Changing from a 308 to 260

xNF_9

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 14, 2009
954
74
Fargo
Just a question of changing barrels. I own a 308 Remington PSS and wondering once the barrel has lost its accuracy would I be able to change the barrel to a 260 with nothing else or would there be some other changes needed or if this can't even be done. Thanks... might be a dumb question but just wondering.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

To go from a rifle that shoots .308 to .260 (or 6.5 Creedmoor) all you need is to rebarrel with the proper barrel. Everything else from the barrel back is the same, including the mag.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

Is there any area you can point me into for buying a barrel? I've read that the milling that Remington 5r on the military rifle is a good type of rifling to use. I am not very savy with the detailed parts of the chamber. I've looked at some sites and they ask for dimensions and what not. I have no clue what to look for as in chamber dimensions. Also are there reputable dealers that I could look into for a nice barrel?
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

Also could I was reading a 338 Federal is a necked up 308 would there be big positive ballistic differences here also?
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XcroSS aG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also could I was reading a 338 Federal is a necked up 308 would there be big positive ballistic differences here also? </div></div>

The 338 Fed will not give you a ballistic improvement on the 308 for long range shooting. It makes a good, up close hunting round though.

If you want a 308 sized case with better ballistics you want to look at the 6mm-7mm offerings.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XcroSS aG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you that is what I've heard from others. Would this be a good idea to do ballistic wise? </div></div>

what is your intention?

If you want to shoot farther and flatter, yes the .260 will do that over the .308.

But then you mention going with the .338 Federal instead. That is a good short range hunting cartridge. It's also the exact opposite direction from going from 308 to 260.

So are you looking for a faster, flatter shooting cartridge than the 308?

Or are you looking for a shorter range, harder hitting hunting cartridge than the 308?
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

I was looking at a different 338 which now that you guys have made me realize that the Federal one is better for close range hunting I am looking for a bullet that is stable for longer ranges. What would be the best or a good bullet that will stay stable longer than a 308 and still being able to use the 308 chamber and rebarreling it.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XcroSS aG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also could I was reading a 338 Federal is a necked up 308 would there be big positive ballistic differences here also? </div></div>

Maybe you meant 338 lapua?
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

XcroSS:

Numerous custom after-market barrel makers make barrels of nearly any calliber you could concieve.

It is the custom gunsmith that will chamber that barrel for the cartrige you want to shoot, and thread it to fit your action.

You are jumping off into the custom arena where you need to know what you want, so you can tell your gunsmith what to build for you.

I would suggest you find a gunsmith in your area, or one of the sponsors of this site and discuss your intentions with them.

+1 for Ranger 1183's comments.

Paul
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

Well I live in Fargo ND. A little city compared to many of the users on this forum and I have no clue where I should start looking for one. Papers? Internet? Phonebook? anything helpful would be appreciated.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

what is your budget?

What are your time requirements?

What is your weight limit for the new barrel?

(I've put +8 pound barrels on rifles that only go from the truck to the range bench / varmint shooting rest and back. I've put 3 pound barrels on rifles I wanted to carry through the woods.)

What projectile do you want to shoot? Anywhere from the 139 grain bullets and up I would use either a 1 in 8 inch or a 1 in 8 1/2 inch twist rate.

you will need to be very specific regarding what distances you want to shoot, what type of target you want to hit (paper, steel, varmints, etc.), what weight you need to have for the weapon system and what level of accuracy you require, in order for the exact right barrel to be identified for you.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

Since this sounds like your first rifle, my recommendation is to get a Remington M700SPS Tactical (Varmint weight 20" barrel) in .308Win. It will still be light enough to hunt with. While you are shooting the barrel out (learning) you can make upgrades (stock, trigger, bottom metal, etc). Once you're ready to rebarrel you will KNOW what you want and a good idea who will do it.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

I own a rem 308P and upgrading as I can. It's topped with a 5.5-22x56mm NF NXS, Jewell trigger, H&S precision stock, Leupold rings, and that's about it. I've been slowly upgrading and learning as I go. I was just wondering about switching to a new cartridge. I have thousands of rounds to go in this 308 just wondering about changing to a 260. I appreciate everything just looking into what I can do for the future. My next big thing is reloading.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XcroSS aG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I own a rem 308P and upgrading as I can. It's topped with a 5.5-22x56mm NF NXS, Jewell trigger, H&S precision stock, Leupold rings, and that's about it. I've been slowly upgrading and learning as I go. I was just wondering about switching to a new cartridge. I have thousands of rounds to go in this 308 just wondering about changing to a 260. I appreciate everything just looking into what I can do for the future. My next big thing is reloading. </div></div>

Sounds like you have a nice rig, the only thing I would consider adding is a DBM system that takes AICS mags.

Before you step into a .260Rem or anything else, you NEED to start reloading. While there are many .308Win match loads (if you're made of $$$) so you don't have to reload, there are very few suitable match loads for the .260Rem. Reloading is pretty much mandatory for shooting one of those.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buffybuster</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Before you step into a .260Rem or anything else, you NEED to start reloading. While there are many .308Win match loads (if you're made of $$$) so you don't have to reload, there are very few suitable match loads for the .260Rem. Reloading is pretty much mandatory for shooting one of those. </div></div>

Which is why earlier I suggested he look into 6.5 Creedmoor. Hornady makes a VERY nice match ammo for this round that's both inexpensive and proven. Redding has made 6.5CM dies for some time so when you start loading you can load either 260REM or 6.5CM just the same.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

.260 Ammo has always seemed to be in short supply, and target ammo just does not exist, with the exception of the recent addition of .260 by Black Hills.

