Range Day and 280 Break-In

[DrMike]

I spent the day at the range yesterday. I had done work-up on a couple of rifles and had two of my own to break-in. On a 7 STW I was working up, I was asked to develop a recipe using 160 ABs. This is an easy task for a good rifle. Here are some of the first groups. The first set of loads is using IMR 7828. It is a consistent load across the charge spectrum.

This next load was with H1000. It is a good tight load that will serve the owner well.

This was a new rifle and the groups will only get tighter as it is shot more.

I finally had an opportunity to break-in the Model 7 CDL (260 Remington) and the Model 700 LSS in 280 (http://www.noslerreloading.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=14846&start=0). The CDL may yet work out, but the initial groups were not spectacular (two inches and greater). I had some factory ammunition around for the 280, so I didn't load anything, opting instead to simply shoot up what I had to salvage the brass. I had several loadings available (Federal High Energy in 140 grain TBBC, Federal 140 grain TBBC, Federal 150 grain Nosler PT, Winchester 140 grain Fail Safe and Winchester 140 grain BST). I did the initial break-in with the 140 grain FS loads. After the initial break-in, I shot a series of three-round groups using the ammunition. Groups were general about an inch and a half, which isn't bad for a new rifle out of the box. However, when I shot the 140 grain BST loads, velocities were approaching 3000 fps and the group got my attention. Perhaps this Remington has potential.

I'll work up some loads for this rifle and continue working with it. For the moment, it looks as if it could be a winner. The CDL? Well, I'm still working on it.

 

[JD338]

MIke,

Nice shooting!
The 7 STW is going to make someone really happy.
You 280 is there. Excellent accuracy with factory ammo. I got my fingers crossed for ya with the 260 Rem.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Jim,

I had hoped to shoot 150s or 160s in this particular rifle. However, if it shoots this well with 140s, so be it. My Featherweight gives me 1/4 inch groups with 140 grain PTs and 140 grain BSTs. It is an excellent rifle for deer, and I've certainly taken my share of mule deer and whitetails with that rifle. I will focus, at least initially, on 150 grain PTs in this rifle, and possibly on 150 grain E-Tips. If they don't shoot as well as I want, then I will have a fall-back load that is built around 140 grain bullets, just as in my other 280. The CDL? It is just too early to say anything about it, though I am hopeful.

 

[gerry]

What loads did you try in your 260 Rem?

 

[DrMike]

gerry,

I made up some mild loads with 120 grain Sierra SPTs and IMR 4320 for break-in. The first set used some 130 grain Sciroccos that I had lying around; these were charged across the loading spectrum with RL22. This next week, I'll be out with 140 grain PTs and 120 grain Sierras that I have loaded up. It is necessary to fit in my own rifles between people that pay for my time. Currently, I have a 300 WSM and a 7 STW to complete. There are also rifles chambered in 7 RUM, 7 RM and 270 WSM awaiting my attention. However, I can usually squeeze in one or two of my own rifles on each range trip.

 

[highcotton]

Dr. Mike-- Dad has been breaking in his .260 with 120 gr NBTs over IMR 4350, and those loads show ALOT of promise. Im unsure of charges as he has not gotten to true load development. Send him a message, Im sure he has the specifics.

 

[SJB358]

Mike, I am glad your 280 shoots! That looks pretty good. Hope it pulls through and shoots the heavier weight bullets for you. I imagine your little 260 Rem will shoot. If it is doing 1.5-2" groups right now, you are about 10" smaller than my initial groups with my 25-06! Scotty

 

[DrMike]

Scotty,

Initial results with the CDL are acceptable. As I said, it is early in the game. I'll see what develops as I try other loads in the coming days. The 280 is a pleasant surprise, however. It shone out of the gate, even with factory ammo.

 

[257 Ackley]

Mike - your 140 grain load with the LSS does look promising. The Ruger 77 I had years ago in a .280 prefered 140 grain bullets to anything else I tried to have it digest.

Two inch groups were about where my .260 shot out of the box. They didn't get any better until I started doing the tweeking that needed to be done on the rifle. I'm sure you are expecting better, especially with the Swift bullets. The 130 AB shot well once the rifle was worked on, so I never did try the Scirroco's. I broke the barrel in with 100 grain BT's and wasn't worrying about how they shot. I'm sure your barrel has the same twist in it as the LE CDL's have. I found R19 gave me the best groups and velocity, with H414 a close second.

