Interested in hearing all about it. I see where the advantages are in the ballistics dept. any downsides? thinking of having a rifle made in this caliber. I understand it is a great shooter. How would it be for hunting deer sized game? Seems like it would be a great round for mil and leo as well wonder why we hear so little about it? thanks for your input
Range Report OK So the .260 Rem teach me
- Thread starter DoubleBarrel
- Start date
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
An older article, but still classic:
http://demigodllc.com/articles/the-case-for-260-remington/
An older article, but still classic:
http://demigodllc.com/articles/the-case-for-260-remington/
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
120 gr Ballistic Tip @ 3000 fps = bad ju-ju on deer. Last time at the range I shot a 1.75" 3-shot group at 525 yards. I know Frank says 5 shots make a group but most things with hide on them won't stand for that many.
120 gr Ballistic Tip @ 3000 fps = bad ju-ju on deer. Last time at the range I shot a 1.75" 3-shot group at 525 yards. I know Frank says 5 shots make a group but most things with hide on them won't stand for that many.
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
I roll my own. I believe South West Ammo will be producing some in the near future. CorBon, HSM, and Remintgon also have loadings for the 260.
I roll my own. I believe South West Ammo will be producing some in the near future. CorBon, HSM, and Remintgon also have loadings for the 260.
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DoubleBarrel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Interested in hearing all about it. I see where the advantages are in the ballistics dept. any downsides? thinking of having a rifle made in this caliber. I understand it is a great shooter. How would it be for hunting deer sized game? Seems like it would be a great round for mil and leo as well wonder why we hear so little about it? thanks for your input </div></div>
The 260 is a great round, no doubt. Ok, the disadvantages:
Brass - No Lapua or Winchester 260 headstamped brass (the two brands that IMHO are the "best")
Barrel Life - You get somewhere around 4x the accurate barrel life from a 308 and near 2x the accurate barrel life from a 7mm-08 (which shoots damn near as flat as a 260).
And you'll read a lot about the 260 around here....
Bob
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DoubleBarrel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Interested in hearing all about it. I see where the advantages are in the ballistics dept. any downsides? thinking of having a rifle made in this caliber. I understand it is a great shooter. How would it be for hunting deer sized game? Seems like it would be a great round for mil and leo as well wonder why we hear so little about it? thanks for your input </div></div>
The 260 is a great round, no doubt. Ok, the disadvantages:
Brass - No Lapua or Winchester 260 headstamped brass (the two brands that IMHO are the "best")
Barrel Life - You get somewhere around 4x the accurate barrel life from a 308 and near 2x the accurate barrel life from a 7mm-08 (which shoots damn near as flat as a 260).
And you'll read a lot about the 260 around here....
Bob
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DoubleBarrel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Interested in hearing all about it. I see where the advantages are in the ballistics dept. any downsides? thinking of having a rifle made in this caliber. I understand it is a great shooter. How would it be for hunting deer sized game? Seems like it would be a great round for mil and leo as well wonder why we hear so little about it? thanks for your input </div></div>
The 260 is a great round, no doubt. Ok, the disadvantages:
Brass - No Lapua or Winchester brass (the two brands that IMHO are the "best")
Barrel Life - You get somewhere around 4x the accurate barrel life from a 308 and near 2x the accurate barrel life from a 7mm-08 (which shoot damn near as flat as a 260).
And you'll read a lot about the 260 around here....
Bob
Interestingly enough, I am wanting to have a new deer rifle by next year. Really looked at the 260 hard. Am wanting to shoot the Barnes 120gr bullets. Suprisingly enough the Barnes reloading manual shows 120gr., 284 bullet out of the 7mm-08 at 100fps faster. Plus can make the 7mm-08 brass out of Lapua. I am looking at the 7mm-08 in a different light now. As for as a deer rifle I don't think a deer would really know which 120gr bullet killed it but looks to me a 7mm-08 in my situation would be a plus.
