A recent study revealed that Americans buy almost 12 billion ammunition cartridges annually. Reloading your 260 Remington ammo makes shooting more cost-effective and allows you to shoot more for less. In fact, one of the advantages of the 260 Remington is the ability to reload the cartridge. This allows shooters to customize their ammunition to their specific firearm and application.
However, finding the right diameters, lengths, and materials for ammo can be a time-consuming process. In this in-depth reloading guide, we’ll explore the various components of the 260 Remington ammo and provide step-by-step instructions for reloading.
History of the 260 Remington
The 260 Remington is a rifle cartridge that was introduced by Remington Arms Company in 1997. It is based on the 6.5 mm bullet, which has a diameter of .264 inches.
The cartridge was designed to provide a balance between ballistic performance and recoil. As a result, it became suitable for hunting, competition shooting, and long-range shooting. This made it a popular choice among hunters and target shooters alike.
The 260 Remington is a shortened and necked-down version of the 308 Winchester ammo. Thus, it is capable of achieving high accuracy and velocity with moderate recoil. Its performance is similar to other 6.5 mm ammo such as the 6.5 Creedmoor and the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser.
However, the 260 Remington has the advantage of being able to use shorter, more compact rifles due to their shorter overall length. Today, the 260 Remington remains a popular choice for a variety of shooting applications. This is thanks to its exceptional accuracy, versatility, and reliability.
Components of the 260 Remington Ammo
The 260 Remington Ammo is composed of several components that work together to ensure the best performance in the field. These components include the cartridge case, primer, propellant, bullet, and powder. Learn more below:
Case
The 260 Remington case is a bottlenecked case with a length of 2.035″. It has a rim diameter of .473″ and a base diameter of .470″. The case is made of brass, which is strong, durable, and easy to work with.
Primer
The primer is a small metal cup that contains a tiny amount of impact-sensitive explosive. When the firing pin strikes the primer, the explosive ignites, which ignites the gunpowder in the case.
Powder
Gunpowder is the propellant that creates the pressure to push the bullet out of the barrel. The amount of powder used depends on the weight of the bullet, the desired velocity, and the characteristics of the firearm.
Bullet
The bullet is the projectile that is propelled out of the barrel. The 260 Remington can accept a wide range of bullet weights. This varies from 85 grains to 160 grains. As a result, it is a versatile cartridge for hunting and target shooting.
260 Remington Brass Specifications
The 260 Remington brass has particular specifications. This ensures it fits and functions correctly in firearms chambered for this cartridge. Here are some of the key specifications for 260 Remington brass:
- Caliber: 260 Remington
- Rim Diameter: 0.473 inch
- Base Diameter: 0.470 inch
- Shoulder Diameter: 0.454 inch
- Case Length: 1.905 inch
- Overall Length: 2.800 inch
- Maximum Case Capacity: 52.5 grains of water
- Maximum Pressure: 60,000 psi
Note that not all 260 Remington brass is created equal. These 260 Remington specifications can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
However, it’s essential to use high-quality brass from a reputable manufacturer. This guarantees safe and reliable performance.
Additionally, when reloading the 260 Remington cartridge, it’s important to follow the recommended load data for your specific brass and bullet combination.
How to Reload Your Remington 260 Ammo
Reloading your own ammo can be a great way to save money and increase the accuracy of your shooting. Whether you are a hunter, competitive shooter, or just someone who enjoys target practice, reloading your own ammo is an important skill to have.
Here are the steps to reload the 260 Remington cartridge:
Step 1: Clean and Inspect the Brass
Before reloading, it’s important to clean and inspect the brass. This ensures that it is free of debris, dirt, and other contaminants. You can clean the brass using a tumbler, ultrasonic cleaner, or another cleaning method.
Once the brass is clean, inspect it for cracks, splits, or other damage that could affect the performance of the cartridge.
Step 2: Resize the Brass
The next step is to resize the brass using a resizing die. The resizing die will reshape the brass to its original dimensions, ensuring that it fits properly in the chamber of your firearm. Be sure to lubricate the brass before resizing it to prevent it from getting stuck in the die.
