Thread moved from general reloading section: I recently took delivery of a .260 Remington made by Robert Gradous. It was a joyous day. 24" Rock, 8.5-1, #5 contour, Surgeon Action. This is my second Gradous rifle, the first was a .308 that spoiled me as it was happy shooting 168FGMM - one hole all day long. I have reloaded some in the past but do not claim to be an expert by any means. The primary use of this rifle is for hunting white tail deer. Perhaps getting involved in 600 yard competitions at the local range as well. Wanted to get the thoughts of the resident .260 experts to see if I am headed in the right direction with load development.
Here is what I have have on the shelf. I would like to stay with this if possible, but happy to take suggestions and any favorite recipes you can pass along.
140 Berger VLD hunting (also have 130's)
H4831SC
Remington brass
CCI 200 or Federal #210
Robert sent me a dummy test bullet with a COAL of 2.870 which fits nicely in the DB magazine. Anything over this would make me nervous about feeding properly in the magazine. I have decided to user the OCW method. Wanted to get a sanity check before I went to the range.
Steps 1-3 (select bullet, powder, and find max load data)
The max load for the Berger 140 VLD hunting using H4831SC is 45.5 grains per the Hodgden manual.
Step 4
sighters
Sighter 1 = 7% less max load 42.3 1 round
Sighter 2 = sighter 1 + 2% 43.2 1 round
Sighter 3 = sighter 2 + 2% 44.0 1 round
use these 3 rounds as sighters and to test pressure tolerances
Step 5
1st 3 rd group = sighter 3 + 2% 44.9 Load 3 rounds with this charge weight 3
2nd 3 rd group = 1st rnd group + .7% 45.2 Load 3 rounds with this charge weight 3
3rd 3 rd group = 2nd rnd group + .7% 45.5 Load 3 rounds with this charge weight 3
4th 3 rd group = 3nd rnd group + .7% 45.9 Load 3 rounds with this charge weight 3
Remaining steps: Follow OCW round robin at range.
Am I on the right track?
Don't worry, I will add more pics and a range report soon.
Here is what I have have on the shelf. I would like to stay with this if possible, but happy to take suggestions and any favorite recipes you can pass along.
140 Berger VLD hunting (also have 130's)
H4831SC
Remington brass
CCI 200 or Federal #210
Robert sent me a dummy test bullet with a COAL of 2.870 which fits nicely in the DB magazine. Anything over this would make me nervous about feeding properly in the magazine. I have decided to user the OCW method. Wanted to get a sanity check before I went to the range.
Steps 1-3 (select bullet, powder, and find max load data)
The max load for the Berger 140 VLD hunting using H4831SC is 45.5 grains per the Hodgden manual.
Step 4
sighters
Sighter 1 = 7% less max load 42.3 1 round
Sighter 2 = sighter 1 + 2% 43.2 1 round
Sighter 3 = sighter 2 + 2% 44.0 1 round
use these 3 rounds as sighters and to test pressure tolerances
Step 5
1st 3 rd group = sighter 3 + 2% 44.9 Load 3 rounds with this charge weight 3
2nd 3 rd group = 1st rnd group + .7% 45.2 Load 3 rounds with this charge weight 3
3rd 3 rd group = 2nd rnd group + .7% 45.5 Load 3 rounds with this charge weight 3
4th 3 rd group = 3nd rnd group + .7% 45.9 Load 3 rounds with this charge weight 3
Remaining steps: Follow OCW round robin at range.
Am I on the right track?
Don't worry, I will add more pics and a range report soon.