I don't buy loaded ammo, so I can't vouch for Black Hills .260, but it is probably fairly good stuff.

That said, 6.5 Creedmoore is probably a smarter choice to begin with, and you really won't be giving up anything compared to the other 6.5 offerings.

I shoot a .260 simply because the 6.5 Creedmoore didn't exist back when the .260 was known as the 6.5-08.

Paul
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

If I get a DBM system I might as well buy a new stock. they cost anywhere from $300 or would a H&S precision stock do me just fine. I like the way the stock feels, but is it a good enough stock for long ranges? I have never heard of anyone that uses them, but if they are good I'll keep mine. Also is there any way I can get something to adjust the length of it?
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XcroSS aG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I get a DBM system I might as well buy a new stock. they cost anywhere from $300 or would a H&S precision stock do me just fine. I like the way the stock feels, but is it a good enough stock for long ranges? I have never heard of anyone that uses them, but if they are good I'll keep mine. Also is there any way I can get something to adjust the length of it? </div></div>

If the HSPrecision stock fits you, there's nothing really wrong with it. An AICS compatible DBM system (Badger, CDI, R&D, Hooper) is going to cost ($2-300) and your stock is going to have be inlet for it (another $50). AICS mags ~$75ea. It is an investment which is handy if you're shooting comps but otherwise not necessary.

A custom stock is going to be $600-900 depending on options, plus another $2-300 for the DBM system.

One of the cheaper/easier ways to get into an stock & DBM is to get an AICS stock (if it fits you). You can usually get a 1.5 for about $800.

Adjusting length of pull: if too short you could add some spacers (then grind to contour) or cut and recontour. Adding any adjustable LOP hardware is going to be too much money (if you're considering that either get a stock with that already or go custom).
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

If I do go with the AICS 1.5 system would it come with a mag system already in it or is that an addition? I have looked at them, but never really looked into all of the upgrades. If $800 is all I'm looking at is not terrible. I don't think I'll be doing any competitions very soon so it's not likely to happen soon.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XcroSS aG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I do go with the AICS 1.5 system would it come with a mag system already in it or is that an addition? I have looked at them, but never really looked into all of the upgrades. If $800 is all I'm looking at is not terrible. I don't think I'll be doing any competitions very soon so it's not likely to happen soon. </div></div>
do yourself a favor. If you're going to spend $800 on an AISCs 1.5, spent another $200 and get the AICS 2.0. The 2.0 is a heck of a lot easier when it comes to cleaning your barrel plus it is also a lot easier to sell when you move onto something else. I bought my 2.0 at MidwayUSA and using a Sniper's Hide / MidwayUSA coupon I got a $100 discount. Turned out to be a great deal for me. Yes, the AICS stocks come with both the AICS bottom metal plus one 5 round magazine. Great deal all the way around!
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

So go with the 2.0 got ya. Where's my coupon for $100 off lol. Does the stock give 1k worth of difference in shooting?
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XcroSS aG</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So go with the 2.0 got ya. Where's my coupon for $100 off lol. Does the stock give 1k worth of difference in shooting? </div></div>

put it this way, it's a $200 improvement over an AICS 1.5
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oodin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This guy is in Center, ND and I believe tjonh2001 has some experience with him. When you get to rebarreling he would be worth a phone call. </div></div>

+1 for SSG.Nathan is GTG.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

I'd think carefully about switching from 308 to 260 or 6.5 Creedmore. You barrel life is better in 308, and 308 ammo is comparatively among the cheapest (barring rimfire of course). Check out this thread .
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WestOfPecos</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd think carefully about switching from 308 to 260 or 6.5 Creedmore. You barrel life is better in 308, and 308 ammo is comparatively among the cheapest (barring rimfire of course). Check out this thread . </div></div>

Barrel life is not the friend of performance and vice versa. Pick one but you can't have both. If the guy wants performance everyone knows this comes at the sacrifice of cost and barrel life. But if performance is what you want these are the sacrifices you are willing to make.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Barrel life is not the friend of performance and vice versa. Pick one but you can't have both. If the guy wants performance everyone knows this comes at the sacrifice of cost and barrel life. But if performance is what you want these are the sacrifices you are willing to make. </div></div>
The OP should know what he is going to lose before making the sacrifice. Then it is his choice if the improvement is worth the cost. Keeping the cons of a decision in the dark does not allow him to make up his mind in the best conditions.
 
Re: Changing from a 308 to 260

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WestOfPecos</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jer</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Barrel life is not the friend of performance and vice versa. Pick one but you can't have both. If the guy wants performance everyone knows this comes at the sacrifice of cost and barrel life. But if performance is what you want these are the sacrifices you are willing to make. </div></div>
The OP should know what he is going to lose before making the sacrifice. Then it is his choice if the improvement is worth the cost. Keeping the cons of a decision in the dark does not allow him to make up his mind in the best conditions. </div></div>

I don't think anyone was intentionally keeping it in the dark so much as assuming that if the OP was asking about custom barreling he already knew since it's pretty well known.