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.260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

johnsta

johnsta

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Nov 23, 2009
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Help me understand/decide on my next GAP build.

It appears that the .260 Remington has turned a lot of heads lately. The purpose of this rifle will be a long range target rifle, 100-1400 yards. Will be shooting steel at all ranges.

Does the .260 Remington really mimic the trajectory of the .300 Win Mag? If it does, what are the pros of the 300 Win Mag over the .260 Remington.

It seems to me that the benefits of the .260 outweigh the .300 Win Mag. Am I wrong to think this way for what I am going to use it for?

Thanks.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

The .260 mimics the .300 in trajectory. But the .260 will never have the energy of the .300.

For your purposes of target shooting the .260 will be great if you keep most of you shots inside 1000-1100. If you are doing most of your shooting past 1,000 the 300 will be the better option. But if you are going 1,000 plus consistently, I would look into a 7 wsm or 7 saum. The .260 is going to be much more pleasant to shoot than the magnum calibers.

If you wanted to hunt long range, I would opt for the .300.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

260 is a very flat shooting cartridge that's capable of 1,400 yard shots in a properly equipped rifle but that's on the higher end of it's practical capabilities. A 300WM has enough ass behind it to reach out much further but at the cost of significantly increased recoil and ammo expense. If you're recoil sensitive then you will be ineffective with the WM, no matter the range.

If you won't be consistently shooting 1,400+ yards, you will be well served by the 260. The rifle in my sig has gotten me to the 1,000 yard line with just 7.9 mils of elevation and plenty of gas in the tank, all with roughly 30% less recoil than a 308 shooting 175s.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

@1400 yds the 260 is going to be at it's very limit. When you do get hits it is not going to have much energy left to actually ring the steel. I've gotten hits with my 260 @ 1350 but they were falling out of the sky and the only real indication it was a hit is if I saw it mark the target. The 300WM's next to me sent out a nice booming 'ding' and had a much easier time of it.

I've built a 7WSM to replace the 260 barrel for comps with a lot of shots over 1000.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

This is really not even a comparison. The 260, even when hot rodded, will not be as flat as a 300WM when hot rodded. (although not by much). The cost of reloading for the WM is going to be higher, the recoil is going to be more (even with both rifles wearing a brake). And I would venture to say that the 260 "may" get to 1400 yds, it's barely going to get there, and it will not get there under all conditions.

If you were limiting yourself to 1K, and didn't need the energy, it would be 260 hands down. But if you're consistently going from 1000-1400 you'd be foolish to go with the 260.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

I am in the process of having Beanland build my 300wm, and when I get that one back, he is getting my Stiller Tac30AW for a 260 build. The 260 will basically be a trainer for the 300wm out to ~1000+/-. Less recoil, cheaper to reload and very similar trajectory.

When in doubt, build both.
smile.gif
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johnsta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The purpose of this rifle will be a long range target rifle, 100-1400 yards.</div></div>

The 260 Remington, ballistically, would be the proper tool for 75% of those distances. And from most of the matches I've been in, if there are targets past 1100 yards, it's usually 1 or 2 shots out of the 50-60 rounds. All the other previous input is spot on. Good luck with your decision, I look forward to pics of the build and range report.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is really not even a comparison. The 260, even when hot rodded, will not be as flat as a 300WM when hot rodded. (although not by much). The cost of reloading for the WM is going to be higher, the recoil is going to be more (even with both rifles wearing a brake). And I would venture to say that the 260 "may" get to 1400 yds, it's barely going to get there, and it will not get there under all conditions.

If you were limiting yourself to 1K, and didn't need the energy, it would be 260 hands down. But if you're consistently going from 1000-1400 you'd be foolish to go with the 260. </div></div>

^^ Good Advice...also be realistic about you abilities and recoil tolerance. The 300 is a high performing big boomer and while a brake can really tame it, they are very noisy and not a lot of fun to shoot next to.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

Thanks so much for your answers. How is barell life in the 300 vs 260?
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johnsta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks so much for your answers. How is barell life in the 300 vs 260?</div></div>

Half
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

Why wouldn't the 7-08 be a happy medium.
I am surprised that this caliber is not more popular.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

284 Win would split the difference between the two, would it not?
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bluejazz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why wouldn't the 7-08 be a happy medium.
I am surprised that this caliber is not more popular. </div></div>

The 7-08 has one of the smallest case capacities in the 7mm family so you can't get the velocity to really take advantage of the high BC pills.

