260 Remington Loose Primer Pockets

[Clover_Shooter]

I did a ladder test @ 400 yards with 123 Amax and H4350 powder with twice fired factory Remington Brass (prepped), CCI BR2 Primers. Had two sweet spots 43.8 - 44.4 and 44.7 - 45.3. The later looked better with no visable pressure sighs!!! Load Data for 123's hard to find, I researched and thought to be okay!
Loaded five each 44.8, 45, 45.2. Five out of 15 had loose primer pockets after firing.
Maybe 45gr H4350 is to much.
Is this normal (loose primer pockets after 2x)... Would someone check "Quickload" 45gr H4350 with 123 Amax for me Maybe check 44.1gr also.

Any info on loose primer pockets or this caliber would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Clover

[Bill K]

I would say you are a little high on your powder, H4350. My book shows 44.3 as max charge. It appears to me that you are pushing the limit and therefore you are getting enlarged primer pockets. I would start lower and be careful. Bill K

[Clover_Shooter]

Thanks Bill K.... What book you using, I'm guessing that you used data for 125gr bullets? I will definetly drop back 44.3 or less as the lower spot on the ladder test was 43.8 - 44.4

Greatly appreciated
Clover

[Bill K]

I use Hodgdon's and also the Reload chart/site. Yes, 125, as they do not show 123, but I would rather er on the high side, than have something blow and ruin a weapon. Bill K

[Bill K]

Clover.. I was checking the new 8th Edition of Hornady reloading data and it shows a max load of 43.9 of H4350 in the 120-123 bullet with a velocity of around 2900. You might even try (to obtain higher velocity and accuracy) the new Superformance powder. It shows max load of 48.5 and 3000fps. I would certainly started below that and work up, in your rifle. Just a thought and some added information. Bill K

[Bill K]

Had a second thought on that last post. Not sure if the superformance would orshould be used in the 260 Rem. I surely would reduce the other loads, as they are shown for the 6.5 Creedmore. You might email and talk with Hodgden or Hornady directly. Bill K

[Clover_Shooter]

Thanks Bill,
I wasn't after speed. Afer doing two ladder tests first one was at 200 yards loaded 43-45.5gr H4350 at +.5gr each all looked good no signs of pressure... Put all 6 shots in a 1 inch group. So I did the same test at 400 yards 43-45.2gr at +.3gr each. No pressure signs (if there was it was the very last one. At 400 yards had two good groups at 44 and 45gr. The 45gr looked better so I loaded up +-45gr at .3gr for five shot groups. Thats when I started seeing loose primers...

Long story short

I checked everything out today and believe the problem to be LONG CASES Max cases legnth is 2.035 mine is measuring 2.040+.... I don't know for sure.... Need to get more 26 cal loading/measuring equipment.

Thanks for the load info... Was going to try Varget next, but thought if I was having pressure problems that would be the wrong direction to go.

Thanks.
Clover

As a side note thought you'de like to know the rifle is a Savage LRP.