260 AI

[22BRGUY]

The 260 AI used to be more popular it seems. Any opinions and/or experiences on this cartridge vs. 6.5x47's, and 6.5x284's appreciated.

 

[ShootDots]

All three are excellent rounds.. The 6.5 X 47 can compete with the .260Rem / A.I. because it has the benefit of a small primer pocket. It can EASILY withstand pressures that a "normal", if you will, Large Rifle primer pocket simply can not take without loosening up or blowing out completely. However, if you want to take on some additional work, the .260 / A.I. can have the benefit of a small primer pocket. Buy the Lapua "Palma Brass" and neck it down. That is an easy BUT somewhat long-winded proposition. Only you can make the decision if it is worth the time or not.

If you do take the route of the "Palma Brass" in the .260A.I. you can nearly reach 6.5 x 284 performance. However, the 6.5 x 284 and PROBABLY the "Palma .260A.I." will have similar barrel erosion qualities.. Even though you can push the 140class bullets in the 6.5 x 47 to 2800-2825f.p.s., you are IMHO, still better off using 123-130class bullets in it. One the other hand, a .260A.I. has the horsepower to push those same bullets to 2900+ and that can overshadow the 6.5 x 47 in 600 and 1000 yard competition(s)..

The 6.5 x 284 is a VERY accurate round, has lots of horsepower and can hold it's own at 1000 yards. However, for 2 additional small steps, you can turn the 6.5 x 284 into a .284 Shehane, which completely overtakes the smaller bullets in the 6.5 x 284...

For simplicity sake, do a 6.5 x 47>>>if you like to try "new ideas" like I do, go for the .260A.I.. If you are leaning toward a 6.5 x 284, go the extra distance and make it a .284Shehane>>>you will thank yourself for that decision..

 

[Romulus]

I'm not saying all 260 AI's with Palma Brass will get to 3050 fps, but mine never showed signs past 3111 fps so I backed off to where it wanted to shoot.

There's nothing wrong with 47, AI, AI Palma or x284, it just depends what you need it for and how much time you want to spend getting to the performance standards you want.

What do you plan to use it for primarily?

I know many guys that shoot 6.5x47 at about 2820 and shoot quite well.

 

[22BRGUY]

Thanks much Dots and Rom. I shoot and much like the heavies in 22BR and of course the Dasher. I just see the high BC of those 140's and think there could be potential there for some really nice longer range performance. I've heard other excellent shooters say just skip over the 6.5s and go straight to the .284's. Then I start thinking about 180s recoil and hesitate. Just trying to consider all of this as it may well be my last build. It seems to me those 140's like the mid 2900s for top performance is why I go by the 47s and to me, although the 6.5x284 is really a great performer, we all hear about the erosion factor. I thought the 260 AI might be a nice middle spot to get that velocity with somewhat less erosion.
Take good care.

 

[Phil]

How bout a .284 Shahane or 7 SAUM with a 162 Amax going 3100-3200 in a heavy rifle????

I`m thinking about leaning this way for a long range rifle.

In a 6.5 it would be the 130-140 Bergers or JLK`s going 3200 with a case capable of pushing them at these speeds.

The 6.5 SAUM comes to mind.....