.260 Rem loads for hunting

I have not researched why some powders "bark" more than others is short barrels. But it does not seem to be just an issue of powder speed (muzzle pressure).

I have suspected that it might be what happens with muzzle gasses. Rifle powder does not provide enough oxygen to burn all the combustibles, so these hot gases can ignite when they hit the air, making a flash and bark.

But if you try two or three powders as part of your usual velocity/accuracy investigation, it should be obvious if one is quieter than the others.

I have a 17" 308 carbine that is absolutely brutal with some powders.
 
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I haven't played with the 260 Remington for the simple reason I love my Tikka 6.5x55.

I have played with the 6.5 Creedmore which is a kissing cousin to the 260. From the specs and from observing other hunters in the field with the 260Rem and 6.5 Creedmore, I really like the performance of both as well as how confident the shooters are with the accuracy and lack of recoil.

I use IMR7828SSC in my 6.5x55 with what I consider to be fantastic results with bullets weighing from 120-160 grains.

The people I've spoken with that have been developing hunting loads for their 260Rem/6.5CM are using IMR4350 or its equivalent, that is until recently. Two of them, a father son team, are playing with IMR7828SSC over CCI250 Magnum primers with very decent results. Both of them are shooting custom Remington 700s with Gaillard 1-8 twist rates x 22 inch barrels. One is shooting the 6.5CM and the other the 260Rem.

They are telling me that they are getting much more consistent groups and higher velocities without pressure signs than they could with the 4350 type powders. I don't know how much difference yet. I do notice a big difference with the 7828 in my 6.5x55. I didn't think they would be able to get enough 7828 into the case to make much difference.

TURF THE LIBERALS IN 2019
 
I shoot the Swede however powder and bullet choices are similar to your .260. I've always used slower powders (reloader 22, 19, H4831sc) but recently bought some H4350 to try. For bullets, Ive had good results with older Hornady soft point interlocks in both 129 and 140 grain weights but my preference is a Nosler Partition. I really want to prefer the 125 grainer but the 140 just seems to fit the Swede better in all cases. Perhaps your .260 will prefer the shorter bullet. I've tried the SST 129 grainers and while they were accurate they were too destructive on deer for my liking. The mono bullets or the Accubonds are likely great and perhaps better but I have so many of the tradition 6.5 bullets that I may never try the newer stuff. My rifle is a an FN '98 action with a custom barrel. I'm not shooting at extreme ranges when hunting so I stopped pushing for the ultimate in velocity. For me, a 6.5 (.260) bullet starting @2800 fps will do everything I need, provide a good trajectory for hunting, is a joy to shoot and use. We all like to think about finding the ideal load but with a 6.5 darn near any sensible load will work well so pick a good bullet and powder and go have fun.
 
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