Rem 260 Ackley ??
- Thread starter noneck180
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Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Summerland, BC
There are two families of this wildcat. From the 260Rem directly and from the 6.5-08 improved - which is what I based my 6.5 Mystic off.
The Rem is slightly smaller then the -08 variant. I have used both and they both shoot great. Case volume difference is of little real world consequence.
Throat lengths will vary depending on what you want to shoot and feed. I throat in a second step so suit the needs of the rifle.
Been there done that. Let me know...
Jerry
The Rem is slightly smaller then the -08 variant. I have used both and they both shoot great. Case volume difference is of little real world consequence.
Throat lengths will vary depending on what you want to shoot and feed. I throat in a second step so suit the needs of the rifle.
Been there done that. Let me know...
Jerry
Im in the same boat. Just starting to get my parts together for a 260 AI build. It's my first Ackley as well.
Still not sure what to do about dies. I can always fire form a few brass then ship them off to have a set of dies made.
You have to fire form your brass first, I had a 223 ai once.....that's the part that killed all interest.
Hornady also has some hydro-form dies which look pretty cool.
Put your 260 Rem case into the special die, fill the case with water and insert a plunger plug "thingy" in the top. A couple good wacks with a 5lb hammer will push the shoulder out. No barrel wear, no cleaning up cream of wheat and probably more fun that hammering out 100 rounds of CoW and using up powder your powder supply.
Put your 260 Rem case into the special die, fill the case with water and insert a plunger plug "thingy" in the top. A couple good wacks with a 5lb hammer will push the shoulder out. No barrel wear, no cleaning up cream of wheat and probably more fun that hammering out 100 rounds of CoW and using up powder your powder supply.
Not sure why so many people say this?? Other than a little barrel wear, which in my opinion is negligible when only forming 150-200 cases, you're actually breaking in the barrel as well (prob not much of an issue with a hand lapped Select Match barrel, but oh well).
When I fire formed for my 6mmAI, I loaded a max load of IMR4831sc with 87gr V-Maxes and had at 'er!! Lots of fun, good practice, and accurate as I'll get out!! Plus the more time behind a rifle the better shot one becomes.
Can't wait till I get my 260AI together and ready for fire forming!!
Mad_Mikee, Redding makes bushing type dies for the 260AI...they're a bit pricey, but IMO, worth every penny!!
CK82
I'm saying it because I found it to be a PIA. Didn't see the point in building an AI and then firing live 223 rounds to form the brass and then coming back days later with formed brass to see how it really shoots. IMHO either fire form the brass using cheap pistol powder and c.o.w, or try the Hornady hydro-forming dies, but firing live 260 rem rounds to form brass wouldn't be my cup of tea or recommendation. In a 260 ai, depending on the barrel material..etc, you may only have 1500 accurate shots...why waste it?
My original post states that I don't see it as a waste, rather I see it as practice that can only make me a better shot. Besides, they make new barrels every day!! To each their own I guess
Why would you go to a long action or magnum cart. when the Ackley may give the perf. you desire? I have found that brass lasts longer and requires much less trimming with the improved shoulder. The only downside is the possibility of feeding issues with staggered mag. No prob. with inline mag or single shot.
I have about 20 AI/Gibbs chambered rifles from 223 to 35 Brown-Whelan and wouldn't tradwe any for their standard counterpart. It's a personal thing, but with the AI you can still fire standard rounds. Mark
Wildcatting an AI, done that and love it. But went the 260 rem route for just plain ease and I am not shooting 1000m yet. If you look at wildcatting as a PIA, then no more need be said. However, if you like to tinker then you have found a fine path to explore.
260AI Pros:
Short action compatible...barely if you want to get max case capacity and Optimum COAL with very high BC bullets you run the edge.
Stable brass, after fire forming little or no need for brass management (4+ firings, no movment, no need to bump or trim. Run it hot, then may need to bump more often.)
Some performance if you want to use it (confirm about 100fps, can attain 2900fps+ out of a 28" barrel with 140 class projectiles) where it is hard to do without some serious pressure loading in the 260 rem (2800fps and change with max load).
Better burn characteristics which may improve barrel life if you do not run the snot out of it.
Just plain "Cool Factor"
Cons:
Long action better if you want to run 2.9+ COAL or longer in a mag.
Dies. You can make lee collet dies work with a shim above the shell holder (i use a washer)
Seater die, redding comp seater die for 260 rem will work, just dont adust too tight or you will crush brass.
Fire forming, a pro or a con in itself. Fire forming loads with a false shoulder are a must if you do not want to experience misfires. Cream of wheat method if you want to save some barrel life.
Have not experienced it yet, but some suggest the shoulder and dirt could cause problems with chambering in field use.
Bottom line, you like the idea of .264 now, you will learn to love it more down the road.
So the question to ask yourself is "are you tinkerer and is 100fps worth your effort?" For some it is just the love of doing it, for some that 100fps is mighty fine to have in the tool kit if you need it.
So far, I havn't really needed the speed, but surely do like the stable brass. In a world of unlimited cash and time I would acklyize all my cartridges just for this reason alone. Your call.......
260AI Pros:
Short action compatible...barely if you want to get max case capacity and Optimum COAL with very high BC bullets you run the edge.
Stable brass, after fire forming little or no need for brass management (4+ firings, no movment, no need to bump or trim. Run it hot, then may need to bump more often.)
Some performance if you want to use it (confirm about 100fps, can attain 2900fps+ out of a 28" barrel with 140 class projectiles) where it is hard to do without some serious pressure loading in the 260 rem (2800fps and change with max load).
Better burn characteristics which may improve barrel life if you do not run the snot out of it.
Just plain "Cool Factor"
Cons:
Long action better if you want to run 2.9+ COAL or longer in a mag.
Dies. You can make lee collet dies work with a shim above the shell holder (i use a washer)
Seater die, redding comp seater die for 260 rem will work, just dont adust too tight or you will crush brass.
Fire forming, a pro or a con in itself. Fire forming loads with a false shoulder are a must if you do not want to experience misfires. Cream of wheat method if you want to save some barrel life.
Have not experienced it yet, but some suggest the shoulder and dirt could cause problems with chambering in field use.
Bottom line, you like the idea of .264 now, you will learn to love it more down the road.
So the question to ask yourself is "are you tinkerer and is 100fps worth your effort?" For some it is just the love of doing it, for some that 100fps is mighty fine to have in the tool kit if you need it.
So far, I havn't really needed the speed, but surely do like the stable brass. In a world of unlimited cash and time I would acklyize all my cartridges just for this reason alone. Your call.......
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Why not go with both?
I'm having a 260 Rem built right now on a Ruger #1 action and I'm also going to put together a 260ai on a Rem 700 action.
The donor actions seem different enough to me to justify different builds.
for an extra 100 to 200fps more comparing to a 260rem hardly seem to worth the effort, with my 20" barrel 260rem out of a rem700short action can still get 2720fps with 140grain bullet. at that velocity the bullet still supersonic right pass 1200meter, most doesn't even shoot that far anyway.
