Range Report Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

captnmo

captnmo

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Oct 19, 2008
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Fort Lewis, WA
#1
I may draw some fire for asking, but I think my google-fu is weak. I'm only really familiar with military 7.62 and 5.56 and am thinking about jumping into a custom build bolt gun. Some options to me are .260 Rem, .260 AI, 6x47 Lapua and 6.5x47 Lapua.

Sounds like the .260 has some ballistic advantages over 308 and it sounds like .260 AI will burn out barrels fast. Could someone help me out with the differences in the Lapua rounds and how they compare to the .260 Rem? Or at least point me in the right direction on this. I'm in need of some in-depth research to read here.
 
#2
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

i'm going to slap you..............


the reason folks go to a cheater boolit is because they are more forgiving out long.....they don't necessarily go that much faster....but do got a higher BC boolit.

most here won't pop for the Gucci brass 'cause the remington do just fine till the necks split.......or you could finger fuck 7.08 brass to 6.5 specs and go even lighter on the wallet

i'm seeing a trend.....the 6 and 6.5 drivers are going back to their roots and now driving the .308 to vast untold Glory.....
 
#3
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

go 260 rem , they rock! brass -being a bolt gun pay the extra if you reload and use lapua 260 brass which should be out in April -the lapua stuff is really good and cheap in the long run .I have used Rem but they stretched their arses to quick and I had lotsa sloppy primmer pockets which means burnt bolt faces .the 6.5 projectile is sleeker in the air so you have less windage and vert than a similar weight 308 projo.
In saying that nothing to wrong with 308 , just not as good as 260
 
#4
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: captnmo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I may draw some fire for asking, but I think my google-fu is weak. I'm only really familiar with military 7.62 and 5.56 and am thinking about jumping into a custom build bolt gun. Some options to me are .260 Rem, .260 AI, 6x47 Lapua and 6.5x47 Lapua.

Sounds like the .260 has some ballistic advantages over 308 and it sounds like .260 AI will burn out barrels fast. Could someone help me out with the differences in the Lapua rounds and how they compare to the .260 Rem? Or at least point me in the right direction on this. I'm in need of some in-depth research to read here. </div></div>

Here try this on for size:

Cost

6.5 Lapua: Brass $84.00 per 100
260 Rem: Lapua Brass $88.00 per 100 (soon to hit market)
7mm-08: Win Brass $46.00 per 100
308 Win: Lapua Brass $60.00 per 100

Performance:

6.5 Lapua 139 Gr Lapua @ 2750 FPS (260 Performance is similar)
1000 yds Drop -9.2 Mils -31.5 MOA Drift 2.2 Mils 7.6 MOA

7mm-08 162 Gr A-Max @ 2700 FPS
1000 Yds Drop -9.1 Mils -31.5 MOA Drift 2.1 Mils 7.1 MOA

308 Win 175 Berger LRBT @ 2700 FPS
1000 Yds Drop -10.1 Mils -34.8 MOA Drift 2.6 Mils 8.8 MOA

Note the relative brass costs, and performance at similar velocities.

The 260 AI and 6x47 Lapua are wildcats and require case or fireforming.

Have fun,

Bob
 
#6
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

I have been using the .260 since mid-2002, and am a total convert. I don't even own any .308's anymore. If I wanted an augmented .260, I'd rather choose the 6.5x55 than the .260AI. Don't know much about the 6.5x47, but it has a following. For a Semi, I'd consider the 6.5CM; because it allows a slightly shorter OAL, which can be helpful when reconciling mag feeding and a shorter jump to the rifling.

For a .30 cal, I prefer a .30-'06, and to optimize the '06's case capacity, I'm doing load development with the .280 Rem.

Reviewing for paper and max distances, Short Action Bolt, .260, Short Action Semi, 6.5CM, Long Action Bolt, .280 Rem, Long Action Semi, .30-'06.

And finally, for all around hunting, .30-'06 bolt for all distances, .44mag lever for brush.

Greg
 
#7
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

1- do you reload? If you do, I'd lean to the 6.5x47L for raw accuracy and consistancy. The 6.5x47 brass will be more expensive in the beginning, but will give you multiple reloads over other brass and calibers. The 260 Rem is a great choice also with Rem brass. I wouldn't mess with a wildcat- they take way too much work for little gain. If you lose brass a lot, then the 6.5x47 might be a more expensive option.
If you don't reload, then caliber choice is what you can get or have access to.
 
#8
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

My next rifle will be a 280 AI. I am going to send one of our members a Mod 70 action and ask him to do his magic with it and incorporate a Benchmark barrel. The more I read about that caliber the more I want one.
 
#10
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body">get a long barrel...

and sling the 155 (2156) out HOT.....</div></div>

+1, or drive the same bullet at 2850 out of a 20" barrel if this is a field gun...
 
