Author Topic: Would this make a good close range load? (Read 456 times)

Flyrodder · « **on:** May 23, 2006, 04:08:15 PM »

I have a 260 remington that I am reloading for. All I have is nosler 120gr. ballistic tips. I don't think that high speeds would be a good idea for the close range hunting I'll be doing this year(very close range, I shot my deer last year at about 25 feet, but anything from that to 60 yards is typical) I don't want anything too fast because I think the ballistic tips won't hold together if they hit a deer at maximum velocity.
I have a large amount of Hodgdon H4198 that i use for my brother's 30-30, and was wondering if that would push the 120's along at about 2500fps.
Thanks! Flyrodder

CyberSniper · « **Reply #1 on:** May 25, 2006, 02:55:14 AM »

In order to get a safe load with the fairly fast burning H-4198, you'll
probably need somebody around here to run the variables in one
of those loading programs.
Just looking in a few manuals and online, I got close with data
for a 140 grain cast bullet, and IMR-4198. In the interests of safety
though, I hesitate to toss that load data out as a possible solution.
Assuming a worst case scenario ( like nobody comes up with a load ),
I'd say just be careful as to bullet placement.
I took out an 8 pointer with the same Nosler bullet in a .260 at
no more than 30 yards a couple of years ago. At that range,
making a neck shot was no problem. A broadside lung shot should
also work, even with the closer ranges. Just try to avoid any shots
at shallow angles, where the bullet's speed and construction might
result in less than adequate penetration.

sui generis · « **Reply #2 on:** May 25, 2006, 04:39:41 AM »

I have no experience with that bullet or cartridge and not much with that powder. Lee lists more powder/bullet weight combinations than just about anybody else, and 4198 isn't even on the screen for the .260, at least for jacketed bullets. It's way too fast-burning. Maybe somebody here has a 4198 load for the .260 that shoots 2" groups and kills like lightning at 300 yards; but they've got to be people who like to do it the hard way.

BTW, I do load for the .30-30, and 4198 is at the low end of suitable for that for lighter jacketed bullets and not listed for 170grainers.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #3 on:** May 25, 2006, 09:56:02 AM »

I think, at the least you should invest in a can of more appropriate powder or different bullets if you're worried about them.

I really think Balistic Tips could be counted on to kill a deer at close range even at high velocity. If you're worried about it, maybe you should use different bullets like Barnes that will hold together and penetrate well even at high velocity.

Flyrodder · « **Reply #4 on:** May 25, 2006, 11:55:50 AM »

I was just looking for a way to burn up some of this powder and free up some cabinet space. If it's too fast burning to be safe that's alright. I'll just get some slower burning powder and use less of it. Thanks!
Flyrodder