260 Rem 140 gr GMX Load Data?

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Unicorn_Prince

Unicorn_Prince

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I'm in the market for either a 264 Win Mag or 260 Rem. I'm 100% committed to using monolithic bullets I'll load myself. The problem is many if not all require at least a 1:8 twist rate for that caliber. I've only found one off the shelf rifle with a 1:8 twist rate and it happens to be a 260 Rem. The first hunting bullet I'd like to try is the 140 grain Hornady GMX. Has anyone gotten a 140 gr bullet out of a 24" barrel to at least 2800 fps muzzle velocity? Some load info available online claims they can get their max loads that fast but I'm skeptical based on my buddies 260 reloading experience and Hornady isn't as free with their info. Thanks
 
That's a new bullet that isn't in the latest Hornady reloading manual. Now, if it WAS in their manual, they might suggest you buy it. But it isn't and they will want you to be successful with their product, so if you haven't, try giving them a call.
 
I doubt if you will get over 2800 fps in the 260. I would guess 2700, but all guns are different. The GMX is longer and may have to be seated deep to keep it off of the landes. That in turn will reduce case capacity. If the goal is to push it over 2800 fps one of the other 6.5's would do it. 6.5X284, 264, or 280 would probably do it.
 
I know the 264 win mag would reach and exceed 2800 fps no problem. The problem is finding an off the shelf version of a 264 win mag that has a 1:8 twist rate. I really don't need or want anything bigger so I'm really only considering the 260 and 264
 
And not the Creedmoor?
A twenty six caliber, whose rifle twist is already 8 or tighter?
Often found in off the shelf, ready to shoot rifles?
Is losing 90fps in the 140 class projectiles really going to break the deal?

If so, buy one and have the chamber reamed out to a different case. That will cover the rifle and twist and cartridge wanted.

Otherwise, a tight twist small bore Magnum is not something usually stocked in, and is more of a custom order, hence the not finding any.

Unless, you’re looking at the Hornady 6.5 PRC. Which is everything you’re looking for...
 
Savage 110 Ultralite, Christensen Arms Mesa and Ridgeline Titanium series, Browning X-bolt, Ruger American and the Howa Walnut Hunter.

All eight twist, all PRC, most with unnecessary twenty four inch barrels, all best the velocity required for bullet expansion at range.

(Minimum impact velocity of mono metals at 2000fps, retains that velocity to six hundred yards.
1470fps at one thousand yards.)
 
Hey OP have you considered dropping down in bullet weight I know Barnes for instance suggests that you should use a lighter than normal bullet to help get the velocity up so it will expand properly


Such as 120 grain bullet? the .264 will twist that just fine
 
I’m with Demi-human. The Creedmoor is available nearly everywhere and nearly always have a 1 in 8 twist. I haven’t checked, but I would bet most new 260 Rem rifles would also have a 1:8 twist rate. The new Tikkas do anyhow. I have rifles in both calibers and they are essentially twins, but it’s easier to find CM ammo. I shoot 120 grain monos out of both rifles. I choose the 120’s to keep velocity up for expansion.

If I had to get 2900 fps with 140 gn bullets I’d likely choose one of the 6.5 Magnum chambers. I’ve got a Norma and 6.5 Rem Mag and both can produce those velocities w/o a problem. To get the 260 to that velocity it will likely be a max load.
 
You're all probably right about the creedmore. I'll check it out. I am stubborn however and try to stay away from whatever the current popular thing is at the moment ie the 6.5 creedmore. I'll look into the other manufacturers but I know browning didn't have what I was looking for
 
I was in Sportsman's today and really wanted to walk out of there with a rifle. If it had been last week I would have with the 257 Weatherby I had already talked myself out of. I came out with a VX-5HD 3-15X44 instead for the rifle when I make a decision.

One peculiar thing I noticed is Barnes tested their loads with a 1:9 twist but recommends at least 1:8 20200429_192704.jpg 20200429_192636.jpg

I'll check out Browning again. Never head anything bad about them
 
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If you have a 260 and like it I understand not wanting a 6.5 CM too. But there is absolutely no reason to choose 260 over 6.5 CM in 2020. Every advantage goes to the Creedmoor

Solid copper bullets of the same weight are longer and will require much different load data than you'd use for 140 gr conventional bullets. And you won't get anywhere near the same speeds, that's part of the reason why you drop down in weight with copper

If you're going with solid copper bullets you need to drop down to about a 120 gr bullet. It will out penetrate a 140 gr lead bullet anyway.

If you want to use 140's in a 6.5 you need one of the fast 6.5's. The 6.5 PRC, 264 WM, 6.5-06 or similar.
 
jmr40 said:
If you're going with solid copper bullets you need to drop down to about a 120 gr bullet. It will out penetrate a 140 gr lead bullet anyway.

If you want to use 140's in a 6.5 you need one of the fast 6.5's. The 6.5 PRC, 264 WM, 6.5-06 or simila
Click to expand...

That Hornady 6.5 140 gr GMX wasn't what I thought it would be in terms of bc or design. It doesn't even look like their own 120 gr. I've purchased the Barnes 127 gr LRX even though I don't have a rifle for them yet lol and hope they load well. If not their are plenty of 120 gr monolithics on the market. This may get me the mv I'm looking for but I will look at the 6.5-06 you mentioned as well. Thanks
 
Another thing to keep in mind is availability of brass. The oddballs like the PRC and 6.5X284 can be hard to find at times as the companies only make one run a year. When it is gone there won't be anymore until the company re-tools, which might be several months away. Maybe you can find some other caliber to make your own and maybe not. I thought that I wanted a hot round and bought a Vanguard in 257 Weatherby. I needed a co-signer to buy brass. I finally found some factory ammo that was cheaper than brass. I bought 4 boxes and was set for years.
 
Not as odd as some would think.
Less than a dollar a piece, at more than ten online sellers, which is where I stop counting.
Most of those shooting a PRC are going to need more than fourty pieces of brass.

The cartridge parent to the 6.5x284 is dead. Only the former wildcat keeps the brass being made. Meanwhile, Hornady remains at the top of the list of companies that support their brainchild cartridges, as the .375 Ruger parent case isn’t going anywhere.

It just seems like a waste, in 2020, to look for an off the shelf rifle for sleek, modern bullets in a cartridge from the sixties. When a modern case in factory loads will best it for performance and efficiency, let alone handloading.


Of course, a modern six banger Camero can beat a Stingray, but I know which I’d rather be seen driving.

Decisions, decisions...;)
 
Thanks to everyone especially @Captcurt and @Demi-human. Got a lot of good suggestions and has lead this post to evolve into something else than the topic originally intended, but, that's a good thing.

Now to do some research and decide between:
1) 6.5-284 Norma
2) 6.5 PRC
3) 6.5 RPM Weatherby
 
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