My Happy 260 Remington Build
Savage 110E .270 Winchester to Personalized 260 Remington.
Some things take a while, and this rifle’s transition took about 3 ½ years. In April 2012 I located and purchased a clean Savage 110E on Craigslist. This rifle, a 270 Winchester, was configured as a staggered feed, blind magazine box. While waiting for my rifle to be delivered, I got on the phone with Jim Briggs of NSS, who patiently walked me through the selection of the parts most suitable for my build. My first order from Jim included a black metal trigger guard, a surface ground recoil lug, a stainless barrel nut, and a stainless steel CBI barrel. With Jim’s help I was able to settle on a 26 inch, varmint contoured barrel with a recessed crown and a 1 in 8 twist. My barrel was to be chambered in 260 Remington Match. This was, at the time, A-New-For-Jim-Chambering, and we had to wait several months for the first batch of barrels to arrive from CBI. According to Jim the Match designated chamber would be throated to allow the longer VLD bullets to be seated out a bit further in the case. The proclaimed advantages were twofold. First, there would be more room in the throat to seat the longer bullet closer to the lands. Secondly, by seating the bullet out further there was room in the case for more powder, which translates into higher velocity.
A special shout out to readers wondering if Savage building/tinkering is beyond their skill level, stop wondering. YOU CAN DO IT! I’ve been shooting all sorts of firearms for over 50 years and I had never changed a barrel on a centerfire rifle until I began this project. Jim Briggs promised me, when I ordered my parts, that he would walk me through my barrel change when the time came. True to his word he walked a friend and me through barrel removal and new barrel installation in what seemed to be the blink of an eye. 15 minutes and my buddy and I had a properly headspaced barrel installed on my action; a few additional minutes had us bolting my barreled action into a laminated stock. I’ve taken more time baking a frozen pizza then I did swapping barrels.
Mostly pictures from here on out along with a couple of resources, and one tip on action bolt torquing that I found particularly useful. Some notes:
BEDDING. There are more posts on this forum on bedding than you can shake a stick at. A buddy and I pillar bedded my barreled action into a nice laminated stock in one step as outlined in a number of posts on this site. Everything turned out fine and the rifle shot great. However, not one to leave well enough alone, my buddy and I proceeded to destroy this stock in a manner completely unrelated to bedding. I will not embarrass myself by discussing this any further.
I recently bought another laminated stock from a forum member from this site’s classified ads. Oh yeah, I have a real thing for laminated stocks. It is my personal belief that a laminated stock is pretty darn stable. I have experienced incredibly accurate results from bedding my actions into laminated stocks and it would take an awful lot to make me spend more money on some high dollar stock. MY OPINION ONLY! This stock already had factory pillars and our bedding job went even more smoothly and more quickly than the last time… Funny how that works. The tang is free floated as is the barrel except for the first couple of inches out of the receiver. The rifle shoots great as you will see below. If you are not a paid member of this site you are missing out on some incredible deals. BECOME A PAID MEMBER.
I chose to mount a SWFA Super Sniper fixed 10 X scope on this rifle, using an EGW one piece, 20 MOA, picatinny base, and a pair of Burris 30 mm Extreme Tactical Rings. I also have a real thing for these scopes and own 3 of them. My Savage enabler buddy has 7 of these Super Snipers on 7 different rifles ranging from ARs to his favorite 300 Winchester Magnum. The turrets have positive ¼ MOA clicks, the scopes are tough with lifetime warranties, and the adjustments are repeatable. I’m not associated with SWFA; my only role is that of an extremely satisfied customer.
ZERO STOP. I like this feature but none of my SS scopes come with it. Not to worry. I stumbled across a fellow on another site, who manufactures and sells a set of shims that converts my zeroed elevation turret into a Zero Stop in minutes. 20 bucks!
Tim Kulin Cabinetry, (719)686-9663, www.timkulincabinetry.com
ACTION BOLTS. Unless you are putting your newly barreled action into its original stock, chances are you will need at least one stock bolt that is a little longer than what you have. Most folks here seem to be only a short drive away from finding bolts that will fit but that is not the case where I live. I found a place online that will sell you 1 bolt or 1000 bolts. Their prices & service are outstanding, and their shipping prices are quite reasonable for small orders. Here they are:
http://www.boltdepot.com
I buy 2 inch long 1/4-28 button head cap screws, and a handful of matching nuts. Figure out how long you need your bolts to be; thread a nut on; trim to length and dress; unscrew the nut and you’re ready to go.