</div></div>
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BobinNC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DoubleBarrel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Interested in hearing all about it. I see where the advantages are in the ballistics dept. any downsides? thinking of having a rifle made in this caliber. I understand it is a great shooter. How would it be for hunting deer sized game? Seems like it would be a great round for mil and leo as well wonder why we hear so little about it? thanks for your input </div></div>
The 260 is a great round, no doubt. Ok, the disadvantages:
Brass - No Lapua or Winchester brass (the two brands that IMHO are the "best")
Barrel Life - You get somewhere around 4x the accurate barrel life from a 308 and near 2x the accurate barrel life from a 7mm-08 (which shoot damn near as flat as a 260).
And you'll read a lot about the 260 around here....
Bob
Interestingly enough, I am wanting to have a new deer rifle by next year. Really looked at the 260 hard. Am wanting to shoot the Barnes 120gr bullets. Suprisingly enough the Barnes reloading manual shows 120gr., 284 bullet out of the 7mm-08 at 100fps faster. Plus can make the 7mm-08 brass out of Lapua. I am looking at the 7mm-08 in a different light now. As for as a deer rifle I don't think a deer would really know which 120gr bullet killed it but looks to me a 7mm-08 in my situation would be a plus.
</div></div>
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: krw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Suprisingly enough the Barnes reloading manual shows 120gr., 284 bullet out of the 7mm-08 at 100fps faster.</div></div>
This is because you get more thrust from the same pressure when you have a larger bore size.
Think about PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and you will see that there are more Square Inches of bullet to push against on the 7mm than on the 6.5mm.
That's why you get more velocity from the same pressure.
Going to 308 will get you even more velocity.
The downside to increasing bore diameter with the same weight is that SD (and therefore BC) is dropping.
So, while you get more velocity at the muzzle, you may compare the 6.5 and 7mm bullets of the same weight and find that the velocity at your intended target distance is actually higher with the 6.5mm bullet.
It all depends on the distances you are shooting though.
In closer, go with the higher muzzle velocity.
Out further, go with the higher BC.
Velocity is nice, but BC is forever...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: krw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Suprisingly enough the Barnes reloading manual shows 120gr., 284 bullet out of the 7mm-08 at 100fps faster.</div></div>
This is because you get more thrust from the same pressure when you have a larger bore size.
Think about PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and you will see that there are more Square Inches of bullet to push against on the 7mm than on the 6.5mm.
That's why you get more velocity from the same pressure.
Going to 308 will get you even more velocity.
The downside to increasing bore diameter with the same weight is that SD (and therefore BC) is dropping.
So, while you get more velocity at the muzzle, you may compare the 6.5 and 7mm bullets of the same weight and find that the velocity at your intended target distance is actually higher with the 6.5mm bullet.
It all depends on the distances you are shooting though.
In closer, go with the higher muzzle velocity.
Out further, go with the higher BC.
Velocity is nice, but BC is forever...
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
Winchester does make 260 brass, except it's stamped 7-08, one pass thru a Redding Type S FL die with a expander, .290 bushing and it's 260Rem brass, after the first firing I remove the expander, and install Reddings carbide floating expander, it barely kisses the neck and ensures the lip of the neck is perfectly round, Concentricity is very good, and the primer pockets seem to last forever, I have 10-12 firings on some, I anneal now so my 260 brass might last a very long time, and it's cheaper than factory Rem brass.
Winchester does make 260 brass, except it's stamped 7-08, one pass thru a Redding Type S FL die with a expander, .290 bushing and it's 260Rem brass, after the first firing I remove the expander, and install Reddings carbide floating expander, it barely kisses the neck and ensures the lip of the neck is perfectly round, Concentricity is very good, and the primer pockets seem to last forever, I have 10-12 firings on some, I anneal now so my 260 brass might last a very long time, and it's cheaper than factory Rem brass.
