GooseGestapo
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2003
- Messages
- 6,154
The problem with the .260 at 600yds for game isn't energy or hitting what you're shooting at.
It's what the bullets are capable of when they get there. And, IF you find a bullet that works at 600 yds, it'll likely be too frangible for close in shots.
Back in '10-11 season I was "shooting"deer on a public airport to reduce population. With a laser range finder I was able to attempt some longish shots with my .260. I hit a doe at lased 478yds with a Hornady 129gr PtSpt. Deer ran a later measured 220yds with high liver shot. Also, another deer was shot at slightly over 550yds with 180gr Hornady SST from .300RUM. Neither were found for several days due to lack of adequate blood trail and dense cover the ran into.
The problems are myriad.
1. Game sometimes moves between release of shot and bullet impact.
2. Wind does strange things. It's not static, or uniform.
I won't belabor the discussion.
If shooting deer/elk that far and having to use a .260, I'd use the 123gr A-max; it's the most effective I found after I figured out a decent load. 47.0gr RL-22, 2.835" to touch lands. Gets ~2,800fps w/20"bbl.
Edited to add: with a faster twist bbl, I'd try the Nosler 129gr AccuBond LongRange. It's intended exactly foryour application.
It's what the bullets are capable of when they get there. And, IF you find a bullet that works at 600 yds, it'll likely be too frangible for close in shots.
Back in '10-11 season I was "shooting"deer on a public airport to reduce population. With a laser range finder I was able to attempt some longish shots with my .260. I hit a doe at lased 478yds with a Hornady 129gr PtSpt. Deer ran a later measured 220yds with high liver shot. Also, another deer was shot at slightly over 550yds with 180gr Hornady SST from .300RUM. Neither were found for several days due to lack of adequate blood trail and dense cover the ran into.
The problems are myriad.
1. Game sometimes moves between release of shot and bullet impact.
2. Wind does strange things. It's not static, or uniform.
I won't belabor the discussion.
If shooting deer/elk that far and having to use a .260, I'd use the 123gr A-max; it's the most effective I found after I figured out a decent load. 47.0gr RL-22, 2.835" to touch lands. Gets ~2,800fps w/20"bbl.
Edited to add: with a faster twist bbl, I'd try the Nosler 129gr AccuBond LongRange. It's intended exactly foryour application.
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