TIP FOR ACTION BOLT TORQUE SEQUENCE. This tip came from forum member davemuzz:
“Just askin....but when you install your barreled action onto your stock, you: First, just get the action screws to lightly snug against the stock, then Second, Hold the rifle in a vertical position and give it a light "bang" (off the floor or your bench) to set the recoil lug against the stock, then Third, Tighten the front screw FIRST to a given inch\lb of 40-45in\lbs, then tighten the rear screw to the same in\lbs?”
I have used this method on half a dozen rifles since coming across Dave’s post in 2012. I like it and it works for me. I know it may not be for everyone but I’m just throwing it out there.
MY LOAD. Emphasis on MY LOAD is safe in MY RIFLE but it may not be safe in yours. Follow sound reloading practice and work up to a safe load in your rifle. That said there is nothing secret about this load. One of my many shortcomings is that I research things to death before jumping in and this load seems to work for a large number of people. MY LOAD-
Remington 260 Brass
Federal 210 Large Rifle Primers
43 Grains IMR 4350 Powder
Hornady 6.5 mm, 140 Grain A-Max Bullets
Overall Length of My Loaded Cartridge is 2.90 inches which, in my rifle, equates to 0.020 inches off the lands
The target above shows the very first 6 shots fired out of my newly bedded rifle. I’m not about to write that my rifle shoots tiny little 3/10 inch groups at 200 yards. As you can plainly see there are 6 bullet holes in this target with an outside spread of about an inch and a half. What I am going to write is this rifle clearly has great accuracy potential. In fact, I’m going to call my load development done and concentrate on getting some shooting in before hunting season opens. Seeing as my cow elk area opens in a week and my antelope areas open in 3 weeks I’ve got some shooting to do.
A final note. In most of my pictures there is this doohickey attached to the trigger. A couple of decades ago my dirt bike and I had a falling out. (Pun definitely intended). I do not have use of my hands or fingers and so that trigger extension is a means by which I can “squeeze” the trigger by applying pressure with the knuckle of my right hand. It works quite well. No, I didn’t shoot the target pictured above but I’ve got some great friends who helped me out with that and lots of other things. I haven’t slowed down much and putting this rifle together, and a couple more since then, has been extremely gratifying.
To any of you who may have friends or relatives that might benefit from some or all of my shooting set up please PM me and I would be happy to share some things that have worked for me.
A big thank you to all of the folks on this site. The collective wisdom of the members here as well as the vendors, who are extremely generous with their time and advice, make this a site to be proud of!
Nice write up. Its much appreciated as I just got a Savage PTA so I am starting one myself. I'm 99% sure I'm going with a CBI in 243 match barrel from Jim B and from what you say about him I'm even more sure. Weight is going to be a big thing for me. I see a lot of the actions have a hole in the end of the bolt knob, mine doesn't. What do you think of the SWFA scope so far?
I really like the SWFA. it's a solid performer and 10X gets me as far out as my abilities can take me. Good luck with your project and you would not be disappointed with a CBI barrel.
Great looking gun and fantastic shooting!
Nice looking rig. Dang nice groups. It looks like you're gonna have a heckuva season.
What and whose tools did you use to install the barrel to the action?
Great build, nice looking and even better shooting. Love the .260!
Sorry IF, I was without Internet for a bit… Don't know how I survived LOL! I bought a barrel nut wrench and action wrench from Jim At Northland Shooters Supplies. I like having my own tools. Also, I have a Remington 700 in 7 Mag that I use for reaching out a little further. If the factory barrel shows signs of losing accuracy or if I just get a bug, I will replace it with a CBI Remage barrel and use my tools for that swap.Originally Posted by Iowa Fox
Thanks guys… These rifles are sure a lot of fun to mess with. One of my irreplaceable Helping-Hands-Buddies is a dyed in the wool Remington aficionado who swears he will NEVER own a Savage or even have his picture taken holding one. The funny thing is that he is the one who shot this group. He may not like 'em but he sure shoots mine well!!
