One Gun Solution for Mid and Long Range?

[Nate69]

Hello,

I’m putting together a target rifle for (mostly) 600-1000 yard shooting, but I have access to land where I can (rarely) shoot out to a mile.

I was considering a 700 footprint short action, chambered in 260, with detachable mag for the 1000 and under shooting, and a second barrel and magnum bolt in either 7WSM or 7STW for the longer stuff.

I’d single feed the magnum. I know I’ll have to pull the bolt to eject a live round.

7WSM would be easier as I already have a 7WSM Montana, but the 7STW has more gas for the 180 and 195 Berger’s.

Is this viable, or should I give up on a mile until I can build another gun?

Thanks.

Nate

 

[JB02]

What you're talking about is getting a switch barrel. I'm doing the same thing, but in reverse, with my Surgeon 591/R in having a 6.5CM and 223.

If I was you, I would get an action with an integral lug to make the barrel change out easier. Surgeon has them, but defiance and bighorn have recently offered this design on their actions as well. When you order the action, just order the additional bolt with it.

I don't believe you need to top load a 7WSM. Accurate-Mag sells 4 or 7 round 300 WSM AI style magazines that should fit a 7 WSM case. GAP and Manners use these. The best way to get one is to give Accurate-Mag a call. You would use both of these configurations in a short action Manners mini-chassis and Manners would even supply the mag.

I don't shoot 7mm, so someone else will need to comment about your potential caliber choice.

 

[bas402]

My question is why both? I use my .260 out 1200 quite often and have NO issues. I don't use my 7WSM for 1000-1500 unless I'm bucking allot of wind.
Sully

 

[jwp6114]

Same here, I have a 2 short actions set up as switch barrels but haven't decided what other calipers to try... I. Am shooting 243AI and 308. Looking at 284, 7SAUM and several others. Good luck with your journey.

Great first post by the way... Most first posts sound like their written by 14 year old kids.

 

[JB02]

My question is why both? I use my .260 out 1200 quite often and have NO issues. I don't use my 7WSM for 1000-1500 unless I'm bucking allot of wind.
Sully

When you use your 260 out to 1,200 yds are you able to hear the steel ring? 1200-1300 is about when 260 starts to go trans-sonic.

 

[bas402]

When you use your 260 out to 1,200 yds are you able to hear the steel ring? 1200-1300 is about when 260 starts to go trans-sonic.

Yes, you have to listen but yes, it's harder to see the spash than hear though. I'm still doing 1250fps @ 1200yds. Like I said the wind is the problem for me when I get out to 1200, and that's when I'll put in my 7WSM in my DTA. But the reason I question the OP on building a switch barrel was like his comment, his range will be primary limits to 1000, very rare he could and would be out to a mile. I say build one caliber capable of getting to 1000 well, practice with it allot and then later maybe go larger that's all. That's the reason I went with my DTA so I could use one platform, one scope, and (4) different calibers. Heck most of my other customs seem to be safe queen's since I got my DTA.
Sully

 

[turbo54]

Depending on conditions (like wind), steel audibly rings from a 260 @ 1200.

However, heavier bullets with more momentum do it better, and are much more obvious when you miss.

The 260 is absolutely capable of 1200 yards, but I'd choose a 7-08, 7-08AI or 30 Cal short mag if I was going to spend a fair amount of time out past 1000.

1000 yards is where the 7s and 30s start taking over for the 6s and 6.5s.

For "match" usage from ~350-1000 yards, its really a wash between 243, 260 and 7-08 (and all the other little variants...but come on, a .473" bolt ace short action provides ~45gr powder and a COAL of ~2.850", they're all basically the same).

 

[jwp6114]

See 284win, 180 bergers at 2900 if enough pipe is had. Excellent out to 1200, and can be had on a short action, that's the way I'm leaning for next target barrel.

 

[VKC]

260rem or 6.5cm if you are shooting up to 1000 yards. 7wsm is great and I have one, but it takes more powder and has more recoil than the 6.5s...to me at least it is a waste unless you are shooting out pass 1000 yards when it just starts to stretch it's legs and then gains an real advantage over the 6.5s.

 

[Hawk45]

I would suggest you seriously think about how much you will be shooting past 1000yds. I'd say go .260 as guys at Thunder Valley are going to a mile. Spotting those 6.5's that far will be difficult though. If you don't mind the extra cost of powder and loss of barrel life, a 7mm magnum variant will do well also, even a 300WM with 208's and up. I wouldn't go any bigger than that.

 

[Nate69]

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm going to move ahead with the 260, and hold off on the magnum until I can shoot at the longer ranges on a more regular basis.

I'll post pictures of the build once completed.

 

[JB02]

See 284win, 180 bergers at 2900 if enough pipe is had. Excellent out to 1200, and can be had on a short action, that's the way I'm leaning for next target barrel.

True, you can build a 284 in a short action, but you're probably not going to get case capacity to push you to 2900fps unless you have a long action. In any event, this is probably a good "all around" choice that could perform well at all the ranges the OP was considering. He should consider this too before jumping on the 260 bandwagon because, as Turbo stated, you only get ~ 45gr behind a 260 case. You'll probably get another 10 or so behind a 284. Won't have as much umph behind it as a 7mm mag, but plenty capable.

 

[jwp6114]

True, you can build a 284 in a short action, but you're probably not going to get case capacity to push you to 2900fps unless you have a long action. In any event, this is probably a good "all around" choice that could perform well at all the ranges the OP was considering. He should consider this too before jumping on the 260 bandwagon because, as Turbo stated, you only get ~ 45gr behind a 260 case. You'll probably get another 10 or so behind a 284. Won't have as much umph behind it as a 7mm mag, but plenty capable.

Yea, if on a short action throated for 180's you'd be removing bolt to extract live round. My buddy getting 2900+ with a 29" tube "boat oar" but shoots like you wouldn't believe. Personally saw him put 3 at 600 u could cover with a thumb.