• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

  • Site updates coming next Wednesday at 8am CT!

    The site will be down for routine maintenance on Wednesday 6/5 starting at 8am CT. If you have any questions, please PM alexj-12!

260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

J

johnsopa

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 13, 2007
128
0
Pennsylvania
I bought a GAP Crusader 260 last month. Great gun and I'm happy with the performance I'm using my handloads.

However, I wanted to try some factory match-grade ammo to see how it compares to my handloads. I bought two boxes of Corbon 260 ammo -- one with the 123gr Scenar and the other with the 139gr Scenar.

The problem is that I can't chamber the Corbon ammo. The bolt stops hard at the top of the cartridge neck. I contacted GAP and George said that it's the Lapua brass -- apparently the necks are too thick on the new 260 brass.

I pulled the bullet from one of the Lapua cases and squeezed it hard in my Lee collet neck sizer, then reseated the bullet. Sure enough, it was tight going in but I was able to finally close the bolt. After extracting the dummy cartridge, the neck was definitely being squeezed in.

So, to my disappointment, I can't use the Corbon 260 ammo in my GAP.

Are there other recommendations for match grade 260 ammo that I should try?

Thanks.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

You could try HSM LR ammo available through Mele @ Sniper Central
HSM LR Ammo

They have both 123 gr and 142 gr loads available. They use Rem brass.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

Southwest ammo is a sponsor here and makes real good match 260 that is affordable, black hills also has match ammo but can be a little on the expensive side.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

I'd be tempted to have the neck touched up to use that brass/ammo if that's what you want to run.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

what kind of performance are you getting with your handloads?
how far out have you shot your handloads?
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

I had G.A. Precision build a rifle for me in 260 Remington and I picked it up about two weeks ago. I used Lapua brass to load some rounds and they wouldn't chamber either. The outside neck diameter of a loaded round was 0.294-0.295" and that wouldn't chamber. I had to turn the necks so that the outside neck diameter of a loaded round was 0.292 to get reliable feeding.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

I shot some 260 SW today not their premium 139 Scenars, R&P brass. I had my doubts runout .003-.010. 5/8" MOA 5 shot at 200, damn good.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jpspeeddemon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what kind of performance are you getting with your handloads?
how far out have you shot your handloads?</div></div>

I'm getting consistent 1" or better 5-shot groups at 200 yards shooting from prone. I'm running 123gr AMAXs at around 2940 - 2950 fps. Rem brass, H4350, BR2s.

Occasional 1/2" groups (1/4 MOA). Like I said, I'm not disappointed with my handloads, I just wanted to see what "expensive" ammo would do compared to my stuff.

I'll buy some SW and BH and see how to perform.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: davjones</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had G.A. Precision build a rifle for me in 260 Remington and I picked it up about two weeks ago. I used Lapua brass to load some rounds and they wouldn't chamber either. The outside neck diameter of a loaded round was 0.294-0.295" and that wouldn't chamber. I had to turn the necks so that the outside neck diameter of a loaded round was 0.292 to get reliable feeding.</div></div>

All of the loaded Corbon ammo measured 0.295" - 0.296" at the neck for me.

My hand loads (Hornady 123 and 140 AMAXs in twice or more fired Remington brass) measure 0.290" - 0.291". This stuff chambers fine.

So, I guess the Lapua brass is the main culprit, along with a somewhat tight neck on the GAP.

IIRC the SAAMI spec for the neck is 0.297". My GAP must be around 0.293 +/- 0.001 or so.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

I don't have a horse in this race, but isn't the availability of Lapua brass one of the things that makes the 260 Rem. so appealing?
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

I believe the problem was stated as the tight GAP chamber at 293. standard no-turn necks for the 6.5mm are .297, does anyone know how much clearence you need between the chamber neck and a loaded round?
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

My GAP 260 had a very tight chamber, I had issues chambering the Black Hills/GAP spec ammo, had it opened up a tad and now it's an absolute screamer.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

How tight is it to close the bolt now? Do you know how much it was opened up?
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

Our neck was .295, The Lapua Brass is .294-.295, Apparently Lapua Arbitrarily picked thickness of the neck of their brass. Prior to Lapua the brass was all around .291-.292. The cartridge has been out for 10 years we have never had an issue with our reamer till Lapua made their brass large, I have a new reamer that's got a .2985 neck but that huge for the Remington and Nosler brass or anyone using necked up Winchester. So whats the answer??? Assuming everyone's going to use Lapua brass is probably not the answer. Ive been told Lapua is going to Change their spec but have not been able to confirm that yet.

