Getting into reloading, heres what I have to start

[swampdeer]

Ok guys I recently got a custom 700 in a trade in 260rem with a mcgowan barrel, blue printed and trued action custom trigger job, ive got a few boxes of 120gr rem premium accutips thats its grouping about an inch with, im gonna get a single stage rcbs deluxe kit, what bullets, powder and primers should I start with? I want a deer hunting load. Anyone here load for this round?

Im gonna get a manual and start from there but i was just seeing if yall already had good experiences with particular loads.

Thanks

 

[ZGunner]

What will work well for others may not work so well for you. Nothing but R&D will prove what your 700 likes.

I would just suggest starting with quality components and working up some test loads. I load for .223, .308, and 30-06 in rifle and have good luck with Varget in all three. H4895 may work a little better in the .308 but I'm not good enough to tell. I like Varget because I only need to stock one powder for all my rifle calibers and it gets them all sub MOA.

I think most companies out there make good bullets and most any primers will work well for you (they say Wolf is harder, though).

I use Hornady bullets and Remington primers on just about everything, that's just what I have. I've also got very good results from Sierra, Barnes, and Nosler bullets.

 

[Dmitri Popov]

Yep, R&D is usually a must. Others can get you in a ballpark, but usually you'll have to tweak to get the round just right.

Components are the same way. Just get some from a good manufacturer (Hornady, Sierra, etc) and try them.

Also I would suggest getting multiple manuals, from different manufacturers. My favorite is the LEE, with my Lyman right behind it. I have a Hornady, but very seldom use it. I just don't really care for it.

 

[tahoe2]

^^^^, What ZGunner says is true! Most guns have a different preference than what another likes. I have proof; I have four-8x57mm mausers, and each prefers a different load, two-7x57mm mausers, same scenario, two-7.65 Argy's, same thing. Now they all will shoot reasonable groups with the others favorites, but for absolute accuracy, each prefers it's own special recipe.
For the record, all the 260 Rem's I've seen (which is only a few) were real tack drivers. So pics and range reports are required !! Good Luck !!

I have had very good results with Speer, Hornady, Nosler, and exceptional results with Sierra and Core-Lokt. I cannot comment on Barnes, Berger, A-Frame, or any other premium bullets,
as all the brands I have used above, have been more than adequate for all the game I hunt (deer,black bear, & elk)

Also what Dmitri says, I have 5 manuals and use online manuals as well for cross reference.

 

[Sunray]

Nice thing to get in a trade. More rifle than is needed for hunting. That ain't a bad thing though.
Anyway, look into one of the beginner's kits. Gives you everything you need less dies and shell holder. Partial to RCBS myself. The kits come with a Speer(I think)manual, but buy a Lyman anyway. The Lyman is more versatile than any powder or bullet makers book.
Buy a copy of The ABC's of Reloading too.
You need to check that those 120's, assuming you're think deer for 'em, are deer sized game bullets. They may be varmint bullets. Varmint bullets are no good for deer as they expand rapidly upon impact with little penetration. Sierra makes a 130 and a 140 grain Game King that'll do nicely.
You will have to work up the load for your rifle. Just remember that deer hunting does not need a one hole group. Two or 3 inches at 100 is good enough. Be very surprised if your rifle did that though.

 

[bodam]

It's not really a beginner kit, but I have a progressive Lee in the for sale section.