The only reason I'm hesitant to recommend the 300 is that the OP wants to shoot "100-1400." Makes me wonder how often he's actually going to step out that far. If you're gonna be hanging around the 500-600 range, no reason not to choose the 260. It can still make the 1,400 yard shot, it's cheaper to load, it's less punishing on the shooter, and it's easier to drive properly.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

If you haven't shot out to those distances before, than my vote would be for a 260rem because of lower recoil and lower cost of reloading.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ratbert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've gotten hits with my 260 @ 1350 but they were falling out of the sky and the only real indication it was a hit is if I saw it mark the target. The 300WM's next to me sent out a nice booming 'ding' and had a much easier time of it. </div></div>

I agree. The only problem with 300 WM like everyone has stated:

Recoil
Ammo cost
life expectancy
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

I vote build both. I love the 260, I have one already and now I am debating on what to build for the next one. Like everyone else is saying. It "can" shoot to 1400 but not the best choice if doing it all the time.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

I have both and shoot both beyond 1000 yards regularly, however I shoot the .260 far more often than the .300WM. I find the .260 easier and quicker to load for, more pleasant to shoot, less harsh on barrel wear and CHEAPER!
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

The 260 is a great choice for long range. It will go to 1400 yards with about 51 moas with 139s. I have shot it out to 1700 yards with no success. I would think the 300 wm would be a better choice than a 260 but not by much.
I would chose the 338 laupa if shooting past 1200 past for accuracy and going for the right bullet selection. But then again if worried about money then go home or shoot a 260.

my 2 cents
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

Im about to get a build going and i choose the 300. win mag. The reason for this is because of the extra power for hunting. This will also be used on targets and i only plan on shooting around 800 yards. I am building the 300 cause i want the extra power and if/when i extend my range i will be able to do so with ease. Both are great rounds, just for shooting past 1000 yards regularly the 300. win has the upper hand
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

Never shot the .300WM...
But when I was at Manatee a few weeks ago, there was a guy at 1000 shooting his...

He was bitching about his shoulder- he was "done"- after about 30 rounds.

I sure wouldn't do it unless I really needed the extra range (beyond 1000 as indicated) due to discomfort- and cost...that's a shitload of powder being burned at every shot.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

You have a few considerations to think of forsure.

Cost to shoot
Barrel life
Hunting vs Target
Max range you
Recoil

There are pros and cons of each.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

I have both and see a need for both...300 will kick more but I am a recoil junky.

Both will shot like a lazer beam but for fun and competing the 260 Rem is the way to go!
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

Id go 260 over the 300. I'm running the 139 scenars @ 2850 out of a 26" krieger, surgeon actio 43g 4350 lapua brass get to to 1k @ 6.8mils i believe, "from memory". Its way flat, no recoil, in fact my girlfriend loves it and she is 105lbs wet. I've got it out to 1325ish with no problems.

I never shot my 300 after that to much recoil to expensive and not as smooth, 300 police. I sold that and built a stiller tac338 on a 28" krieger for the longer stuff.

The 260 is my match gun and it is my favorite rifle i own. The 338 is for all the other stuff.

To be honest its way eaiser to say you're gonna shoot 1200+ than actually do it. Im not talking about the actual shooting, I mean its a bitch to set up a spot for the long range stuff, find a place with a mile + and actually have the time, equipment, and weather to make it happen.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

I'd say get a DTA rifle with 260 Rem caliber conversion - and if you decide to add 300WM or 338 LM, you'd just buy another caliber conversion kit.
wink.gif


<span style="font-style: italic">Now that wouldn't be GAP of course - but is it really critical for you? You can check the DTA SRS thread on top of this forum section - lots of info and chat.</span>
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd say get a DTA rifle with 260 Rem caliber conversion - and if you decide to add 300WM or 338 LM, you'd just buy another caliber conversion kit.
wink.gif


<span style="font-style: italic">Now that wouldn't be GAP of course - but is it really critical for you? You can check the DTA SRS thread on top of this forum section - lots of info and chat.</span> </div></div>

+1
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

Does putting a brake on a 300 help much with recoil?
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johnsta</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does putting a brake on a 300 help much with recoil? </div></div>
Yes. Much. But it makes it incredibly annoying for those around you, and if you ever light it off without hearing protection, you might never again need hearing protection.

I own both, 260 is flat and will get you out that far (skill is an altogether different matter) and do so cheaper than a 300WM and with much less recoil.

That said, I sold a 260 after hunting with it, 300WM has allot more energy.

