Picking up my newly chambered .260 need help.

[MBsnow]

I plan on picking my rifle up from the gunsmith tomorrow. All the load information I am looking at is saying to use H4350 or IMR 4350. I have 140gr SMK's and 123gr Nosler CC on hand. I can't find any 4350 and all I have available at the moment is H414(a little), Alliant power pro 2000mr(a lot), IMR 4064 (1 lb).If you were me, and wanted to go to the range this weekend, how would you handle this situation? My manual says I can use 4064 but the velocities look pretty slow, around 2600fps with 140's. What velocities should I be looking for with 140's or 123's? Just trying to find a good starting point with what I have available.

[spqrzilla]

Not sure why you think those velocies are slow. I'd use the H414 or the IMR 4064 myself. Hodgdon's website has data.

[MBsnow]

It seems I usually see guys pushing 2800fps. I though thats what I should be shooting for. I was getting 2700 with 168's in my .308 with 2000mr before I had the .260 built. Thanks for the input.

[MarkCO]

Pushing them faster helps out past 600 yards or so, but to get started, not necessary. I push my 140/142s to just over 2700, 123s to about 2850, and after about 3000 rounds still have not gotten around to trying H4350. Since you have more of the Alliant, I'd use that. It is a very good powder for medium rifle loads, which is what the .260 is.

[Tim K]

4350 is starting to show up again. I'd go shooting this weekend with what you have, but I wouldn't put much effort in the other powders, myself.

Depending on the barrel, you should see 2850 or so with 142's and 100fps faster with 123's using 4350.

I got a stupidly slow barrel last time, and my velocities are about 100fps slower than normal. Luck of the draw.

[TheBelly]

I do ladder test to start. 1 round each in .5 gran increments. I stop one full grain below published/standard maximum charges. I look for pressure signs and to see what muzzle velocities I'm getting. I then fine tune from there. Gross adjustments, then small adjustments.

Then, I load closer or farther from the lands to develop accuracy. Each rifle is different. Again, gross adjustments, then small adjustments.

Be Safe out there!

[Hoser]

I load for accuracy first and then check velocity. If it is accurate, I could not care if it is slower than everyone else.

[MarkCO]

I load for accuracy first and then check velocity. If it is accurate, I could not care if it is slower than everyone else.

Sounds like the best plan to me.

[Zombie Steve]

I load for accuracy first and then check velocity. If it is accurate, I could not care if it is slower than everyone else.

Yep.


FWIW, If I had to choose from the powders you listed, I'd go with 414. You can make any of them work, and it's not a huge variation on the burn rate chart, but as a rule of thumb, overbore cartridges are going to like slower powders. Just a guess.


And Tim... shut up about H4350 starting to show back up. Damn.

[Hoser]

And Tim... shut up about H4350 starting to show back up. Damn.

I have it all in my powder locker. I love it when back orders get filled.