Guidance with 260 Rem Load

[chipdog4]

Went shooting last Monday and had a great time.
I tried 3 bullets in my 24" GAP 260 Rem. The Barnes Match Burner 140 gr HPBT shot really good. I had the first 5 loads touching at 200 yards. These were seated to 2.750"(ish) touching the lands.
I tried the Hornady 140 AMax a couple months back and the results were awful.

I worked up to 43.5 grains and never saw any signs of pressure, but this is the first time I'm using a chronograph (Magnetospeed) to assist me with it.
So I didn't see signs of pressure, but the velocity plateauing at 42.9 to 43.5 is a sign, right?
How far should I back off of that plateau?

I think I'll load some at 43 and compare them to the node between 40.8 and 42.0


Series Shot Speed Hodgdon H4350
21 1 2646 ft/sec 40.8
21 2 2673 ft/sec 41.1
21 3 2698 ft/sec 41.4
21 4 2704 ft/sec 41.7
21 5 2733 ft/sec 42.0
21 6 2759 ft/sec 42.3
21 7 2773 ft/sec 42.6
21 8 2794 ft/sec 42.9
21 9 2807 ft/sec 43.2
21 10 2801 ft/sec 43.5

This was with H4350 powder, CCI BR2 primer, and Winchester 7mm-08 brass.

 

[ToKeepAndBear]

Chipdog,

I also get nervous when velocities start to plateau. You will see folks pushing there 260s hard with higher charges and velocities but also only get a couple of loads before the brass is trashed.

My Sako TRG 22 in 260 Rem 26" barrel loves 43.0 H4350, Lapua brass, BR2, and 142 smks. It chronos at 2750 fps (oehler) and is very easy on the brass. It is also very accurate and consistent. I have around 6 loads on the brass and only neck size with Lee Collet neck dies.

Good luck,
TKAB