20” 260 AI

[Bayoubigcat]

Wanting to screw a 20” 260 AI together for hunting and curious as weather or not Varget or H4350 are the preferred powders or are there better options for 130-140 grain bullets.

I have a 20” 6.5x47 currently pushing 130 ELDMs 2780 FPS and wondering if I’ll be able to hit ~2750 or better with the 260 AI.

Thoughts on powder selection and weather I’ll get a full burn are welcomed.

 

[Steel head]

R16 or R26 if you want speed all the speed.

In a AI case IMR 4451 could be excellent as well.
A bit slower than H4350 but excellent case filll in regular 260 and I found I could get more speed safely than H4350.

 

[Bayoubigcat]

R16 or R26 if you want speed all the speed.

In a AI case IMR 4451 could be excellent as well.
A bit slower than H4350 but excellent case filll in regular 260 and I found I could get more speed safely than H4350.

I happen to have both RL 16 & 26. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[6brshooter]

Extra case capacity begs for slower powder than h4350, think h1000 or h4831sc. Only problem is slow powder isn't going to get a complete burn in 20" barrel, so it will have a big muzzle blast and less than optimal speed. I'd bet 260ai in a 20" isnt going to be going much, if any, faster than 260. Seems like alot of trouble fireforming for next to nothing gained.

 

[6brshooter]

You 6.5x47 is perfect example. Smaller case of it is running faster powder(varget perhaps?), it gets a complete or mostly complete burn in 20" and shows respectable velocity.

 

[Steel head]

Extra case capacity begs for slower powder than h4350, think h1000 or h4831sc. Only problem is slow powder isn't going to get a complete burn in 20" barrel, so it will have a big muzzle blast and less than optimal speed. I'd bet 260ai in a 20" isnt going to be going much, if any, faster than 260. Seems like alot of trouble fireforming for next to nothing gained.

H4831 is a well known Powder for 260AI with a reputation for awesome accuracy and SD/ES but I still think R16 is a better option especially in a short barrel.

I’m looking forward to see what R26 does in my long throat 260.

 

[Bayoubigcat]

Extra case capacity begs for slower powder than h4350, think h1000 or h4831sc. Only problem is slow powder isn't going to get a complete burn in 20" barrel, so it will have a big muzzle blast and less than optimal speed. I'd bet 260ai in a 20" isnt going to be going much, if any, faster than 260. Seems like alot of trouble fireforming for next to nothing gained.

That’s what I’m thinking also, subsequently why I’m seeking input. I have seen some folks talking about 18-20” 6.5 PRCs and seeing good results (2900-3000 with 130s or heavier).

Wondering which route I should take (6.5 C, 260, 260 AI, 6.5 PRC)?

 

[Bayoubigcat]

You 6.5x47 is perfect example. Smaller case of it is running faster powder(varget perhaps?), it gets a complete or mostly complete burn in 20" and shows respectable velocity.

The 20” 6.5x47 is a great option! I currently have that barrel for my AIAT and pushing 130 ELDMs at 2780. Only problem is that gun is a bit heavy to hunt with.

 

[Steel head]

If you need speed a 6.5PRC, 6.5saum or 6.5SS.
2850-2900 seems logical with a short barrel.

I’d think a 20” 260 AI with 147’s should be capable of 2700-2750 with a safe load, maybe more with R26

 

[Bayoubigcat]

If you need speed a 6.5PRC, 6.5saum or 6.5SS.
2850-2900 seems logical with a short barrel.

I’d think a 20” 260 AI with 147’s should be capable of 2700-2750 with a safe load, maybe more with R26

That would be respectable in the AI but it does seem the edge would go to the others you listed. I do have a couple pounds of R26, but living down south kinda limits it’s use given the pressure issues above 80 deg F.
Thanks for the input Steel head.

 

[Steel head]

That would be respectable in the AI but it does seem the edge would go to the others you listed. I do have a couple pounds of R26, but living down south kinda limits it’s use given the pressure issues above 80 deg F.
Thanks for the input Steel head.

That’s one of the reasons I recommended R16 in the AI
I’ve found it at least as good as H4350 with heat but with a noticeable speed bonus.

 

[Geno C.]

I run h4350 in mine. Not a 20” though. That makes little difference in powder choice imho. For hunting distances, I’d run a 130 hunting vld

 

[Emad]

I run h4350 in mine. Not a 20” though. That makes little difference in powder choice imho. For hunting distances, I’d run a 130 hunting vld

I'm curious what your barrel length and powder charge is. I'm punching out my 6.5CM to .260AI its a 24" now but have a LHGT ordered that I can get a 26" out of. I have .260 lapua brass 210m's and 10 lbs of H4350 so hope to make it work. Decided to join the "master race"? If I don't like the AI, next barrel will just be .260. "Start low and work up??"

 

[Geno C.]

I’ll try and remember to see what I’m using now to form with but my former load is 44.6gr of h4350 under a 140 hybrid in lapua brass. Speed is 2940 with a 26” barrel.

I know I’m running 2960ish with 130s while forming Federal brass I got from a buddy. I have over 1000 pieces to form so I just found a load and will run it till they’re all formed.

 

[Geno C.]

45.7gr of H4350 under a 130 ar hybrid in a federal case. For forming this winter

 

[Emad]

45.7gr of H4350 under a 130 ar hybrid in a federal case. For forming this winter

Thanks! My plan is to run 130 OTM.