Step 3: Deprime the Brass
After resizing, it’s time to deprime the brass. This is the process of removing the spent primer. You can use a decapping die or a universal depriming tool to remove the primer.
Step 4: Clean the Primer Pocket
Before inserting a new primer, it’s important to clean the primer pocket. You can do this using a primer pocket cleaning tool. This will ensure that the new primer seats properly in the pocket.
Step 5: Insert a New Primer
Once the primer pocket is clean, it’s time to insert a new primer. You can use a hand-held priming tool or a press-mounted priming tool to insert the primer into the pocket.
Step 6: Add Gunpowder
The next step is to add gunpowder to the case. The amount of gunpowder used depends on the weight of the bullet, the desired velocity, and the characteristics of the firearm. Be sure to consult a reloading manual or trusted online resource for the appropriate powder charge for your specific application.
Step 7: Seat the Bullet
After adding gunpowder, it’s time to seat the bullet. The bullet seating die will ensure that the bullet is seated at the correct depth. Be sure to follow the instructions for your specific die set.
Step 8: Crimp the Case (Optional)
Depending on your specific application, you may choose to crimp the case. This prevents the bullet from moving during transport. However, it’s important to note that this is an optional step, and not all cartridges require crimping.
Step 9: Inspect and Test the Cartridge
After completing the reloading process, it’s important to inspect the cartridge. This ensures that it is free of defects and that all components are properly seated. Once you have inspected the cartridge, test-fire it to ensure that it functions properly in your firearm.
260 Remington Ammo Reloading FAQs
It’s important to understand the process and the safety precautions that come with it before you get started. This guide will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about reloading 260 Remington ammo. They include:
What is the Performance of 260 Remington Ammo?
The performance of 260 Remington ammo is excellent, with high ballistic coefficients and impressive accuracy. The cartridge is capable of shooting heavy bullets at high velocities with relatively low recoil.
Additionally, the 260 Remington has also become a popular choice for long-range shooting and competition shooting. Its flat trajectory and excellent accuracy make it an ideal cartridge for engaging targets at long distances.
What Types of Bullets Are Available for 260 Remington Ammo?
There are various bullet types available for 260 Remington ammo. They include hollow point, soft point, full metal jacket, and ballistic tip bullets. The appropriate bullet choice depends on the intended use of the ammunition.
What is the Effective Range of 260 Remington Ammo?
The effective range of 260 Remington ammo depends on various factors. This includes bullet weight, barrel length, and shooting conditions. However, with the right setup, the 260 Remington can be effective out to 1,000 yards and beyond.
What is the Recoil Like for 260 Remington Ammo?
The recoil of 260 Remington ammo is considered to be moderate. This makes it a popular choice for hunters and long-range shooters who desire a cartridge that is comfortable to shoot without sacrificing performance.
Can I Use 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo in a Firearm Chambered for 260 Remington?
No, you should not use 6.5 Creedmoor ammo in a firearm chambered for 260 Remington. Although the cartridges are similar in size and shape, they have different pressure levels and chamber dimensions, which can result in dangerous conditions.
What is the Ballistic Coefficient of 260 Remington Ammo?
The ballistic coefficient of 260 Remington ammo varies depending on the bullet type and weight. Generally, 260 Remington bullets have a high ballistic coefficient. This means that they retain their velocity and energy better over long distances, resulting in less drop and drift.
Is 260 Remington Ammo Suitable for Hunting?
Yes, 260 Remington ammo is suitable for hunting various game, including deer, antelope, and elk, among others. With the appropriate bullet weight and construction, 260 Remington ammo can provide adequate penetration and expansion for humane kills.
Diamond K Brass: All of Your Reloading Needs in One Place
The 260 Remington ammo is a versatile and reliable cartridge. As a result, it has gained a loyal following among hunters and long-range shooters. Its excellent accuracy, flat trajectory, and moderate recoil make it an ideal choice for a wide variety of shooting applications.
With careful attention to detail, reloading 260 Remington ammo can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to produce high-quality ammunition.
Diamond K Brass not only has a large selection of reloading supplies, but we also have the expertise and dedication to providing exceptional customer service. This guarantees that you’ll always get what you need.
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