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Winchester does make 260 brass, except it's stamped 7-08, one pass thru a Redding Type S FL die with a expander, .290 bushing and it's 260Rem brass, after the first firing I remove the expander, and install Reddings carbide floating expander, it barely kisses the neck and ensures the lip of the neck is perfectly round, Concentricity is very good, and the primer pockets seem to last forever, I have 10-12 firings on some, I anneal now so my 260 brass might last a very long time, and it's cheaper than factory Rem brass. </div></div>What he said
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Winchester does make 260 brass, except it's stamped 7-08, one pass thru a Redding Type S FL die with a expander, .290 bushing and it's 260Rem brass, after the first firing I remove the expander, and install Reddings carbide floating expander, it barely kisses the neck and ensures the lip of the neck is perfectly round, Concentricity is very good, and the primer pockets seem to last forever, I have 10-12 firings on some, I anneal now so my 260 brass might last a very long time, and it's cheaper than factory Rem brass. </div></div>What he said
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
Actually pretty much any .260 Rem F/L die with expander will turn either 7-08 or .243 brass into .260 just as described above. Aside from being slightly softer'n average, Rem .260 brass also works just fine.
With Savage returning the .260 Rem chambering to their lineup for next year, it's possible that the .260 has finally turned some sort of corner and is finally being more widely received by the commercial ammo makers. Good news...
Actually pretty much any .260 Rem F/L die with expander will turn either 7-08 or .243 brass into .260 just as described above. Aside from being slightly softer'n average, Rem .260 brass also works just fine.
With Savage returning the .260 Rem chambering to their lineup for next year, it's possible that the .260 has finally turned some sort of corner and is finally being more widely received by the commercial ammo makers. Good news...
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
I've been researching the brass debate for for awhile now. From what I've read the 7-08 Winchester brass sounds like the winner. What are the drawbacks to this method?
I've been researching the brass debate for for awhile now. From what I've read the 7-08 Winchester brass sounds like the winner. What are the drawbacks to this method?
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
It's hard enough as it is finding 6.5mm bullets and stuff. Please build a 308 in stead
Great cartridge, you'll love it. I'll soon have two 6.5's
It's hard enough as it is finding 6.5mm bullets and stuff. Please build a 308 in stead
Great cartridge, you'll love it. I'll soon have two 6.5's
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
You will not be disappointed with the 260 as it is more than an ample caliber, as are smaller ones. I have seen more than one deer put down with a 22-250. Not my personal caliber of choice for taking deer sized game, but the 260 will definitely out shine it in a hunting situation. Since starting to shoot the 260, it has become my favorite caliber. Components can be a little bit cumbersome to come by at times, but just load up on them when you find them. As for the brass, I have had great results with Rem, but prefer Nosler. I certainly think Nosler is quality brass. Not quite Lapua, but then again I am not interested in resizing brass, so Nosler wins it for me.
You will not be disappointed with the 260 as it is more than an ample caliber, as are smaller ones. I have seen more than one deer put down with a 22-250. Not my personal caliber of choice for taking deer sized game, but the 260 will definitely out shine it in a hunting situation. Since starting to shoot the 260, it has become my favorite caliber. Components can be a little bit cumbersome to come by at times, but just load up on them when you find them. As for the brass, I have had great results with Rem, but prefer Nosler. I certainly think Nosler is quality brass. Not quite Lapua, but then again I am not interested in resizing brass, so Nosler wins it for me.
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
With Savage returning the .260 Rem chambering to their lineup for next year, it's possible that the .260 has finally turned some sort of corner and is finally being more widely received by the commercial ammo makers. Good news... </div></div>
Bring back memories of your Ghost Dancer (hope I got the name right) Project, Greg?
I had a Model 7 in .260 years ago, and ran a Match Rifle in 6.5-08 for a while. Now that I found out about Savage's upcoming 12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor & .260 Rem... I'm havin' trouble goin' to sleep I'm so excited
Just hope they didn't ruin it with a short throat...
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
With Savage returning the .260 Rem chambering to their lineup for next year, it's possible that the .260 has finally turned some sort of corner and is finally being more widely received by the commercial ammo makers. Good news... </div></div>
Bring back memories of your Ghost Dancer (hope I got the name right) Project, Greg?
