Short range vs Long Range bullets

elkhuntr

elkhuntr

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Kamloops, BC
Do others in the competitive field run different bullets for different ranges? Or do you just stick with one and make it work? Or is this one of those most unspoken secrets out there;)

I was wondering whether others use a variety of loads suited for the use at various distances. FYI, I have settled within the 260 rem load map due to my short throated barrel. My set up is a SA Stevens 200, 28" McGowen, 1-8 twist 260 AI. It is all in the delivery mechanism on any given day, the barrel will shoot better than me:)

So far I have settled on a 300m load using Sierra 120 Game Kings with a 10 thou jam, running approx 3000fps. It prints around the 0.25 to 0.3MOA range at 200m. This is my most accurate and reliable load to date. At these velocities it could be fine with the wind in the short game.

For a 500m load I have settled on two options, 130gr Berger with a 5 thou jump running 2950 fps, and 140 A-max running 2850 fps with a 15 thou jam. These both will print reliably at 0.4MOA-200m.
 
ELK,
You've pretty much answered your own question. Whatever works best in your set up.
I might suggest trying the 139 Lapua Scenars or the 140 Bergs for long range (600 and out).
Gotta love that 260AI. It works well for me from time to time.
Gord
 
For a given barrel twist, like 8 in your case, you are quite limited in what you can do. You might get a bit better accuracy with a lighter flat base bullet at short ranges, and long heavy low drag boat tails at longer range. The high BC helps with wind drift at longer distances. But to really take advantage of a short flat base bullet for shorter distances, you need a slower twist. With a slower spin they will wobble less due to unbalance. For hunting accuracy this is not a significant factor -- only in competition.
 
He nailed it. Flat based spitzers do stabilize better at short range but lack the BC to perform at long range and vice versa for high BC long boat tails.

There is a good section on it in Litz's book
 
Thanks. There are some out there who switch it up for the short and long range game. I think the key is dont get keyholed into the recommended load, play around, and you might just find out some interesting things.

I tried the 142 SMKs and they shot acceptable, but were finicky in my barrel. Looking at the BC for the 130 Bergs it is not far off from the 140s so not a bad option within the 260 rem load map. The key I think is getting the right throat length with the right leade angle so to maximize the 260s potential. Otherwise, the parent 260 will do what you need without the fuss.

It sure is fun to play with the AI. If I wanted easy, I would just shoot an easy to load cartridge something like the 6BR. But the easy road is not what Im looking for is it....

Cheers.
 
I use one load for all. If a bullet shoots accurately, then it is conditions that interfere with precision. High-ballistic coefficient projectiles use less powder and resist wind better.

If you get used to one load, you can almost adjust in your sleep.
 
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