#11
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

With Chad's help I decided on a 260 for my first custom a little over a year ago and I really love it. I agree with him that if you dont reload than forget all that. I reload 7-08 brass which allows me some extra capacity to push the 140VLD at 2835fps out of a 26" barrel. I am shooting these in F-class at 1000yds with very good results. I have notice the occasional vertical flyer with the first firing of the necked down brass but subsequent firings are right on the money every time. I am a 100% convert to the 260 and except for the occasional wish for a 284 in the wind I would never change. (especially if i could only have one long range rifle) I believe it is the perfect balance of Ballistics, barrel life, recoil and ease/cost of reloading.
 
#13
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

If you don't reload 6.5 Creedmore would be my choice, same performance as a 260, I may even switch to the CM on my next barrel
 
#14
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

The .260 is an easy caliber to load for and shoot well.

If I was looking to do the most with a single chambering, I honestly think the .30-'06 is really good choice. A medium weight barrel, 24"-26" 1:10" twist. Makes it shoot better without turning it into a boat anchor.

If I was thinking about getting really fancy, I'd get an identical swap barrel chambered in .280 Rem, 1:9" twist. A .35 Whelen is also a very interesting choice for more dangeous game.

These chamberings shoot as far and as hard as many Magnums, without many of the annoyances that Magnums bring along to the table. In most cases, factory ammo is both available and very effective.
 
#15
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

I'm running a 7mm-08 right now and I'll never go back to a 30cal. This thing bucks the wind like no other. I am running the 162amax right at 2700 or maybe a touch faster. I went with a 1 in 8 twist so I could run the 180 and 190s if I wanted to but at slower speeds. You can look above at the wind drift we are getting the the 7mm-08 and as soon as you find your load for it you're done. It is so much easier to shoot than my old 308 it's unreal. If you want me to give you load data just PM me and I'll help you with any questions you might have. MY build data in is my sig.

Good luck,
Merritt
 
#17
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

Lots of good info in here all! Especially the drop tables to 1000yd. I think in my opinion a lot of shooters are switching to 260 - 6.5 - 284 is due to the flatter ballistics between 100-600yd.

When clicks are the name of the game the fewer clicks, the faster turns and holds at hits.


6mmbr.com has some great load data (keep in mind it's an f class / bench rest site) so you'll find mostly that type of info!

Good luck, I'm Savin pennies for "gucci brass" in 6.5 x 47 lapua!
 
#19
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

Wind is the killer. Drop doesn't mean anything if your scope and reach it in up correction. Most scopes will give you enough internal adjustment to hit 1k easily as long as your shooting one of the calibers above. The question is which does the best against the wind. Big reason I went with the 7mm. Drop is VERY easy to account for, wind is not easy and takes skill with a bit of luck (because of gusts)

Good luck,
Merritt
 
#22
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

I do my blueskying using load data like the Hodgdon site to get a chambering's ballpark velocities for generic bullet weights/types, and apply them to BCs gleaned from bullet maker sites. I reduce velocities by a practical fudge factor (like 5% or so), and feed the values into Pejsa. The results are not Gospel, but they can give me a coarse estimate of capabilities and performance parameters. This can save one from unproductive projects. If a thing appears marginally possible, it usually isn't. I use this information to determine test load start points, and practical/conservative max load limits.

For example, when I research Hodgdon .280 Rem load data; I note that for bullets under 140gr, they allow a pressure limit of 60,000; but for 140gr and above, they do not publish loads above 50,000. This is an interesting distinction, the meaning of which eludes me. Makes me attentive to reading my fired cases a lot more closely.

My first stage of load development is to do incremental pressure testing, looking for initial indications of stiffer loads. I use very conservative judgement about what is max, and generally never venture back to the loads that cause any concern.

<span style="font-weight: bold">I've learned that there is very little to be gained from inhabiting the hot zone, and that excess stress <span style="font-style: italic">always</span> leads to accelerated eventual failure.</span>

Greg
 
#24
Re: Custom build caliber, 260, 6x47 Lapua, etc.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
captnmo said:
Performance:

6.5 Lapua 139 Gr Lapua @ 2750 FPS (260 Performance is similar)
1000 yds Drop -9.2 Mils -31.5 MOA Drift 2.2 Mils 7.6 MOA

7mm-08 162 Gr A-Max @ 2700 FPS
1000 Yds Drop -9.1 Mils -31.5 MOA Drift 2.1 Mils 7.1 MOA

308 Win 175 Berger LRBT @ 2700 FPS
1000 Yds Drop -10.1 Mils -34.8 MOA Drift 2.6 Mils 8.8 MOA

Note the relative brass costs, and performance at similar velocities.

The 260 AI and 6x47 Lapua are wildcats and require case or fireforming.

Have fun,

Bob
</div></div>
I don't think this as a good comparison, heres why:
after looking at the posted velocities in the reloading forum most guys are able to squeeze 2800 out of their .260's running 139 gr. scenars, while most 7mm-08 loads are moving in the 2600's. Same thing with the .308, good luck getting a 175 out of that case that fast... those numbers are good hypothetically but in reality the performance isn't as similar.

If it was nobody would shoot the .260, ever...
Click to expand...
 
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