7SAUM, 260 REM or 308

[25MAN]

So looking for advice...I believe I have settled on one, but curious to what everyone's opinion is. My goal is to begin competition shooting next year. I have been practicing and finalizing load development and feel I will be ready to embarrass myself next year but have fun doing it.

I have 3 custom builds 7SAUM (chambered for the 180s), 260, and 308.

which caliber do you feel I should begin with. I know it will vary by the type of class I decide to shoot and have not determined that yet, but I want to understand from the guys/gals who have been doing this for a long time what they feel what the best choice for beginner.

I am not building another one yet so really looking for just opinions on these 3 cals.

 

[GreatGonzo]

Re: 7SAUM, 260 REM or 308

The 260 is the right choice. You get good ballistics, beat only by the big 7's, with far less recoil. The 260 feeds great from a magazine as well.

Use the 308 for 308 only comps, or comps that have a 308 class.
Use the 7SAUM for times when you know that most of the engagements will be at 800+.

I've shot a 280 Ackley (very similar to the 7SAUM) in competition for over a year now. While it is great to have the advantages that superb ballistics gives you, more often than not, I find myself wishing I had a little less cartridge.

 

[KNIGHT11B4]

Re: 7SAUM, 260 REM or 308

I am a firm believer that learning on a 308 will form you into a better shooter.

Id put time in on the 308 then move to the 260. You may feel behind in the beginning but it will force you to get better. A trained shooter with a 308 is never out of the running.

 

[25MAN]

Re: 7SAUM, 260 REM or 308

Yeah the plan is to spend most of my practice timem behind the 308 and 260 and compete mainly with the 260 and 7mm

 

[4Rail_Gunner]

Re: 7SAUM, 260 REM or 308

.308 for practice and .308 competitions

.260 for run and gun, sniper competitions, more practice

7mm for Benchrest and long range engagements

 

[JFComfort]

Re: 7SAUM, 260 REM or 308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 4Rail_Gunner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">.308 for practice and .308 competitions

.260 for run and gun, sniper competitions, more practice

7mm for Benchrest and long range engagements

</div></div>

I agree.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: 7SAUM, 260 REM or 308

Having three custom builds, I'm guessing you already know what you are doing. And you know what your capabilities are and what each of your weapons capabilities are. Which do you feel most comfortable shooting?

I'd take the flatest shooting rifle I could shoot the best.