Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 160 Interlock in T3X .260

Would like to run this bullet for whitetail and black bear. Before buying a box though I would like to get some opinions on whether my chamber has room for it without having to seat too deep. I don't necessarily need to reach max powder charges but being a hunting round I would rather not be on low end either. Rifle is a T3X hunter .260 Rem, and for reference my CBTO to hit the lands with a Hornady 129 SP is 2.320". Mag length is not an issue as I have modified the bolt stop and use a long action magazine.

I used it at 2.8" before and it worked so you will have no issues since you can load them out even farther. The 160 gr Hornady is a decent bullet for game like that but the 155 gr Lapua Mega and 156 gr Norma Oryx are better bullets. I used IMR 4350 and H 4831 sc with the Hornady but don't overlook powders like IMR 7828 ssc and similar burn rate.

My experience with the 160 Hornady is that unlike Interlock Spire Points, it's pretty erratic in on-game performance, and an outfitter I know has had the same experience. Personally, if you really want to use a Hornady Interlock I'd go with the 140 Spire Point, and if you really want a heavier bullet I'd go with the 156 Norma Oryx.

MD, thanks for sharing your experience. Everything I've heard to this point regarding on game performance with this bullet has been good. Could you describe some of the issues you have seen and heard of?

Have seen them break both shoulders and exit on average-sized deer, and also not reach the far ribs on a shot behind the shoulder. That was with a 6.5x64 Mannlicher-Schoenauer, muzzle velocity around 2200 fps. My outfitter friend had very similar experiences.

Is the twist in your rifle fast enough for the bullet?

Tikka's are 1:8, thats plenty for the 160, its a RNFB.