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243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

VKC

VKC

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 29, 2010
2,325
6
Battle Born, U.S.A.
#1
I'm interested in getting a custom bolt action rifle for mainly competitions and target shooting; less often and less important varmit and deer hunting.

I would like to stay with 308 bolt face, and short action. Would like to use DBM magazine, likely AI. Having a short barrel is not important to me.

Not reloading now, but plan on getting into reloading. The ease of reloading this caliber as someone new to reloading is a factor.

I already have a 308win, but would like a flatter shooting caliber with less wind drift. Please don't say just stay with 308win.

I've read the prior posts regarding this or similar topics from this forum, but am interested in updated opinions and expertise.

Thanks for your help and input.
 
#2
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

honestly i have a 6x47(243 performance), owned many 260's, and am about to build a custom 7mm-08. i don't think you can go to wrong without any of them. in a heavy rifle recoil isn't really an issue with any of them. i can say for both 243 and 260 get some H4350 and the heaviest target bullets you can get start loading. i have found the easiest bullets to find good loads for are the 107smk (243) and the 139gr scenar(260) and they both LOVE H4350. i am building a 7mm-08 mostly because i am looking to have a more significant splash/impact when i hit or miss for easier spotting and follow up shots. however all 3 are not much different ballistically if you run good bullets in each.

good luck i vote the 260 so you are buying up all the 162 amaxs i need for my new build.
 
#6
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

Most everyone that is in your boat seems to jump to the .260. Less recoil, 300 Win Mag trajectory, easy loads, great bullets to choose from, and tons of info on this site about it. Talk to Roscoe, about it. He's a vault of info on this round
 
#9
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

...which round has the most effective terminal ballistics...???...

...does the 308 case have enough capacity to handle the "good" 7mm projectiles to good effect...???...

...how much difference is there in recoil between the three rounds in question...???...

...is there a significant difference in the expected life of the bore between the three rounds...???...
 
#12
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OutRider</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...which round has the most effective terminal ballistics...???...<span style="color: #FF0000">The 243 is the flattest shooting,but the 260 bucks the wind better than the 7mm-08 and the 243 by a very small margin, less than 4" @ 1K yds. The 243 and the 7mm-08 have about the same amount of drift of around 71.7" @ 1K yds.</span>

...does the 308 case have enough capacity to handle the "good" 7mm projectiles to good effect...???...<span style="color: #FF0000">Yes. Due to Scaling, it's weight and it's mass are all in it's favor. Putting it another way, a 162-168 gr 7mm-08 @ 2700 FPS, will shoot right with a 260 w/140 Gr bullet that is moving 150 FPS faster (or 2850 FPS). The 243 needs still another 150 FPS (or 3000 FPS) to equal the 7mm-08 in drift that started out going 300 FPS slower. But both are again slightly behind the 260 Rem </span>

...how much difference is there in recoil between the three rounds in question...???...<span style="color: #FF0000">7mm-08 has the heaviest recoil(but still around 20% less than the 308), then the 260 (140 gr bullet), the lightest is the 243 (115 gr).</span>

...is there a significant difference in the expected life of the bore between the three rounds...???... <span style="color: #FF0000">If we consider the 260 being in the middle with a estimated barrel life of 2.5-3K rounds, the 243 will be near 0.5-1k less, the 7mm-08 about 0.5-1K better, than the 260.</span></div></div>

Bob
 
#16
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

I own all 3, plus a couple 308s.

My latest build, which is lying here in pieces, is a 260 Rem. I plan on runnin' 123gr Scenars.

You really can't go wrong with any of them, as long as you have the right barrel/twist/bullet combo......
 
#17
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

243AI. Feeds great, you're already going custom, no brass prep after forming, very accurate as a "normal" 243.

Pushing the 115's a tad faster, they keep up with the wind bucking of the 260 and yet they shoot flatter and have less recoil due to a 115 gr payload.
 
#20
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

Just build a surgeon 260 w/ a 26" krieger tube based on feedback from the hide. Sat 8-7-10 spent some time on the range running the krieger break in procedure as well as a quick ladder test based on loads found on the hide. The thing shot better than I could have hoped. Found two loads that really have potential. 43g 4350 @2830 139g laupa's and 44g 4350 @ 2930 139g laupa's.

I have two questions.

1. I'd like to go with the 2900+ load but what kind of lifespan reduction will that have vs the 2800 load.

2. How do i post pics so I brag on my new stick

Laz
 
#21
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

My 260 also sports a 26" Krieger 1-8. It's on a Lawton 7000. Plan on runnin' 123s at 3000-3100fps.

I wouldn't sweat another 100fps on your barrel.

There is instructions on how to post pics in one of the forums. can't remember which one.....
 
#22
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: overgunned</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My 260 also sports a 26" Krieger 1-8. It's on a Lawton 7000. Plan on runnin' 123s at 3000-3100fps.

I wouldn't sweat another 100fps on your barrel.

There is instructions on how to post pics in one of the forums. can't remember which one..... </div></div>

You guys think a 8.5 twist will handle the Berger 140 BTLRs, 139s, and the 142smks?
 
#23
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tangodown911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You guys think a 8.5 twist will handle the Berger 140 BTLRs, 139s, and the 142smks? </div></div>

Yep, no doubt about it. I have two 6.5mm 1-8.5's coming from Bartlien and they'll probably see 130/139/140/142's at some point.
 
#24
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

Can only speak to the 260, but I have been nothing but impressed with mine. This is a great round. I have been running the 140 smk's under H4350. Very accurate combination. Get the 142's if you can find them for the little extra ballistic coefficient.
 