Thanks a lot hunts4fun. I have been a Remington shooter for over 50 years, this is my first venture into Savage and the barrel nut. I might be pestering you for more information along the way if you don't mind.
Anytime! Most all the folks here have WAY more experience than I do, and this forum is an incredible collective of wisdom. I'm a lifelong hunter, who is sure having a good time with these Savages and I really like problem solving.
My hunting season got off to a good start a couple of days ago. 8 hours of failed stalks on skittish antelope left me with time for one more sneak before the sun went down. An unlucky buck decided to stare me down while offering a frontal shot at 200 yards. The target posted above told me what my rifle was capable of at that distance and I didn’t hesitate to set up and shoot. He didn’t run far.
I have, with my shooting set up, struggled with different ways of gaining comb height. I’ve tried a couple of methods including an adjustable saddle/Kydex piece, various thicknesses of “shims” held in place with a neoprene sleeve; before trying one made by these guys http://www.cheeknstock.com/ A buddy loaned me his and it worked like a charm. I purchased one in dark brown with a 1 inch rise and I really like it.
sweet.
This is a great thread! Thanks for the write up, the pics, and sharing with us. I bought one of the lace on cheek pads for my 222 in about 1964 or 5. Didn't know anyone was still making them, they work very well.
Awesome rifle that looks great. I love the 260.
Thanks guys. I really the way this rifle shoots and hope I have more opportunities to use it this season!
Nice thread, really nice rifle!. Congrats on your 'lope. Question about the zero stop shims.....can that guy make them for any scope....obviously it needs finger adjustable turrets.....just curious. I really like zero stop turrets....
Thanks!
Scooter
Hey Scooter
My short answer to your question is I simply don’t know; it might be worth dropping those folks an email and asking.
I’m better with long answers:). About 8 years ago my name was pulled out of a hat and I won a Nightforce scope. I like it a lot but I never would have been able to or willing to spend that kind of money on a scope. It may have changed since then, but the zero stop on my Nightforce involves making a small adjustment to a clutch like assembly in the elevation turret.
Most folks who like to “dial in” the proper elevation on their scopes recognize that the Zero Stop feature is quite useful. I have read of at least a couple scope manufacturers that are using stacks of shims to set the zero stop on their scopes. Another feature that I’m seeing more of nowadays is the built in ability, to re-index your turrets… Both elevation and windage. I probably could’ve done just fine without the shim stack because the SWFA Super Sniper scopes allow you to re-index your turrets.
So there’s several ways of getting from here to there. The tip I get from most of my friends enjoy shooting at longer ranges is to remember to reset your elevation turret to zero after a shot, regardless of what method you employ. Most of them have blown shots at game after forgetting to reset their turret. I think it’s funny now but when it happens to me… Not so much. If my rambling isn’t making much sense let me know and I can try again. But I’m with you, a zero stop means you have one less thing to think about and that’s always good.
I really do hate to even consider this, but I am thinking of selling this rifle. What say you?
Thanks
What the heck is wrong with you!!!!?????
Don't do it! You will miss it!
How heavy was the barrel by itself?
foxx - I know you'll be able to relate to what I'm about to write. This rifle and this site have cost me more money than I could ever have imagined!! I've also discovered something, with everyone's here helping, that is almost as much fun as hunting itself; and for that I thank you!
I've always preferred buying used guns to new guns, almost hands down. However, I never fiddled much with my guns, let alone built one, until my friends started running Savages, and I found this site, AND my friend and I built this particular rifle. Fiddling & building… Building & fiddling…VERY habit-forming! It's not that this particular rifle broke the bank but it certainly paved the way for more, and bigger, and better projects; and that's why I'm thinking of selling this rifle. I'm in the coughing up money stage of my next project and something has to go because I'm all out of blood to sell. LOL
s3silver - with a lot of help from friends, I wrapped up another 260 Remington rifle last year. That one had been in the works for something like 13 years. Here's a link if you're interested.
http://forums.accuratereloading.com/...1/m/4501097522
So I don't think I will miss it for long, but you are right, I will miss it. As for the barrel, it's a Criterion and their website calls the weight at 4.5 pounds for the barrel alone (26 inch/varmint).
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