Id like to hear what you guys think But it may come down to just having to option the chamber out at order time.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

George

I no longer have a dog in this hunt, but I would likely be inclined to get a standard chamber (for domestic brass) and then turn my Lapua down to fit the standard chamber. I know that will option turn some folks off. But turning brass is something that needs to be done only once, and its not hard with the power drill set up that I have.

I like the 139 Lapua Scenar ammo that you sold, and used it exclusively as my box ammo. I reloaded that brass for my hand loads. It shot great from my Hide Rifle, from day 1.

JeffVN
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

yea the black hills load was developed in our rifle and in our chamber so its strange anyone had an issue with it?? Seuss probably had a Moon Tight chamber with a tight headspace.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: poke53</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is there anything other than sw ammo</div></div>

the SWest ammo is great, No issues there at all.

Lapua brass is the only issue. as far as i know Corbon is the only one using it.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

Performance makes the .260 appealing. I just run Rem brass works fine.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: poke53</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is there anything other than sw ammo </div></div>

The SW ammo is great stuff, ChadTRG42's ammo is great too and his can/will be tailored to the customer's rifle. Seuss' 260 rifles that I've seen shoot are hammers with the Black Hills ammo.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">yea the black hills load was developed in our rifle and in our chamber so its strange anyone had an issue with it?? Seuss probably had a Moon Tight chamber with a tight headspace. </div></div>

George,
It's an absolute hammer, Moon Tight is fine w me, I get no tight at home that's for sure.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Our neck is .297, The Lapua Brass is .296-.297, Aparently Lapua Arbitrarily picked thikness of the neck of their brass. Prior to Lapua the brass was all arround .294-.295. The cartridge has been out for 10 years we have never had an issue with our reamer till Lapua made their brass large, I have a new reamer thats got a .2985 neck but that huge for the Remington and Nosler brass or anyone using necked up Winchester. So whats the answer??? Assuming everyones going to use Lapua brass is probably not the answer. Ive been told Lapua is going to Change their spec but have not been able to confirm that yet.

Id like to hear what you guys think But it may come down to just having to option the chamber out at order time. </div></div>

Well put. I guess keep doing what you do, making great rifles, and see what Lapua does. It would suck to have you chamber the neck larger only to have Lapua make their necks smaller.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

That's jacked up that Lapua did that. I have a 260 on order with you guys and don't plan on running Lapua brass. I'll be necking down Winchester 7-08.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

I would suggest keeping the same reamer you have now. I not like to turn necks but I would rather do that than have GAP than go to a larger reamer.

In May I bought 500 pieces of Lapua 260 brass, Lot #P00566701, I've turned the neck on 200 pieces. I openned up one of the unopenned boxes and picked out six pieces of brass and measured both the inside and outside diameters on the necks, they were 0.259" and 0.291 respectively. I used a Starrett 6" dial vernier to make the measurements. All six pieces of brass had the same measurements as near as I could measure, very consistent.

I did talk to the Lapua Marketing Manager for the US, he and I shot on the same firing point at a local match, and he says that the Lapua brass is made to industry standards. He gave me the standard but I can remember it exactly so I will not try to type it out here.

As I mentioned in my previous post the neck on my Lapua loaded rounds was 0.294-.295 and they wouldn't chamber in my GAP rifle. I measure three loaded rounds to get that number. Once I discovered I needed to turn the necks on my cases I was fine with it.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: poke53</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is there anything other than sw ammo </div></div>

I also carry match 260 ammo. I have over 2000 pieces of Rem brass in stock. I can load any bullet you prefer, and carry 139 Scenars, 140 A-max, 130 and 140 Berger's in stock, and can get any other bullets. Let me know how I can help.

I tried necking down Lapua 308 Win brass down to 260, and I had this same problem. Necks were .016-.017 thick, which would not chamber. Sounds like the same issue.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Our neck is .297, The Lapua Brass is .296-.297, Aparently Lapua Arbitrarily picked thikness of the neck of their brass. Prior to Lapua the brass was all arround .294-.295. The cartridge has been out for 10 years we have never had an issue with our reamer till Lapua made their brass large, I have a new reamer thats got a .2985 neck but that huge for the Remington and Nosler brass or anyone using necked up Winchester. So whats the answer??? Assuming everyones going to use Lapua brass is probably not the answer. Ive been told Lapua is going to Change their spec but have not been able to confirm that yet.

