After 2 very frustrating range sessions and experimenting with 2 different bullets trying to find a good consistent, accurate load, it all came together. I bought a Savage LRP in .260 last fall and did not get to shoot over the winter but a little experimenting last fall and this spring was frustrating to say the least. I really wanted to get every bit of accuracy out of this rifle because I plan to do some 1000-1500 yd shooting. Well let me tell you I had no idea 0.010in is such a huge deal in seating depth with target bullets. I found that 41.5gr of H4350, Federal Match LR primers and 140gr Berger VLDs are awsome when seated to 2.260 at the ogive and 42gr H4350 same primer and a 142gr SMK seated 2.260 at the ogive are almost as good. here are the two best groups. I now have to load some up and zero the scope and test at long range. The 3 rd groups were shot at 100yds and the Bergers gave me .240in and the SMKs gave me .288in. I know 3rd groups are not as good as 5 but I was in a hurry to try these babies.
Finally good range time
- Thread starter mnhntr
- Start date
ndking1126
New member
Nice shooting! I'm almost done building a .260 Rem and am brand new to reloading so I'm a little hesistant starting with the Bergers because I've read they can require some very precise adjustments to get them to shoot. I was tempted by the LRP but I'm glad I went with just building my own off of a Stephens 200 action I had. Be sure to let us know how it goes when you get out to those longer ranges!
Really I think that the three rnd groups clarify everything for you on this particular rifle, powder, bullet, primer, shooter combo. Nice data.
Shooting further distances shouldn't be any problem as long as the loading is consistent to the data shown!! Nice shooting, nice rifle, nice loads,, well done!
Shooting further distances shouldn't be any problem as long as the loading is consistent to the data shown!! Nice shooting, nice rifle, nice loads,, well done!
ndking1126
New member
I also like that the SMK is cheaper I know eventually I'll give them a shot (haha, pun intended) just out of curiousity. I bought my Reloading equipment while home on R&R, so I haven't even got it out of the box yet. I'll get the equipment out and actually start reloading when I get back (getting pretty close!). Once I get the basics, I'll try different bullets, powder etc. I had already decided to start with the SMKs and H4350 just like you did. Hopefully I'll have a few good pictures of my own to post, haha.
I know eventually I'll give them a shot (haha, pun intended) just out of curiousity. I bought my Reloading equipment while home on R&R, so I haven't even got it out of the box yet. I'll get the equipment out and actually start reloading when I get back (getting pretty close!). Once I get the basics, I'll try different bullets, powder etc. I had already decided to start with the SMKs and H4350 just like you did. Hopefully I'll have a few good pictures of my own to post, haha.