APR 260AI OCW reload workup

[stxhunter]

I'm pretty new to rifle reloading, done lots of pistol though. I have a 260 ackley from APR that I've finally got around to reload for.

I'm started out with some fireformed nosler brass, but will eventually be moving to Lapua. For my first work up I'm using 129 Hornady SST, CCI 200 and H 4831SC.

I ended up running 46-48.7gr yesterday, 46-47.2gr wasn't very promising, but I've included the 47.5-48.7 test below.

When I came home I looked through some additional references and saw that the Hornady manual stated 49.9gr of H4831 as a max for the 260 with 129gr SST bullets. This seems rather high, can anyone else confirm this? When I loaded up 49.7gr it was TIGHT!

From what I've read with OCW testing you are supposed to pick the middle of three loads that are the closest to the bullseye, not necessarily the smallest group. I'm thinking either the 47.8 or 48.1 group would be my choice for this test. I plan to also try 48 and 48.2gr on my next trip out to see how those do.

I'm also going to try 49-49.7gr in a similar fashion and re-running the 48.7gr load since I pulled one of those.

This was my first workup for any rifle, so ANY advice would be much appreciated!!

[bustacap]

You shooting thru a chrono?
48 and 48.2 would be good to try, and 49 thru 49.7 too.
When you get your smallest groups in each accuracy node, run 10 shot groups through the chrono and play with seating depth to see if that changes anything. You've just begun the most enjoyable process of getting a new rifle. Please post results.

[stxhunter]

Unfortunately I don't have a chrono, but may be getting one soon.

[CADDOKILLER]

How far off the lands are you? I never could get the Hornady's like I wanted them. Moved to the 140 berger vld's .010 off the lands and got excellent results. SD'S in the single digits. Groups in the low .2's and that's shooting off a front bipod and a crappy rear bag. Love the 260ai

[stxhunter]

I'm 0.030 off the lands with those. I've heard lots of good things about the Bergers, except that they're not hunting bullets. I've had good luck with factory hornday ammo in the past and wanted to try out the SSTs. So far the results look acceptable

Are you using H4831sc with the Bergers? What speeds are you seeing and what's your load?

[gumbl3]

Shoot a 6.5x284 with 1:8 twist @ 26"..

Have had good luck with 140gr Nosler BT Hunting at ~2650.. never went up cause the load was too good
and 140gr VLD at around 2900, it took getting it closer to the lands with these

Both of these are over 4831SC

[CADDOKILLER]

Yes I am using H4831sc with the bergers. As far as not being a hunting bullet I beg to differ. I believe I am using 48 grains of 4831sc and getting about 2950fps. Ran a 10 shot group between 2946 and 2954. Id say that's pretty consistant. I can push it faster but that's where I am getting the best results. Also using lapua brass so I lose a very small amount of case volume due to the thicker walls of the lapua brass. If you want to stay with those hornadys Id try them about .020 off and see what happens. But be careful the closer they are the greater pressure your going to get.

[Mike D]

I'm 0.030 off the lands with those. I've heard lots of good things about the Bergers, except that they're not hunting bullets. I've had good luck with factory hornday ammo in the past and wanted to try out the SSTs. So far the results look acceptable

Are you using H4831sc with the Bergers? What speeds are you seeing and what's your load?

Where did you get that Bergers aren't hunting bullets?

They are one of my favorite hunting bullets.

[hweissert]

I'm 0.030 off the lands with those. I've heard lots of good things about the Bergers, except that they're not hunting bullets. I've had good luck with factory hornday ammo in the past and wanted to try out the SSTs. So far the results look acceptable

Are you using H4831sc with the Bergers? What speeds are you seeing and what's your load?

Yeah I'm not sure who'd consider the Berger not a hunting bullet but the 130 and 140's out of my 6.5 are devastating. Way more damage than any other bullet I've shot. They usually don't make it out the other side for me but, the animals usually don't make another step either

[stxhunter]

I thought he was referring to the regular VLD, not the hunting version. I haven't used any of the bergers, but maybe I will in the future. I've also been leary of using the Berger's because some of the testing I've seen has been questionable.

This was an extensive test that was done with .264 bullets:http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthr...test_Part_Deux

This is what the 140gr VLD looked like and it replicates images from recovered VLD bullets I've seen

[Mike D]

I thought he was referring to the regular VLD, not the hunting version. I haven't used any of the bergers, but maybe I will in the future. I've also been leary of using the Berger's because some of the testing I've seen has been questionable.

This was an extensive test that was done with .264 bullets:http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthr...test_Part_Deux

This is what the 140gr VLD looked like and it replicates images from recovered VLD bullets I've seen

I've never recovered a VLD bullet so I can't say. What I can say is every single animal I've ever shot with them have been DRT.

[stxhunter]

I'll definitely have to add them to the list of bullets to try out. I'm also wanting to try out the new Hornady ELDX bullets. Some info on them here: http://www.hornady.com/assets/files/...al_Details.pdf

[texas bound]

I've got some 140 hunting vld's for a 264 wm being built by apr.

[BDKeeling]

What length barrel is on your rifle? My PBW is sporting a 24" kreiger(sp) I'm getting best performance with 127 gr Barnes LRX , Lapua brass and 47.5 grains of Varget.