#25
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other


I would submit that the 7mm08 is too close to being another .308.

.243 is generally known to have relatively shorter barrel life compared to others. Limited bullet weights suitable for long range (90, 105/107/108 and 115)

So, you guessed it - another vote for .260. Great selection of really good bullets in 6.5mm from several manufacturers. Moderate barrel life.

Paul
 
#26
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

Looking like people who posted, tend to prefer 260 rem with a small margin, but 243 win is a close 2nd.

With 260rem and 243win are there any magazine feeding issues? Will they work with 308win AI mag? Any links to modifying magazines to fit and reliably feed these rounds.

For 243win 1-8" twist? Minimal barrel length? Ideal bullet weight >100gr?

For 260rem 1-8.5" twist? Minimal barrel length? Ideal bullet weight?

Great info guys, thanks!
 
#28
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

Just so we are all talking from the same sheet of music, here are some comparisons:

243 Win 115 gr Berger VLD @ 3000 FPS
1000 Yds Drop -7.4 Mils -25.3 MOA- Drift 1.8 Mils 6.3 MOA

260 Rem 140 gr Berger VLD @ 2850 FPS
1000 Yds Drop -7.8 Mils -26.8 MOA- Drift 1.7 Mils 5.9 MOA

7mm-08 168 gr Berger VLD @ 2700 FPS
1000 Yds Drop -8.8 Mils -30.3 MOA- Drift 1.8 Mils 6.3 MOA

All three are excellent cartridges, and they are very close in performance. You might be able to load them faster, but the velocities I listed are representative and reachable with 24-26" barrels in all rounds.

And just for a baseline, as compared to the great 308:

308 Win 175 Gr Berger VLD @ 2700 FPS

1000 Yds.Drop -10.0 Mils -34.5 MOA- Drift 2.5 Mils 8.5 MOA

Bob
 
#29
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

Bob everyone knows that the 7mm-08 sucks....
wink.gif
 
#30
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bob everyone knows that the 7mm-08 sucks....
wink.gif
</div></div>

I know, now I wish they would get the message and quit buying 7mm 162 A-Max's so I can get some.
cool.gif
 
#32
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

just for the record i think you numbers are a bit off. i have never got a 260 over 2800fps without getting up in the pressures, also you can push the 243 over 3000fps pretty easily. also most reports from the 7mm-08 say you can get at least 2750 out of it. don't get me wrong i think the 260 is a great cartridge but i don't see any real advantage over the 243 or 7mm-08.

In fact if you factor in you get better barrel life with the 7mm with cheap bullets 162amax, and a bigger signature on a hit or miss it starts to gain the biggest advantage in my eyes. even though it is a small advantage relatively.
 
#33
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

Diggler,
Im pushing my 260 right at 2820ish with the 140 and am seeing now pressure. I shot with some Hide members that were getting in the 29s with the 139 Scenars and RE17 and werent running into pressure. Its very feasible to get into the High 28's and Low 29's with out pressure
 
#35
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

deadly rl17 is the great equalizer i would bet you can get over 2800fps in the 7mm if you use it. and don't forget i am shooting literally at sea level in low temps (island in WA) so velocities are alittle slower here than other places.

sorry some reason i felt the need to speak up
 
#37
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

thats awesome, honestly i just can't rationalize the 260 because it not really much different than my 6x47 lapua with 115dtacs at 3050fps. i am opting for the 7 solely because it leaves a bigger signature when you miss so follow up shots should be easier. i tend to think that even though on paper the ft/lbs of energy are only minimally higher that the more expansive bullet thats bigger around (aka 162 amax) will hopefully make noticeably bigger mark on a miss. honestly i don't know yet and as soon as i get it and practice on steel with it at distance i will report back.
 
#39
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jerry M</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OP indicates 'not reloading at this time'. Who is selling loaded 6X47 Lapua?
</div></div>

nobody i was just referencing speed. for that matter it is hard to find good match ammo for any of the 3.
 
#42
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

man don't worry about it they are all great,if you truly cant deciede get the 260 at least it is the easiest to resell if you change your mind later. obviously tons of guys like it.
 
#43
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> How to chose?</div></div>

This is where <span style="font-weight: bold">you</span> have to make the decision after being given all the info and doing your homework. Pick the cartridge that does what <span style="font-weight: bold">YOU</span> need it to do and go with it. No one here can make the decision for you.
 
#48
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hoser</div><div class="ubbcode-body">243 or 6CM for me.

Minimal recoil and when you start reloading 115 DTAC bullets are much cheaper than the 6.5 142s. </div></div>

How many cycles is the brass lasting with your .243? Which brass are you using?

-Steve
 
#49
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> How to chose?</div></div>

This is where <span style="font-weight: bold">you</span> have to make the decision after being given all the info and doing your homework. Pick the cartridge that does what <span style="font-weight: bold">YOU</span> need it to do and go with it. No one here can make the decision for you. </div></div>

Yes, I've come to that realization now. Getting great input and learning a lot from posts. Keep posting, thanks.
 
#50
Re: 243win vs. 260 rem vs. 7mm-08 vs other

I assume that since 6.5mm or .264 bullet loadings seem to be so popular for competition shooting, that they are more choices for bullets with higher ballistic coefficients? Do 243 or 6.5/264 bullets have better BC? And what are some specific bullets or brands to look at?

So with 6.5mm loadings, the rate limiting step is brass? Of the 6.5mm loadings which has the most choices in factory brass, or is easiest to neck up/down from 243 or 308?
 
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