sounds like you and I are just about the same build... My Criterion is 25" 1 in 8 twist 260 rem match... I'm using the 11/111 trophy hunter action.

I'm just curious as your load development is going pretty much what I planned on doing. R17, H4350, IMR 4451...

I just saw the picture of your 260..... Got to say it's VERY nice looking!! I didn't go with the Chassis setup... Just a typical varmint setup with the Boyd's Pro Varmint.

Still curious about your action though? and our barrel lengths are an inch different.

The action is a flat top stainless action that has been cerekoated. There is one more powder I'm going to try and that is IMR 4350. I can easily get my hands on it and I have about 1/4 pound of it at the house, enough to give me a test.

H4831sc: nets me around 2700fps and give outstanding groups. The load is 45.2gr using a 140gr berger hybrid.
H4350: nets me around 2820fps also give outstanding groups. That load was 43.5gr using same bullet
IMR 4451: nets me around 2780fps also give outstanding groups. That load is 43gr. I'll continue to do load development with 4451 and IMR 4350.

Thanks for the info PSharon,

Should help me narrow down my load development a bit.... I plan on shooting the 143 ELD-X, but your setup is as close to mine that I've seen, so I'm very happy to hear that you are getting into the 2800FPS arena with your loads. I will start with the H4350 and R17 will be the second, then R19, then H4831... I hope mine shoots as good as yours.

I appreciate it!!

I went to a gun show about 90 miles north of me and one vendor still had 2 8lb jugs of H4350. I immediately laid claim to one and he asked if I were shooting a 260. Apparently, H4350 seems to be the go to powder for the 260. Hopefully at the end of the month I'll play with the IMR 4166 a little more and see what it can do.

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Originally Posted by bowfishn

I have been waiting to get a hold of some RL16 because of its extreme temp stability, but no one has it in my area. RL17 is also Temp Stable according to Alliant but not to the degree that RL16 is, it looks like 17 has an advantage in better vel with a bit less pressure. I may pick up some of the RL17 I believe I saw some of that the other day. Mine is not a 260 Rem but very similar a 6.5 Creed I also have a 26" barrel by X-Calibar. Will be a couple weeks before I am able to do any load work up. I also have some of the RL26 that I have a few loads to test.

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A friend worked up a load with RL16 and it is shooting very well, might give it a try when I run out of 4350 but that won't be for awhile. :)

I think the best place to get H4350 will be at gunshows. Just gotta get there early. Also, the price I paid for my 8# jug as 209. It was cheaper for me to get the powder at a gun show than to order it.