Id like to hear what you guys think But it may come down to just having to option the chamber out at order time. </div></div>

Might want to double check that .296-.297 measurement. I come up with .294-.295 for loaded Lapua brass just like every post I have read. http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2719426&page=5 The Rem brass measures .291-.292 loaded with 139 scenars.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

Chad, when I had a 6.5-308 I formed various brass.

Fed is tight, but shot VERY well in both 308 and 7/08, when using in a Sako 75 and a very custom 260 I had which used a no turn reamer which was likely on the 'tight saami' side. Certain brands - cannot recall '308' cases were tighter than others.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

Are you sure its the Lapua brass ? I hand load with Lapua brass and it runs great!!! One hole groups at 200yds. I just got back from a ThunderBeast class in NM and brought 300 rds of my handloads, I was short on time so I bought an additional 100 rds of the Corbon which also has Lapua brass, I found the bolt hard to close due to the OAL of the Corbon, I am running 2.155 to the ojive whis is a .010 jump. I found the corbons were about 2.200 that was almost .040 into the lands!!! I seated the bullets deeper and they chamber easily now. Made hits out to a mile by the way. GAP ROCKS !!

Richard
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

Lapua brass I just received has a loaded round neck diameter of 0.295", maybe Lapua has corrected the neck thickness issue.....or I just got lucky.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FCS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lapua brass I just received has a loaded round neck diameter of 0.295", maybe Lapua has corrected the neck thickness issue.....or I just got lucky. </div></div>

That's the same as its always been. My brass was from the first batch sold and that's what it measures.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

Why don't you call Andrew McCourt at McCourt munitions. He makes great match 260. His moniker on the hide is FCS and I know he watches his PMs.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

Wanted to give a shout out to my friendly local gun shop for those of you who are looking for the .260 Cor-Bon 123gr Scenars loaded in Lapua brass. ($32.21/box)

Interstate Armory - .260 Rem 123gr Scenar (Cor-Bon)

He has been in business for a couple years now but just launched his web site - it's a mess right now but he is working hard to organize it properly.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

I wouldn't recommend HSM ammo. I had mediocre results with it.

The best I found was Southwest Ammo on the chrony it had good ES and SD. I can do better with a handloaded round, but it is close enough.

I have a GAP 260, but my action is a Remington, 1:8 twist and 26" barrel.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You could try HSM LR ammo available through Mele @ Sniper Central
HSM LR Ammo

They have both 123 gr and 142 gr loads available. They use Rem brass. </div></div>
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

Bringing this thread back from the dead.

Any update from 260 Lapua brass users that are using GAP rifles? Looking to try the 260 Lapua brass with my new GAP 260.

Any info on die bushing sizes recommended for the tighter GAP chambers? If you are neck turning the brass how much are you taking off and what is the finished loaded diameter?
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

I also had the same problem with my .260 built by Centershot Rifles. Rem brass feeds great, then I bought some Corbon and it wouldnt chamber. I had already bought 300 pieces of Lapua brass and without neck turning it woulndt work.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

Also just for reference my fired round neck diameter is .297. So this makes me think the neck for the chamber is .297?
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

We switched to a .2975 neck a year ago and it seems to be working fine. I hid the reamer with the .295 neck for use only for guys wanting to turn necks with Lapua and run Remington. The reamer with the .285 neck was just way to big so we had it re-ground. So all GAP rifles now have a .2975 neck now so there is not any problems.
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

That is good to hear. I am in the process of ordering a 260 from GAP and wanted to use lapua brass exclusively. Thanks for the info and look forward to speaking with your staff.
gary
 
Re: 260 match ammo alternatives for a GAP Crusader

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">We switched to a .2975 neck a year ago and it seems to be working fine. I hid the reamer with the .295 neck for use only for guys wanting to turn necks with Lapua and run Remington. The reamer with the .285 neck was just way to big so we had it re-ground. So all GAP rifles now have a .2975 neck now so there is not any problems. </div></div>

Thank you for the update George! That is great news!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

jsimonh
Need help with medium length action build. 284/swede/260
Replies
18
Views
569
vern.284
V
P
Hornady 308W 168g Match ejection issue/question
Replies
4
Views
392
Poon
P
M
Staball Match very dirty?
Replies
23
Views
630
towerofpower93
T
U
Accuracy international problems
Replies
10
Views
765
kthomas
kthomas
Hecouldgoalltheway
To load or not to load
Replies
32
Views
977
gunsnjeeps
gunsnjeeps
Top Bottom
Back