Looking for .260 accuracy load with H4350

[mugsie]

I'm beginning to work up loads for my new 260, 24" Shileen barrel. I'll be using 142g SMK as well as 120g SMK's. This will be strictly for target shooting, anywhere from 100 to 800 yards.

What can you guys recommend as your most accurate loads? I'll be firing for grouping tomorrow, but would like to see if I'm in the ballpark with everyone else.

Thanks......

 

[NCsmitty]

I don't shoot the 260, but I do shoot a 6.5x55 in a heavy barrel M98.
You didn't mention your barrel twist, but I'm guessing 1in8".

Don't overlook the A-Max or Berger VLD bullets, as it's important to try a few different bullets to make sure that you have the best combination for that particular rifle.
If you are using a short action, you'll need to seat the bullets deep in the case to fit the magazine, and that affects the maximum powder charge that you can use.
I like using 120-130gr bullets in my 6.5, and they can be good in the 260 without encroaching as much on the powder space.
H4350 is a good powder choice, but as you might know, there are several powders that offer good performance.

The 130gr Berger VLD has a BC of .552, and should fly well, if accurate in your rifle.

Good shooting.




NCsmitty

 

[Offfhand]

The .260 is so basically accurate and easy to load it's hard to put together a load that isn't accurate. Go to Hodgdon website for H4350 loads with the 142MK.

 

[mugsie]

I tried several loads today, both 4350 and 4831SC - it loved 41.5g of H4350 but didn't like the 4831. I pushed that all the way to 47.5g and it finally started to tighten up the groups. The H4350 on the other hand, grouped excellent at my first charge - 41.5g. I ran it all the way to 44.5 in 1 grain increments (42.5, 43.5 etc), but it liked the 41.5 best (slightly larger than a bug hole).

Now I'll start playing with the seating depth. At the moment I'm at .010 from the lands. I'll run it out to .025 and down to .005 next.

I love the experimenting - I love the quest!