.260Rem is too expensive, but don't know where to start with reloading

[Lost Sheep]

Thanks, Snag (post 22) for the acknowledgement. I will try not to repeat myself here.

I may end up loading .45 ACP in the future as well which would argue for a progressive, but in the short term I'd just like to be able to fine-tune loads for my rifle and work on doing everything right

I don't know what quantities of 45 ACP you will be loading, but anything less than 500 to 1,000 a month might be better served with a turret press. They cost less, are simpler and easier to maintain. Easier to swap calibers on, too if you do other calibers.

For ultimate accuracy, Forster Co-Ax (its coaxial construction and floating die & shell holder makes it exceptionally precise), as was mentioned before. RCBS Rockchucker is popular for its rigidity. Redding's Big Boss is exceptional as well. Lee's Classic Cast is building a fine reputation (it is cast iron and plenty strong). Hornady has a good press, too.

The RockChucker and Big Boss are overkill for a 260, anyway.

But you can't go wrong with any of them.

About dies; anyones dies will work fine on anyone's press. You can mix brands with no problem, with few exceptions. Redding's are very nice indeed, but have a very nice price tag. You pay more money for a really nice finish. But it is the finish INSIDE the die that is important. All brands perform pretty much the same on the inside. But you will want to study up on how dies operate. The differences between neck sizing vs full length sizing for instance. When you start going for ultimate accuracy at long range, there are more options than just what brand. And there, you are getting beyond my ken.

Lost Sheep

 

[Mykey]

I love RCBS but my opinion may be a little biased because i've been with them from day one of reloading and have been using their equipment for over 25yrs. I've never had any problems with their products and their customer service has been excellent for me when i have a question about their equipment. Lots of good reloading products and companies out there now a days to choose from. One word of warning before you get started ....... it's very addicting! Good luck and be safe.

 

[bikerdoc]

Eqipment aside, find a mentor to teach and supervise, this will enhance the learning curve.

 

[Zak Smith]

Here's what I use

Rock Chucker
Hand priming tool
Set of Redding Competition Shell-holders
Imperial sizing wax
Dillon tumbler
RCBS ChargeMaster 1500
Good set of dies for .260 (competition seater is nice). I use a full size die typically in conjunction with the Redding Competition shell holders.
A couple loading blocks.
Good digital caliper.

I think that's about it. That's almost the exact same kit, with a couple substitutions, that Ray and Shane use too.

 

[Clark]

I bought a Douglas 260 XX blued 98 Mauser unfired Factory 22" .625" #3 taper for $115 off another gun forum classified.

Someone on line sent me a VZ24 action with welded and engraved bolt handle. I had to pay for the FFL transfer of $12.50. I usually have to pay $100 for a VZ24 and $50 to get the bolt welded. I drilled and tapped this one for 6-48 screws.

I had a VZ24 take off stock lying around that I sawed off the end. Then I glass bedded it.

I have Weaver #45 and #46 scope mounts lying around.
I bought a used IOR scope off a third gun forum.

I am going to buy a better stock. This one smells like WWII.
I am $115 into it.
A hollow fiberglass stock is going to cost me $200 more.
Then I will have $315 into it.

I have the 260 Forster FL seating die and the 260 Forster Ultra Seater and the 260 Lee Collet Neck Die

 

[Kachok]

I don't have a 260 but I have it's older brother the 6.5x55, IMR 4350 is a perfect match for 120gr ballistic tips, RL-19 pushing 129gr SSTs make one hole at 100yd, and slow burning RL 22 is my powder of choice for the heavier 140s. I find that 6.5s are lethal on deer even at old mauser speeds (140s at 2550fps) and an overkill at modern 6.5x55/260 speeds. 120gr BTs are fast expanding and perform beautifully on target, the heavier bullets still shoot plenty flat and drive deeper then you would ever need for most game but I love them none the less.