good hunting bullets for 260

[Austin]

What is your guys opinion on hunting bullets for a 260 with a 1:8 twist.

 

[Austin]

I should add it will be for muledeer,coyote,antilope,& posibly elk.

 

[sewwhat89]

130 gr Swift Scirocco for the deer

Depending on the range, any of the SMKs, Scenars or AMAX for the yotes.

For the elk, I would use 130 gr TSX or 140 NP or A-frame depending on the range. I would say this is on the low side for elk, but if you can place the bullet properly, they will work fine.

 

[JER]

Don't forget the Hornady 129 and 140 Spire Point and SST.

If you are in short range,< 200 yards) situations, the Hornady 160 Round Nose bears a look.

 

[M700]

Elk are big. A trophy class bull will go 700 - 800 pounds live weight. Big bones, massive muscle and a fairly thick hide.

They're not bullet proof - but if you're going after them with a relatively light cartridge, be sure to use a good bullet that will penetrate deep through all that heavy muscle, hide & bone. I'd consider a 140 gr Barnes XLC if I was using a .260 Rem for elk.

Here's a quote from the Barnes loading manual:

"Last fall I shot completely through an elk that was quartering away from me with the Barnes X-Bullet at 300 yards. The .260 isn't the fastest cartridge in this manual, but it may be the most shooter-friendly when hunting anything ranging from varmints to elk. Recoil is light, accuracy is great and terminal performance and penetration are phenomenal with the X-bullets."

I see Barnes recommends their 140 X and XLC for elk, and they list loads of up to 2704 fps with the 140 XLC. That oughta get 'er done!

I've only shot one mulie with the Barnes TSX bullet, a little 100 grainer from a .25-06 Rem. Based on the accuracy and complete penetration observed, as well as anecdotal evidence presented by other hunters, I'd have no reservations about using the Barnes bullet for elk, even in relatively mild cartridges like the .260, the 7mm-08 or the .308 Winchester.

I suspect that you might wind up with two loads, one rapid-expanding load for deer & antelope, and another deep-penetrating load for elk,and black bear).

Regards, Guy

 

[JER]

Don't forget the Hornady 129 and 140 Spire Point and SST.

If you are in short range,< 200 yards) situations, the Hornady 160 Round Nose bears a look.

ETA: I should have said that I mentioned the Hornady Spire Point and SST in the deer and antelope context.

For elk bulls at typical western distances nothing beats the 140 grain Swift A Frame, Barnes TSX, and Nosler Partition.

 

[Ogre6br]

HI
most of mine has been in the 6.5x55 similar to the .260. 120 Grain Rem factory Core-lokts have only ever let me down when I didn't place them correctly.

Correct placement with them and you are on a good thing- close or far they just work.

Don't know about ELK- we don't have them over here. try the 140 version.

Haviest hog I got with the 120 6.5x55 setup was in the 260-275 lbs weight and it wobbled and tok an step before dropping on it's nose.
about 135 yards
Taken a 200 pounder at 280 approx yards with litle more than a step or two before she nose dived.

later
p

 

[30378]

For deer, try the 120gr Nosler ballistic Tip. Anything heavier go with the Nosler 140 Partition. Both do really well in my 40x 260. For Varmints the 108gr molly coated Lapua.

 

[Mntngoat]

I've taken several hogs with a the Nosler 140 grain Partition.

Hope this helps,
Michael

 

[bmash]

I didn't notice your velocity or barrel length, but with my short barrel Rem. Model 7 I was struggling to get velocity up to what I felt comfortable with for ballistic tips or other conventional bullets so I went with the 120gr Barnes triple shock X bullet. Velocity averages 2698. I killed one deer this past year with this rifle and was very impressed. Complete pentration through the lungs with a nice size exit hole. This weight improved my velocity and was the most acurate through this rifle.,I don't have a clue what twist my rifle is.)I bet this bullet will do the job for elk.

 

[alg]

I would give the barnes tsx a try