 

[SJB358]

In all truthfulness, my CDL shot fine with 100gr Core Lokts, I was just biased towards wanting to shoot something heavier than 100's and 110's, 115's and 120's were too varied in how they grouped, even with the pillar job. I am sure someone else could hunt with it forever and never care. Too bad, as it was a sharp rifle, that handled really nicely. I am still on the hunt for the 25-06. I don't think Winchester has released their 25-06's yet, so it may be a long time till I can get my hands on one. Either way, I am sure you will make that little 260 shoot well. They are usually pretty accurate, so I am sure you will have half dime sized groups shortly. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

I bought this Model 7 for my grandchildren to use when they hunt with me. If I can get MOA, it'll do. Of course, I infected with the same disease that has spread like an epidemic throughout the members of this forum--I expect the rifle to give me 0.1 inch groups. I do try to stay focused, however, remembering that I bought the rifle to us in hunting.

 

[gerry]

IMR 4350, H 4350 and H 4831sc have done very well for me in the 260's I've had. The 129 gr Hornady has been the most accurate in the various 6.5 mm cartridges I have used. Good luck with your gun. Do you test shoot for Corlanes?

gerry,

I made up some mild loads with 120 grain Sierra SPTs and IMR 4320 for break-in. The first set used some 130 grain Sciroccos that I had lying around; these were charged across the loading spectrum with RL22. This next week, I'll be out with 140 grain PTs and 120 grain Sierras that I have loaded up. It is necessary to fit in my own rifles between people that pay for my time. Currently, I have a 300 WSM and a 7 STW to complete. There are also rifles chambered in 7 RUM, 7 RM and 270 WSM awaiting my attention. However, I can usually squeeze in one or two of my own rifles on each range trip.

 

[rjm158]

Mike, in my wife's 260 Model 7 Youth I used 120 BT's and Varget but I don't remember the precise recipe. I do remember, however, she shot a dime sized group at a 100 with it.

Ron

 

[DrMike]

Do you test shoot for Corlanes?

Yes, RMR and Corlanes.

Where in BC are you living, Gerry?

 

[HeathSexton]

My .260 likes H414 and 120NBT's, 44.8grs and I seat my bullet to just touching, 2.822".

 

[Powerstroke]

Mike -

That is some fantastic news with the .280. Definately a round eveyone needs in their safe.

The good ole M7's -
Not sure why Remington couldn't have made a little faster twist - My opinion only, but think the 100 - 130's seem to shoot best. I've always had great accuracy with the 100's & 120's, but on the extreme marginal side for elk :grin: The Wife & I have both put down cow elk with the 120's so they are more than ok for deer. Actually I can't think of a much better round that a 120gr BT out of the .260.

I initially found H414 to give me the best accuracy, but wanted to push the M700 in the safe and found N-560 to really be the get up and go powerder for the 130's
Hope you can get this one to work out -

 

[DrMike]

I'm not disappointed in the Model Seven; just somewhat hesitant in light of other interactions in the past several years. I have no doubt that the rifle will shoot; I just don't know all that will be required of me to get the performance I desire. That is good news of the 120s with that round. I suppose I've been thinking a little heavier, but lighter bullets with the smaller frame of the grandchildren will be a better choice, at least initially. Stores around here are very skinny on Nosler products right now, so it is rummage through my treasures to see what I have and work with whatever I can find until spring. I did receive some Hornady bullets this morning, including some boxes of 120 grain InterBond and 110 GMX. It'll tide me over until I can bulk up my stores.

 

[FOTIS]

Very nice!

 

[JD338]

Mike,

If you can get the 120 gr BT to shoot in the 280 Rem, you just might have the ultimate wolf rifle. :idea:
The LSS stock works well in the snow. :wink:

JD338

 

[DrMike]

Jim,

I hadn't even considered the 120 BT. You are correct, though. That would be a great bullet. I just checked my inventory and I have ... none. I'll see if I can rectify that deficit on Monday. That would make a wolf-killing machine.