260 Rem comparison in two different rifles

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Some interesting results while working up some loads in a Salvage model 16 260Rem and a Rem 700 SPS 260Rem. In all loads the 700 grouped tighter even though it had a poor trigger and smaller mag scope.
Started with 129gr Hornady SP and H4350, 3 shot groups ave fps
Salvage 11--40grs 2614fps Rem 700--40grs 2541fps
41grs 2709fps 41grs 2634
42grs 2750fps 42grs 2709
43grs 2822fps 43grs 2815 1" smallest group for the 129 gr bullets
The Salvage posted higher velocity in every load with a 22' barrel vs 24' for Rem.

Then tried 140gr Hornady SP bullets and H4350 powder again, using only two loads due to component shortage
Salvage 16--41grs 2658fps 1.1" Rem 700--41grs 2624fps
42grs 2700fps 7/8" 42grs 2675fps --best group 1/2"
I had a few boxes of factory ammo to acquire cases Nosler 120gr and Barnes 140gr, the Rem 700 again showing up best with the Nosler 5/8" compared to 1" for the Salvage, with the Barnes doing better in the Rem.
This was the first chance i've had to do a side by side comparison of two rifles in the same chambering, was a bit surprised that the shorter barrel come out faster in every load, disappointed that the Salvage didn't do better in the accuracy department. All velocities were from a Labradar, shots at 100 yards.
Hope to do some more with some 120gr bullets and some 139gr Lapua. Will have to install a new trigger on the 700, it is atrocious, the model 16 isn't great either but a bit better.
 
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Every rifle is different.

I have made rifles with 3 barrels from the same maker; all chambered with the same reamer and each is different.

This is why loading info from someone else (or the book) does not mean much for YOUR rifle.
 
At one time, several decades ago, I owned 2 - #1 Ruger rifles chambered in 30-06.
One was a #1B with a 26" tube, the other was a #1AB with a 22" barrel.
I slugged these two barrels, and they were within .0001" of each other. Both had
generous throats.

A load that shot really well in both was tho older Nosler solid base 180 grain. The
load was in WW Super cases, CCI 200 primers, and 58.5 grains of IMR 4831

The 26 inch #1B developed 2705 avg FPS with this load, and shot sub-moa consistently
The 22 inch #1AB developed 2770 fps, and shot right with the longer barrel for accuracy

It is touted that a longer barrel always develops more velocity than a shorter one, but
this is NOT etched in stone. These are results for which there is no logical reason. But
that is the way things are. Regards, Dave.
 
Ya i have read about "fast" and "slow" barrels, haven't seen an explanation of what causes this. I was surprised that the 700 is grouping better than the Salvage as other Salvage rifles i have shot were very easy to get shooting well. I guess i will try some other combinations before i write the Salvage off.
 
I have a .260 Rem Tikka Stainless Varmint, 24 inch barrel, 1:8 twist. My muzzle velocity data is different than published results using the same powder and bullet weights. But each rifle barrel is different, the chambering is different, the twist can be different (a bunch of published .260 Rem reloading data is from older 1:9 twist barrels). Each lot of powder and bullets can be subtly different. It is apples and oranges all over the place!

And to make matters worse, it appears that the humidity in how you store your powder, and the humidity in your reloading room when you are loading, affects burn rate and muzzle velocity drastically.

This humidity factor was explored well in this YouTube video on the "Bolt Action Reloading" channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzDHRwi3QVk
It is mostly theoretical, not much empirical data. He is suggesting there is enormous variation in burn rate and muzzle velocity based on the humidity in the powder. If you are not controlling for humidity in your powder (like, who is doing that anyway!?), this might explain alot of the variation you are seeing.

The elite benchrest guys reload at the match between relays and alter their powder charge hour to hour, day to day, based on temperature, humidity, and what they are seeing in bullet performance. In other words, there is huge variation all the time, and there is no escape from this reality! :)
 
Eagleye said:
At one time, several decades ago, I owned 2 - #1 Ruger rifles chambered in 30-06.
One was a #1B with a 26" tube, the other was a #1AB with a 22" barrel.
I slugged these two barrels, and they were within .0001" of each other. Both had
generous throats.

A load that shot really well in both was tho older Nosler solid base 180 grain. The
load was in WW Super cases, CCI 200 primers, and 58.5 grains of IMR 4831

The 26 inch #1B developed 2705 avg FPS with this load, and shot sub-moa consistently
The 22 inch #1AB developed 2770 fps, and shot right with the longer barrel for accuracy

It is touted that a longer barrel always develops more velocity than a shorter one, but
this is NOT etched in stone. These are results for which there is no logical reason. But
that is the way things are. Regards, Dave.
Click to expand...

There is always a logical reason, we don't always have the means to determine it.
 
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