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.260 w/ VLDs @ 2.8"?

Hondo64d

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May 12, 2006
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The Big Country
Having a Rig put together on a Stiller Predator short action with the Wyatt box and am really leaning toward a .260. But before I jump in, I want to make sure that a .260 with a 140gr VLD loaded to a 2.8" OAL will still have the ogive above the case mouth. I want to be able to run them through the magazine and still reach the lands, and even chase the lands as the throat wears for a little bit.

Another concern is that if I have my rig throated as described, would the throat be too short to work satisfactorily with more conventional bullets?

Many thanks,

John
 
Re: .260 w/ VLDs @ 2.8"?

140s are long ,if you seat at 2.8 you're only reducing your case capacity which is not a good thing.my 260 is chambered long ,lands are at 2.960.I run an Aw so I'm good to mag feed.
 
Re: .260 w/ VLDs @ 2.8"?

Tell your smith that you want to be touching the lands with a Ojive measurement of 2.170, yes it's short, make him a dummy round with that measurement
 
Re: .260 w/ VLDs @ 2.8"?

Thanks for the replies. If I get mine throated really short like that, are they're going to be issues with bullets that have a more conventional shape? Like 129gr Hornady Interlock or a 130gr Accubond?

Thanks,

John
 
Re: .260 w/ VLDs @ 2.8"?

My 260 is throated so 140 Bergers touch the lands at 2.85". The 139 Lapua Scenars touch at 2.75" and the 123 Lapua Scenars touch at 2.75". I don't think you want to go below 2.75". Hodgdon lists that as a minimum OAL. My AICS magazine/Rem700 reciever will hold rounds as long as 2.89" I believe.

As it turns out, my barrel is so good it doesn't matter much how close to the lands you load. The rifle shoots just about anything really well. It shoots the Bergers the best.

I load 41.8 grains of H4350 on top of the 140 Bergers and get 2800fps out of my 24" barrel which is a pretty hot load. I have plenty of case capacity with all three mfgs cases, so that is not a problem.

I suggest you buy some brass and bullets and load some up and see for yourself.

It's true that the AW mags are longer, but you need a reciever that handles the longer rounds too.
 
Re: .260 w/ VLDs @ 2.8"?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hondo64d</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I get mine throated really short like that, are they're going to be issues with bullets that have a more conventional shape? Like 129gr Hornady Interlock or a 130gr Accubond?</div></div>
The issue will be the traditional type bullets will seat very deep in the case. I recommend chambering a 260 with a 140 VLD at a COAL of around 2.820". This will get the bullet out more of the case, and still allow room to chase the lands and fit in the mag.