260 REM, 140gr, R17

[woodland-ghost]

today I sighted in my new 260, and loaded up some rounds in .4gr incriments up to 43.0 grns to test for pressure signs so that when I load up for my OCW test I could just save time and bullets etc by not loading 3-5 rounds of something that would be to hot.

Short story, zero pressure signs at all up to 43.0 grns. How high would yall recommend to try??
I stopped at 43 because my Nosler book is the only one that had Reloader 17 for 140gr bullet and it stops at 41...and looked in the depot and several people had loads around 42-42.5.

I would just load up some more in .3gr incriments up to 45 but trying to get some input from the more experienced. Thanks.

berger 140 vld, 2.900 coal, 43.0 was 2838 fps
hornady 140 amax, 2.870 coal, 43.0 was 2844

 

[haroldwilson]

What was the temperature there today? It's unseasonably cool here for July.

 

[pwatts55]

The title of this thread sums up data I have been searching for. I am currently in the process of building a .260 and am particularly interested in the 140gr Bergers and RL-17. What barrel length are you using?

 

[BoilerUP]

I'd try up to 43.4; I've found RL17 charges almost identical with H4350 in my 260, but 100-120fps more speed at a given weight.

 

[woodland-ghost]

it was 75 degrees when I did this test, and yes this is awesome for july

26 inch barrel

and is 2830-2840fps 100 plus faster than normal?? 2850 was what I was hoping for but I wouldn't mind faster. And no clue where my nodes are yet, thall be next trip to the range.

Started this off at 39.8gr and that was around 2650fps

 

[BoilerUP]

Digging back into my records...

Criterion 260 Rem, 1:8, 26", .118 freebore
140gr A-Max @ 2.90" OAL
Lapua brass
WLR

42.5gr RL17: 2844fps
43.5gr H4350: 2834fps

My OCW with 140 A-Max/HPBT is 43.1gr H4350, around 2810fps.

 

[woodland-ghost]

42.6gr gave me 2826fps...brand new barrel though, just 58 rounds down the tube. Ive always heard the barrel will speed up a lil after a 100 to few hundred rounds

 

[haroldwilson]

it was 75 degrees when I did this test, and yes this is awesome for july

26 inch barrel

and is 2830-2840fps 100 plus faster than normal?? 2850 was what I was hoping for but I wouldn't mind faster. And no clue where my nodes are yet, thall be next trip to the range.

Started this off at 39.8gr and that was around 2650fps

Be cautious of testing and loading higher while it is 75 degrees outside and then shooting it next week when it is 95.

 

[woodland-ghost]

Yea, if I find a node where I'm at now ill stop. Zero pressure signs now so should be good in hotter weather, never let my ammo get hot though so not as bad even when it is 90 degrees

 

[8nbait]

I'd try up to 43.4; I've found RL17 charges almost identical with H4350 in my 260, but 100-120fps more speed at a given weight.

This is true in my rifle as well.