- Thread starter texote
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A few years ago Terry Cross was shooting 260AI that he termed "6.5-08", and I ordered a copy of his rifle from KMW with a pair of 6.5-08 barrels. Later, Terry determined the extra speed was not worth the effort, especially since he was losing fire-formed brass during matches. He was using H4831SC and 139Scenars (I think), seating them to magazine length. Needless to say, the cases were filled and the powder was slightly compressed. I just found a box with a hundred 6.5-08 cases this morning and noted that I was using ~48.5 gns of H4831SC! I just bought a Bartlein barrel and plan to have it chambered for plain ol' 260Rem.
BTW, because the 6.5-08 case has such straight sides, you would lose about 1.5" to rechamber your barrel in 260Rem. So, think carefully about what you're doing - what are the advantages and disadvantages? Is it worth it?
BTW, because the 6.5-08 case has such straight sides, you would lose about 1.5" to rechamber your barrel in 260Rem. So, think carefully about what you're doing - what are the advantages and disadvantages? Is it worth it?
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Yea I read his article, its very informative.
I ordered my reamer so in gonna try it out. I was going to originally do a 6.5-284 but decided to go short action route. Hoping to run the 140s with a little more whoomp.
Guess I'll have to order some 4831 try both them out
Thanks one eyed and Ollie
I ordered my reamer so in gonna try it out. I was going to originally do a 6.5-284 but decided to go short action route. Hoping to run the 140s with a little more whoomp.
Guess I'll have to order some 4831 try both them out
Thanks one eyed and Ollie
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Which reamer did you order? I've got one chambered with a PTG, no turn neck, set up for 140's out of AI mags. I'm running 45 grns of H-4350 at 2935. I've never used the cream of wheat method as mine will fire-form with 44.5 of H4350 and shoot in the 2's and 3's. I must have gotten lucky with this one because it has been no problem at all. Now the 243 AI I have is another story.....
You will like the 260 improved.
I've made 260 brass from all different brands of 308 brass, but found it easier just to buy straight 260 brass. Remington brass will only last about 4 firings before the primer pockets get loose. I've been meaning to try Winchester 7mm-08 brass necked down, as I can get 20 plus loadings on Winchester 243 brass in my 243 AI. Primer pockets seem to last forever. Good luck.
You will like the 260 improved.
I've made 260 brass from all different brands of 308 brass, but found it easier just to buy straight 260 brass. Remington brass will only last about 4 firings before the primer pockets get loose. I've been meaning to try Winchester 7mm-08 brass necked down, as I can get 20 plus loadings on Winchester 243 brass in my 243 AI. Primer pockets seem to last forever. Good luck.
26" Krieger 5r 8.5 twist. Stiler Tac 30 Action, Jewell Trigger in an unbedded AICS 2.0 Stock. Running a Vorex Razor. I never put a brake on it as I was afraid it might change the way it shoots.
Whatever you do, MAKE SURE you have the right dies for this reamer. There are many different variations of the Ackley 40 degree. I might even send the reamer to the die mfg and let them measure it, before you chamber the rifle. If you are planning on having dies custom made, then disregard the last suggestion. I sent 8 fired cases from my 243 improved to Redding, they didn't have any perfect fits. They had a die that would bump my shoulder, but not touch (or barely touch) the case from the shoulder down. I did order that die in a body die configuration.
I had all intentions of shooting the 243 improved in my last comp, but couldn't get it to settle down. The amount of recoil of the 243 with a brake compared to the 260 improved without a brake is unbelieveable. I'm shooting a full case, 50 grns of H-1000, in the 243 so it has a good punch without the brake. I guess I'm trying to say, once I get the 243 worked out, the 260 will be retired or shot a lot less unless I put a brake on it. So put a brake on your 260 and watch your own trace. Good luck.
Whatever you do, MAKE SURE you have the right dies for this reamer. There are many different variations of the Ackley 40 degree. I might even send the reamer to the die mfg and let them measure it, before you chamber the rifle. If you are planning on having dies custom made, then disregard the last suggestion. I sent 8 fired cases from my 243 improved to Redding, they didn't have any perfect fits. They had a die that would bump my shoulder, but not touch (or barely touch) the case from the shoulder down. I did order that die in a body die configuration.
I had all intentions of shooting the 243 improved in my last comp, but couldn't get it to settle down. The amount of recoil of the 243 with a brake compared to the 260 improved without a brake is unbelieveable. I'm shooting a full case, 50 grns of H-1000, in the 243 so it has a good punch without the brake. I guess I'm trying to say, once I get the 243 worked out, the 260 will be retired or shot a lot less unless I put a brake on it. So put a brake on your 260 and watch your own trace. Good luck.
I've come to RL-22 for my 260 AI. 48.7 gr. is getting me about 3050 fps with a 140 gr. Berger LR out of a 30" 5-R, 8.5 twist, Bartlein barrel. I can get equivalent accuracy with H4831sc but not the velocity, about 2990 fps. H4350 didn't work out for me. I got pressure signs before I could get close to a useable speed.
I had my chamber cut with a 6.5-08 Imp. reamer I ordered from PT&G. The freebore is long enough that I can seat the bullet shank above the neck/shoulder junction. This gives me lots of room for powder. I single load these into a Savage single shot target action.
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I had my chamber cut with a 6.5-08 Imp. reamer I ordered from PT&G. The freebore is long enough that I can seat the bullet shank above the neck/shoulder junction. This gives me lots of room for powder. I single load these into a Savage single shot target action.
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Terry said that he gave up on the .260 AI because the reloading was a pain.
Before the popularity of the .284 a 6.5-08 made sense.
But now we have long-throated .260s with the new powders and strong brass, or high-pressure 6.5x47's that get the same velocities.
If you want to burn your barrel get a 6.5x284. Good brass is readily available.
Before the popularity of the .284 a 6.5-08 made sense.
But now we have long-throated .260s with the new powders and strong brass, or high-pressure 6.5x47's that get the same velocities.
If you want to burn your barrel get a 6.5x284. Good brass is readily available.
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I wasn't able to find a whole lot of information regarding fireforming loads. I just use a max charge listed for the straight 260 with a VLD, jammed. Seems to work OK. The verticals are a little loose but I can still have fun doing it. My guess is that H4350 would give your brass a good enough pop. I used Ramshot Hunter.
H4350 may be a tad to fast for the 260 AI for the AI loads. Although, it seems like it is very popular for the straight 260. Depending on your set-up I'm guessing that H4831sc be better for you because it has a slower burn.
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H4350 may be a tad to fast for the 260 AI for the AI loads. Although, it seems like it is very popular for the straight 260. Depending on your set-up I'm guessing that H4831sc be better for you because it has a slower burn.
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