I am starting to load my 260 Rem for tactical shooting. Assuming that I can get close to maximum published velocity for each bullet it seems that the the Sierra 123 and some of the bullets in the 130 gr. weight shoot flatter than the 139-142 bullets. Will you good powder burners who have experimented with these combonations comment on the pros and cons of bullets in these weight ranges?
optimum bullet for 260
- Thread starter wchartz
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Re: optimum bullet for 260
Depending on the speed you can push it a somewhat lighter bullet with a slightly lower BC can still be flatter with less wind drift than the heavier, high BC projectile. Run the numbers on any quality ballistics computer...BC isn't ALWAYS king...
Depending on the speed you can push it a somewhat lighter bullet with a slightly lower BC can still be flatter with less wind drift than the heavier, high BC projectile. Run the numbers on any quality ballistics computer...BC isn't ALWAYS king...
Re: optimum bullet for 260
"Optimum bullet" is fairly subjective...how far to shoot, how long the barrel, how deep the pocketbook is, etc.
Here's some "Shooter" app info at sea level, standard atmosphere, 1000yds:
123 A-Max @ 3000fps: 8.1mil drop, 2.2mil drift
130 Berger VLD @ 3000fps: 7.6mil drop, 2.0mil drift
140 A-Max @ 2820fps: 8.6mil drop, 2.0mil drift
140 Berger VLD @ 2820fps: 8.3mil drop, 1.9mil drift
140 JLK @ 2820fps: 8.1mil drop, 1.8mil drift
Now let's compare to the 308 Winchester "old standby":
175 SMK @ 2700fps: 10.9mil drop, 2.9mil drift
Load de'jour in my 26" 260 is the 130 Berger VLD @ 3000fps.
"Optimum bullet" is fairly subjective...how far to shoot, how long the barrel, how deep the pocketbook is, etc.
Here's some "Shooter" app info at sea level, standard atmosphere, 1000yds:
123 A-Max @ 3000fps: 8.1mil drop, 2.2mil drift
130 Berger VLD @ 3000fps: 7.6mil drop, 2.0mil drift
140 A-Max @ 2820fps: 8.6mil drop, 2.0mil drift
140 Berger VLD @ 2820fps: 8.3mil drop, 1.9mil drift
140 JLK @ 2820fps: 8.1mil drop, 1.8mil drift
Now let's compare to the 308 Winchester "old standby":
175 SMK @ 2700fps: 10.9mil drop, 2.9mil drift
Load de'jour in my 26" 260 is the 130 Berger VLD @ 3000fps.
Re: optimum bullet for 260
When I choose a bullet for long range I look at wind deflection first. With todays laser range finders and balistic programs, elevation is not that big of a deal. Judging wind is the part that separates men from boys. Any bullet that deflects less gets my pick. I shoot the 140 gr VLD in my 260 and 6.5-284. If they made a 150, I would use that.
When I choose a bullet for long range I look at wind deflection first. With todays laser range finders and balistic programs, elevation is not that big of a deal. Judging wind is the part that separates men from boys. Any bullet that deflects less gets my pick. I shoot the 140 gr VLD in my 260 and 6.5-284. If they made a 150, I would use that.
Re: optimum bullet for 260
I like the 130gr VLD too, although for heavy I shoot a lot of 139gr Scenars...
I like the 130gr VLD too, although for heavy I shoot a lot of 139gr Scenars...
Re: optimum bullet for 260
I consulted my "Shooter" app before I asked the question. I was slightly surprised that the bullets in the 123-130 weight range seemed to preform a little better at what I can surmise is the maximum practical velocity for each respective bullet. As was stated the G7 or BC must be be taken in context of the velocity of each bullet. The 140 class bullets might perform better in something like the 6.5-284 or 6.5-06 where you can bump up the velocity. My question really hinges on what real world velocity some of you have settled on that gives good accuracy. By just studying several reloading manuals it seems that the 123-130 weight bullets have a slight edge in this caliber.Thanks for the replys. Any more info on loads?
I consulted my "Shooter" app before I asked the question. I was slightly surprised that the bullets in the 123-130 weight range seemed to preform a little better at what I can surmise is the maximum practical velocity for each respective bullet. As was stated the G7 or BC must be be taken in context of the velocity of each bullet. The 140 class bullets might perform better in something like the 6.5-284 or 6.5-06 where you can bump up the velocity. My question really hinges on what real world velocity some of you have settled on that gives good accuracy. By just studying several reloading manuals it seems that the 123-130 weight bullets have a slight edge in this caliber.Thanks for the replys. Any more info on loads?
Re: optimum bullet for 260
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wchartz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I consulted my "Shooter" app before I asked the question. I was slightly surprised that the bullets in the 123-130 weight range seemed to preform a little better at what I can surmise is the maximum practical velocity for each respective bullet. As was stated the G7 or BC must be be taken in context of the velocity of each bullet. The 140 class bullets might perform better in something like the 6.5-284 or 6.5-06 where you can bump up the velocity. My question really hinges on what real world velocity some of you have settled on that gives good accuracy. By just studying several reloading manuals it seems that the 123-130 weight bullets have a slight edge in this caliber.Thanks for the replys. Any more info on loads? </div></div>
My "accurate real world velocity" 139 Scenar, 2810 fps, 1.7 mil wind @10 mph 90. I would have to look up DA for that data, would guess around 6000+.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wchartz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I consulted my "Shooter" app before I asked the question. I was slightly surprised that the bullets in the 123-130 weight range seemed to preform a little better at what I can surmise is the maximum practical velocity for each respective bullet. As was stated the G7 or BC must be be taken in context of the velocity of each bullet. The 140 class bullets might perform better in something like the 6.5-284 or 6.5-06 where you can bump up the velocity. My question really hinges on what real world velocity some of you have settled on that gives good accuracy. By just studying several reloading manuals it seems that the 123-130 weight bullets have a slight edge in this caliber.Thanks for the replys. Any more info on loads? </div></div>
My "accurate real world velocity" 139 Scenar, 2810 fps, 1.7 mil wind @10 mph 90. I would have to look up DA for that data, would guess around 6000+.
Re: optimum bullet for 260
On the good advice of another member, I went with the SMK 123's. The theory was to sacrifice a tiny bit of BC to get extended barrel life and increased "shootabiliy" due to reduced recoil.
It is indeed soft shooting with this bullet. If I were running a can I'd consider a heavier bullet and just deal with the barrel life.
The local competition here maxes out at 450y, and the difference in deflection at that range is negligible to me.
On the good advice of another member, I went with the SMK 123's. The theory was to sacrifice a tiny bit of BC to get extended barrel life and increased "shootabiliy" due to reduced recoil.
It is indeed soft shooting with this bullet. If I were running a can I'd consider a heavier bullet and just deal with the barrel life.
The local competition here maxes out at 450y, and the difference in deflection at that range is negligible to me.
Re: optimum bullet for 260
I agree with Tim when shooting under 600, past that my .02 heavies are the way to go.
I agree with Tim when shooting under 600, past that my .02 heavies are the way to go.
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