For paper, 360; for all-around, 300WM.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RMW</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd say get a DTA rifle with 260 Rem caliber conversion - and if you decide to add 300WM or 338 LM, you'd just buy another caliber conversion kit.
wink.gif


<span style="font-style: italic">Now that wouldn't be GAP of course - but is it really critical for you? You can check the DTA SRS thread on top of this forum section - lots of info and chat.</span> </div></div>

+1</div></div>

+2

I'm loving my DTA, and the options it gives me to have different calibers.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

OP - you said this was your 'next build' - I would encourage you base part of you decision on what you currently have as well as what opportunities you <span style="font-style: italic">really</span> have to shoot in excess of 1k.

I have a .308 and a .300WM. I have used the .300 WM with 210 Bergers out to 1 mile. Although most of my shooting with it is between 1,400 and 1,600. The WinMag is a nice step up from the capabilities of a .308, but it isn't quite what a .338LP can do. However the cost vs capability of a WinMag in comparison to a .338LP makes it a great value to have.

In short, if I had a .308 or equivalently capable caliber, I would not waste my time with a .260.


Good luck
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does putting a brake on a 300 help much with recoil?</div></div>

Absolutely. But no one is going to want to shoot next to you.

Most brakes will calm the felt recoil and muzzle jump. If you are recoil sensitive, do yourself a favor and go for the 260. If you go for a 300, get the brake and some good ear pro.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

I have both and as stated in this thread numerous times, although the trajectory is similar, they have VERY different personalities.

If you are shooting much over 1000 yds. on a <span style="text-decoration: underline">regular </span>basis, the 300 will be a lot more fun. Easier to spot hits and misses and a lot more ring and movement to the steel. Misses past 1000 yds. are really hard to spot with the tiny .260 bullets. With a little bit of altitude a mile is not a stretch with the 300 and I've shot mine past 2000 yds. with good accuracy. I've heard of guys shooting past 1500 with the .260, but I can't even see my misses at that range, so it's not really any fun unless you get a first shot hit.

If you're shooting the majority 1100 yds. and under and you're shooting sustained strings of 5 rds. or more... .260 hands down. On a cold day I can put 10 rds. through the .260 as quick as I can work the bolt without feeling guilty. The 300... 4 maybe 5. On a hot day the 300 barrel is so hot after 2-3 rounds I can't pick it up. The .260 will get there after 7-8 rounds.

My 300 is braked, but weighs 13.5 lbs. full-up. 75 rd. range sessions require a bit of concentration at the end of the day. I can put 100 rds. through my .260 in a day and do it again the next day and not even notice my shoulder.

I would get the .260 first and when you get bored... build the 300. That way you can use the right rifle for the appropriate purpose.

John
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scottie15</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does putting a brake on a 300 help much with recoil?</div></div>

Absolutely. But no one is going to want to shoot next to you.</div></div>
Some would consider this a benefit!
grin.gif


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Scottie15</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Most brakes will calm the felt recoil and muzzle jump. If you are recoil sensitive, do yourself a favor and go for the 260. If you go for a 300, get the brake and some good ear pro.</div></div>
I concur.
smile.gif
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

One thing to consider other than what everyone else here has said is that the 260 has 30% more power than a 308 at 1000 yards and it WILL get out to 1400 yards and have enough ass left to drop something, if not, follow up shots are cake. For 1400 yards and in I would suggest 260 all the way. 300 wm is pretty much overkill for anything 800 yards and in and you're dealing with a ass ton of recoil difference. Shot splash and follow up shots are much easier to see with the 260 especially if you're making a shot from an unconventional position where your bi pods aren't deployed and loaded. All that might not sit well with everyone but I've seen it.
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

Do you have a overall weight and size limit ?

That may affect things too!

Never had a .260 but the are getting a good rep
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

Though I can't comment on the .260, I can shoot my TRG42 .300 all day long... Judging by all the folks that move down a few benches when I start shooting, being next to a braked .300 is probably worse than firing it. Reloading 208g A-max's with H1000 for about 80 cents/shot.

I smile every time I pull the trigger.

Matt
 
Re: .260 vs .300 Win Mag - Bolt Action Rifle

Never shot a 260 but can say with the 300 keeping follow through and sight picture can be challenging with the amount of muzzle jump. Since my 300 is about 15lbs I can shoot it all day not braked but I can usually tell when my form was not spot on based on how closely the crosshairs stay on target following the shot.

A properly designed brake does take care of this but like everyone else has said at the expense of "making friends" at the range.
 
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