260 Rem Noob question?

[Bongos]

I have a R&D Guardian in 260 Remington, it has match chamber and tight bore. Mounted is a Nightforce NXS 3.5-15X with varmint reticle. Strickly used for varmenting, shooting steel now.
Well, here is the issue if it evne is an issue.
With 43grn of RL behind a 140gr SP, the bullet impacts exactly on the hold over cross hairs of 600yds, 400yds, 200yds, but the cases shows primers cratering and flattening.
I lessen the load to 41gr of RL19 and it solves the primer issues but the bullet impact is not where I want them, the grouping open up to 1.33" where the 43gr was MOA. DO not have a Chrono to test velocity

Question, do I continue with the hotter load, I have not gotten any case seperation and since it's in a match chamber, the stretching is minimal if any. or do I go and try going down on loads in .5grn increments. Your thoughts are appreciated

 

[djtjr]

Re: 260 Rem Noob question?

I wouldnt stick with something cratering primers so load down a bit prob at least 1 grain. or try a different powder my load for my 260 is 46 grains even of RL22 if you have some give it a try it (build up)it has been crazy accurate 10 shot groups in a dime. the standard 4350 loads could also be a place to try but perhaps for your gun rl 19 is just a bit too fast especially if you are getting excess pressure this time of year as it will likely be effected in a bad way during the heat of the summer.
good luck

 

[blklabs]

Re: 260 Rem Noob question?

Don't shoot a load that craters primers. Also, if you are worried about it matching exactly, then sell your scope, get a mildot NF with matching turrets and memorize your holdovers for 200-600 yards. Problem solved.

 

[Bongos]

Re: 260 Rem Noob question?

Reason I use RL19 is because I have 9 lbs of it and the only other caliber I use it for is a 270 Win (don't shoot it too much)