Thread: 260 load, transition 140gr AMAX to ELD

Due to the discontinuation of the 140gr AMAX I'm having to get a new load for my 260 using the new 140gr ELD-Ms.
The AMAX shot really well out of my rifle and I was hoping I could just do my exact same reload but using the new bullet.

What I ended up doing was using brand new Lapua brass, a different primer and the new bullet, but used the same seating depth and charge of 2209.
I've attached a picture of two groups from each load,
The AMAXs were 3 shot groups (only had 6 rounds left) groups were .540" at 120yards and .270", under .5moa is the norm for this load.
The ELD-Ms were 4 shot groups, first was 1.150" and the second 0.780"
As you can see my shooting got better as the session went along (could've been due to having thoroughly cleaning my barrel).

Wanting to get some feedback on what my next step should be with the ELD-Ms.
Should I keep the charge the same and try different seating depths?
Or should I try changing the charge weight?
Was thinking of playing with the seating depth first, the rifle is a Tikka T3 and the rounds are loaded to mag length, will be happy to but the longer bolt stop and buy a longer magazine if the projectiles like being closer to the lands.

Cheers

I still have plenty of 140 Amaxes for $70 per box

Originally Posted by Kiwi Greg

I still have plenty of 140 Amaxes for $70 per box

Thanks, but I've already started investing in the new bullet and may as well change now as I will have to in the near future anyway.

Plus the ELDs look super cool with the translucent red tip, if I can't be the part may as well look the part.

Originally Posted by Beetroot

Thanks, but I've already started investing in the new bullet and may as well change now as I will have to in the near future anyway.

Plus the ELDs look super cool with the translucent red tip, if I can't be the part may as well look the part.

Yeah only the first ones have the sexy translucent red tip, the rest have the boring red tip, quite a shame really

Hi Beetroot

I've just started shooting same caliber in a tikka. Just working on a load using Berger 140's. Have modified bolt stop and magazine to allow seating out closer to lands. From what I've gleaned accuracy will improve.

I'd probably try -/+ .3gn and see how that goes, then pick one & tweak the seating depth.

Originally Posted by Beetroot

Thanks, but I've already started investing in the new bullet and may as well change now as I will have to in the near future anyway.

I have 5 boxes here if you change your mind, a fair bit of shooting

Originally Posted by outdoorlad

I'd probably try -/+ .3gn and see how that goes, then pick one & tweak the seating depth.

Cheers,
I'm thinking that you are right, in theory I shouldn't need much tweaking to find an accurate load.
With a bit of luck one of them will shoot well enough I can keep the bullets seated at mag length.