Accuracy International AW in 260 Rem (PICS)

Zak Smith · June 6, 2006, 02:05 PM

A while back I got a great deal on a used AI-AWP. Since I already have a 308, I decided to get a .260 Remington barrel for it. The logic is that for long-range shooting, wind drift is the crux of making first-round hits. While 308 match bullets (150-175gr) generally have a BC of 0.53 or less, the 6.5mm bullet have BCs are high as 0.64 for the 140-grain bullets. With similar muzzle velocity, higher BC translates directly into less wind drift. The .260 Remington can shoot the high-BC 139-142gr bullets at 2800-2900fps from a 26" barrel .

George Gardner (GA Precision) chambered and fitted this 26-inch medium-Palma from Rock Creek to the AW action. Due to the AW receiver design, headspaced barrels can be swapped at-will in about 5 minutes.

The result feeds from the double-stack AI DBM, runs perfectly in the short action, and has a trajectory significantly better than 308. At 1000 yards, a moderate 260 load shooting the 139gr Lapua Scenars has 25% less wind drift than the best 308 loads, and only 10% more than good 7 Rem Mag loads.

After spending a few hours developing loads at 100 yards, the first two shots out of the rifle past 100 were both first-rounds hits centered on two different 690-yard targets. 260's recoil with the 139's is less than 155-grain 308 loads. My current load shoots the 139gr Scenars at 2840fps, and I think 2900 fps may be safe with the right load.

Scope is a S&B 3-12x50mm PMII.

[ link to LARGER image ]

[ link to LARGER image ]

My 308 JET suppressor is actually quieter on the 260 than it is on my 308.

[ link to LARGER image ]

Crummy through-scope picture of sets of targets at 650 (right) and 690 yards (left). The small targets are about 10" across, while the large ones are 12x18". Reticle is the S&B "Fine P4".

[ link to LARGER image ]

The pictures were taken at June's Sporting Rifle Match at the NRAWC in Raton NM.

rnovi · June 6, 2006, 05:12 PM

That's just lovely Zak! Truly a thing of beauty.

I've been toying with a Manlicher stocked Rem 700 special make-up in .260 for a while now...I think you've just pushed me over the edge to drop a .260 into the collection.

FirstFreedom · June 6, 2006, 05:17 PM

That kicks so much serious booty. I am extraordinarily jealous - good job!

Wildalaska · June 6, 2006, 05:49 PM

6.5 BULLETS RULE!

Zak what do you think I can drive a 139 Scenar out of my 6.5x55 Blaser? Right now Im at about 2600 in defernce to my M41B?

Wild6.56.5Alaska

Death from Afar · June 6, 2006, 08:55 PM

Impressive. Great bit of gear. Imagine it in .264 Win Mag......

Zak Smith · June 6, 2006, 10:15 PM

Wildalaska,

Factory Remington 140gr Core-Lokt shoots 2840 from my 26" 260, and I have reloads that shoot about 2860 with OK pressure. I have loaded up to 2910 without any "exciting" pressure symptoms occuring, but it's getting tricky. I bet you could get 2900-2950 from a modern strong 6.5x55.

DfA,

I am imagining .264 Win Mag with about half the barrel life.

Pthfndr · June 9, 2006, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Zak what do you think I can drive a 139 Scenar out of my 6.5x55 Blaser? Right now Im at about 2600 in defernce to my M41B?

WildAlaska

A guy I shoot milsurp matches with is pushing the Lapua 139 out of his M41b at 2800 with NO problems, NO signs of over pressure. He's a very knowledgeable reloader and worked up the load carefully. It's been very accurate. I'll try to remember to get his recipe this next week and pass it on to you.

June 6, 2006, 02:05 PM	#1
Zak Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 1999 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA Posts: 2,682	Accuracy International AW in 260 Rem (PICS) A while back I got a great deal on a used AI-AWP. Since I already have a 308, I decided to get a .260 Remington barrel for it. The logic is that for long-range shooting, wind drift is the crux of making first-round hits. While 308 match bullets (150-175gr) generally have a BC of 0.53 or less, the 6.5mm bullet have BCs are high as 0.64 for the 140-grain bullets. With similar muzzle velocity, higher BC translates directly into less wind drift. The .260 Remington can shoot the high-BC 139-142gr bullets at 2800-2900fps from a 26" barrel . George Gardner (GA Precision) chambered and fitted this 26-inch medium-Palma from Rock Creek to the AW action. Due to the AW receiver design, headspaced barrels can be swapped at-will in about 5 minutes. The result feeds from the double-stack AI DBM, runs perfectly in the short action, and has a trajectory significantly better than 308. At 1000 yards, a moderate 260 load shooting the 139gr Lapua Scenars has 25% less wind drift than the best 308 loads, and only 10% more than good 7 Rem Mag loads. After spending a few hours developing loads at 100 yards, the first two shots out of the rifle past 100 were both first-rounds hits centered on two different 690-yard targets. 260's recoil with the 139's is less than 155-grain 308 loads. My current load shoots the 139gr Scenars at 2840fps, and I think 2900 fps may be safe with the right load. Scope is a S&B 3-12x50mm PMII. [ link to LARGER image ] [ link to LARGER image ] My 308 JET suppressor is actually quieter on the 260 than it is on my 308. [ link to LARGER image ] Crummy through-scope picture of sets of targets at 650 (right) and 690 yards (left). The small targets are about 10" across, while the large ones are 12x18". Reticle is the S&B "Fine P4". [ link to LARGER image ] The pictures were taken at June's Sporting Rifle Match at the NRAWC in Raton NM. __________________ Zak Smith . DEMIGOD LLC . THUNDER BEAST ARMS CORP . COLORADO MULTI-GUN *My PM inbox full? Send e-mail instead.*

June 6, 2006, 05:12 PM	#2
rnovi Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2005 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 401	That's just lovely Zak! Truly a thing of beauty. I've been toying with a Manlicher stocked Rem 700 special make-up in .260 for a while now...I think you've just pushed me over the edge to drop a .260 into the collection. __________________ Robert N. "Remember, Eagles may soar but Weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!"

June 6, 2006, 08:55 PM	#5
Death from Afar Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2004 Location: Living the dream in Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 1,635	Impressive. Great bit of gear. Imagine it in .264 Win Mag...... __________________ "Beware of the Man with one gun...he probably isnt into guns enough to be safe with it".

June 6, 2006, 10:15 PM	#6
Zak Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 1999 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA Posts: 2,682	Wildalaska, Factory Remington 140gr Core-Lokt shoots 2840 from my 26" 260, and I have reloads that shoot about 2860 with OK pressure. I have loaded up to 2910 without any "exciting" pressure symptoms occuring, but it's getting tricky. I bet you could get 2900-2950 from a modern strong 6.5x55. DfA, I am imagining .264 Win Mag with about half the barrel life. __________________ Zak Smith . DEMIGOD LLC . THUNDER BEAST ARMS CORP . COLORADO MULTI-GUN *My PM inbox full? Send e-mail instead.*

June 6, 2006, 05:17 PM	#3
FirstFreedom Junior member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: The Toll Road State, U.S.A. Posts: 12,451	That kicks so much serious booty. I am extraordinarily jealous - good job!

June 6, 2006, 05:49 PM	#4
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	6.5 BULLETS RULE! Zak what do you think I can drive a 139 Scenar out of my 6.5x55 Blaser? Right now Im at about 2600 in defernce to my M41B? Wild6.56.5Alaska