I had a Model 7 in .260 years ago, and ran a Match Rifle in 6.5-08 for a while. Now that I found out about Savage's upcoming 12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor & .260 Rem... I'm havin' trouble goin' to sleep I'm so excited
Just hope they didn't ruin it with a short throat...
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
My Ghost Dancer is in good form, sporting a 28" L-W barrel these days.
Greg
My Ghost Dancer is in good form, sporting a 28" L-W barrel these days.
Greg
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
Greg,
Since you have a pretty fair amount of experience with this cartridge, in basically the same action (Savage) as I'm looking at... any thoughts on loading 140gn projectiles to mag length? Before with my 6.5-08 the mag length stuff was always 120-123gn bullets, and the barrel was throated long for single-load 142gn bullets that would never fit in the magazine. For a more 'practical' type gun that needs to feed primarily from the magazine, it seems like the 140gn bullets would be stuffed in the case awfully deep... not so much worried about capacity, as that case always seems to have excess air space, but having the bullet body/tail junction sitting at or below the donut area of the neck kind of bothers me, at least in theory. Any issues in actual practice?
Thanks,
Monte
Greg,
Since you have a pretty fair amount of experience with this cartridge, in basically the same action (Savage) as I'm looking at... any thoughts on loading 140gn projectiles to mag length? Before with my 6.5-08 the mag length stuff was always 120-123gn bullets, and the barrel was throated long for single-load 142gn bullets that would never fit in the magazine. For a more 'practical' type gun that needs to feed primarily from the magazine, it seems like the 140gn bullets would be stuffed in the case awfully deep... not so much worried about capacity, as that case always seems to have excess air space, but having the bullet body/tail junction sitting at or below the donut area of the neck kind of bothers me, at least in theory. Any issues in actual practice?
Thanks,
Monte
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
My rifle now employs a single feed follower, so mag loading is not an option for me.
That said, I'm pretty sure Black Hills, etc., produce their 139gr Scenar loads at magazine length, and many reports say they work well.
For mag length rounds, I believe an HPBT bullet profile probably allows less seating depth than a bullet with a ballistic tip, and I can say with confidence that the 142SMK works very well in this chambering.
I have never seen any evidence of a donut or a problem that could be attributed to a donut. Part of this may be a consequence of my personal technique of only resizing the very end portion of the case neck. The load 43.8gr H-4350, 140A-Max/142SMK, does not appear to require shoulder bumps, which would be my guess regarding where donuts originate.
These days the Dancer is doing a time-out. When Bodines was withdrawn from HP/F-Class comp, I lost my LR site, and shooting the .260 at distances I now have available (250yd max) seems somewhat of a waste. Much of that shooting is being done with .222 and .223, and I'm looking into a shorter barreled .30BR.
Greg
My rifle now employs a single feed follower, so mag loading is not an option for me.
That said, I'm pretty sure Black Hills, etc., produce their 139gr Scenar loads at magazine length, and many reports say they work well.
For mag length rounds, I believe an HPBT bullet profile probably allows less seating depth than a bullet with a ballistic tip, and I can say with confidence that the 142SMK works very well in this chambering.
I have never seen any evidence of a donut or a problem that could be attributed to a donut. Part of this may be a consequence of my personal technique of only resizing the very end portion of the case neck. The load 43.8gr H-4350, 140A-Max/142SMK, does not appear to require shoulder bumps, which would be my guess regarding where donuts originate.
These days the Dancer is doing a time-out. When Bodines was withdrawn from HP/F-Class comp, I lost my LR site, and shooting the .260 at distances I now have available (250yd max) seems somewhat of a waste. Much of that shooting is being done with .222 and .223, and I'm looking into a shorter barreled .30BR.
Greg
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
That said, I'm pretty sure Black Hills, etc., produce their 139gr Scenar loads at magazine length, and many reports say they work well.
