Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles .260 rem loads for ruger m77 compact

Anybody have a 260 rem load they really like out of the 16 1/2" barrel compact? I'd like to shoot the 140 gr corelokts, just because I have about 350 of them. I loaded some up with varget today, but didn't have time to shoot. I think the velocity will be quite a bit slower, but I figured it needed a fairly fast burning powder out the short barrel. I also have imr4895, imr4350, imr4851, h414 and maybe some r15. I have a 28" shilen barrel that shoots real good with imr4350 and 120-129 gr bullets, but I'd like a load for the 140's and the short barrel.

I have been using H4350 with the 140's with great results out of a 18" 260.
Start at 41 grains and work up.

I have never used it but varget should be ok in the 260 as well.

What gives the best velocities in a longer barrel will do the same in your shorter one.
I like R19 or H4831 with 129/140gr bullets in my 260s. I`ve never had much luck with the faster powders like Varget or H4895 that others report, even with the 100gr wts

I shot some today. Conditions weren't great...a little windy and I'd just ate and was pressed for daylight. I shot 10 shots with the varget and they were about 2 1/2"-3" group in a mostly horizontal shape at 115 yds. I also shot some imr4350 and H414. They weren't any better or worse. About MOD (minute of deer). I am not sure what to expect out of this little compact gun. These are obviously good enough to kill a deer or hog out to a couple hundred yards and that's its purpose. I think it could be more accurate with the 120-129's, but I'd really like to use up these corelokts.

On a more positive note, I loaded up a few rounds of .308 for a howa 1500 I picked up for $300. The first 3 shots of varget and 150 gr nbt's went about 3/4" at 115yds. I also shot some 180 grsierra prohunters that went about 1 1/4". I think I going to order some 150 gr interlocks and try them out.