</div></div>
True. But I wouldn't normally expect too many problems loading virgin brass that hasn't been blown out and resized, with the brass flowing up from the shoulder into the neck. What works just ducky for factory ammo with virgin brass may or may not be viable with reloads.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
That said, I'm pretty sure Black Hills, etc., produce their 139gr Scenar loads at magazine length, and many reports say they work well.
</div></div>
True. But I wouldn't normally expect too many problems loading virgin brass that hasn't been blown out and resized, with the brass flowing up from the shoulder into the neck. What works just ducky for factory ammo with virgin brass may or may not be viable with reloads.
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
I just got mine together this weekend and took her virginity out this morning!
Before the rebarrel I shot 175 smks @ a bit over 2600 (308). I will say the 142 smk out of the 260 kicks MUCH less. I can pretty much see my splash @120 yards with the scope zoomed in.
Havent got much load development done, but will be shooting some distance ASAP. Seems like a hell of a round.
I just got mine together this weekend and took her virginity out this morning!
Before the rebarrel I shot 175 smks @ a bit over 2600 (308). I will say the 142 smk out of the 260 kicks MUCH less. I can pretty much see my splash @120 yards with the scope zoomed in.
Havent got much load development done, but will be shooting some distance ASAP. Seems like a hell of a round.
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
with mine im jumping 139 scener .030 which fits inside an aics mag just fine
as for brass 308 lapua gives me more velocity and i dont have to trim necks
but the crappy rem brass still is shooting really well.
BK
with mine im jumping 139 scener .030 which fits inside an aics mag just fine
as for brass 308 lapua gives me more velocity and i dont have to trim necks
but the crappy rem brass still is shooting really well.
BK
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
It shoots the same trajectory curve as a 300 win mag out to 1000 yds, kicks like a .243, and carries 1000+ ft/lbs of energy (for deer killing) out to 600 yards. Good bullets have BC's in the .500-.625 range. Nosler makes match grade brass, and you can get all of the load data you want right here in about 2 hours. It'll be a long time before you see me replace my LAP .260 with anything but another one in a different color.
It shoots the same trajectory curve as a 300 win mag out to 1000 yds, kicks like a .243, and carries 1000+ ft/lbs of energy (for deer killing) out to 600 yards. Good bullets have BC's in the .500-.625 range. Nosler makes match grade brass, and you can get all of the load data you want right here in about 2 hours. It'll be a long time before you see me replace my LAP .260 with anything but another one in a different color.
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
Great round you won't be disappointed I am shooting a 140 a-max over rl 22 though most like 4350 and it's a tack driver. Crushes the deer and hogs as well 10 plus one shot kills at various ranges this year. And put a 12 year old fairly new shooter into sub moa groups of a bipod at 800 yds. Just a versatile and forgiving round with great bullet selection
Great round you won't be disappointed I am shooting a 140 a-max over rl 22 though most like 4350 and it's a tack driver. Crushes the deer and hogs as well 10 plus one shot kills at various ranges this year. And put a 12 year old fairly new shooter into sub moa groups of a bipod at 800 yds. Just a versatile and forgiving round with great bullet selection
Re: OK So the .260 Rem teach me
I have been studying the 6.5's as well. I was leaning toward a Savage Long Range Hunter in 6.5x284 but the more I read I think I may go with the .260 Rem. From what I am reading ballistics are about the same and barrel life is better with the .260 than the creedmore or 6.5x284. I could barrel swap my FCP but I don't like the idea of not having the .308 to shoot when the notion strikes. Winter time brings too much time to think about such things as this.
I have been studying the 6.5's as well. I was leaning toward a Savage Long Range Hunter in 6.5x284 but the more I read I think I may go with the .260 Rem. From what I am reading ballistics are about the same and barrel life is better with the .260 than the creedmore or 6.5x284. I could barrel swap my FCP but I don't like the idea of not having the .308 to shoot when the notion strikes. Winter time brings too much time to think about such things as this.
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