Is the 260 AI a logical choice over the 6.5x47 Lapua?

[GSSP]

I'm looking for some intelligent, no BS, answers.

Some of you may already know I run a 6.5x47 in a 26" Broughton 1:8 barrel and a Pierce action. With every ounce of my 37+ years of reloading experience I've found I can run Berger 140 VLD's to almost 3000 fps with zero pressure signs, only getting a hint of bolt lift just over 3000 fps.

My best friend has taken his 6.5x47 in a 25" Krieger 1:8 with 130 Berger VLD's to 3150 fps, again with zero pressures signs. We both used Rel 17 and CCI 450 primers.

He is getting ready to have a lighter hunting rifle built on the same, Pierce, action I built my light weight rifle on.

Can anyone give some sane reasons he should go with a 260 Ackley Improved instead of staying with the 6.5x47?

Thanks for thoughtful replies!

Alan

 

[JRS]

Taking into consideration this will be used as a hunting rifle, the 260 offers the choice of brass from multiple manufactures at reasonable prices. The 6.5x47 LAPUA? Expensive LAPUA brass! The 260AI will also handle heavier bullets with more authority.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Taking into consideration this will be used as a hunting rifle, the 260 offers the choice of brass from multiple manufactures at reasonable prices. The 6.5x47 LAPUA? Expensive LAPUA brass! The 260AI will also handle heavier bullets with more authority.

You get what you pay for!

Actually, if he is going with an Ackley, he is going to want the best brass out there (Lapua) because of the fireforming required, you don't want to fireform with brass that will only last you a few firings because you will have to fireform again!

How much more authority do you want than 3000 fps. with 140 gr. bullets? And no fireforming!

Plus he already has 6.5x47 loading components and dies, I don't think a few fps. more will be as noticeable as having to buy Ackley dies, 260 brass, and then fireform!

My $0.02

 

[kemen4]

There's a couple of good (logical /real world) write-ups on these 6.5s from Terry Cross and DemigodLLc somewhere on this site.
Now Lapua are making 260 cases the choices are more even ...
Best sane reason ?? Why not ! and on those grounds I went with a x55:
Decision - decision !

 

[ChrisNZ]

The guy asked for no BS opinions...
[/quote]


And I didn't see any :-X
A bit more civility wouldn't go astray IMHO

Chris-NZ

 

[ChrisNZ]

Interesting JRS you should have go at me by PM that I have dared question your aggressive reply. I now see it has been removed from the thread. By you or a mod?

Chris-NZ

 

[JRS]

Interesting JRS you should have go at me by PM that I have dared question your aggressive reply. I now see it has been removed from the thread. By you or a mod?

Chris-NZ

Out of respect to the originator of the thread, I removed it myself. If you would be receptive to the idea, you should do the same. Clearly, by your above post, you have nothing of importance to offer regarding the original question generated by GSSP.

 

[ChrisNZ]

Civility prevails finally. That's all I wanted and what is deserved

Chris-NZ

 

[jonbearman]

Lets try this: The .260AI is a nice cartridge and more powerful with light recoil and less brass trimming if ever.That is the beauty of all the AI cartridges. You cant go wrong and dies are available from almost everyone whether custom or production.I love the idea as I probably will ream out my .260 after I shoot it to see how the accuracy really is.I hope this helps.

 

[Chuckw]

i have had both (kind of) on the same receiver and barrel. the first chamber was a 6.5x47 run in long to headspace on properly sized 7mm-08 brass. i then rechambered it to .260AI. i can say without question if you can reach an honest 3000fps with the 6.5x47 and 140's you WILL NOT do better with a 26" .260AI. i like the .260AI for the many varieties of brass i can use but the wildcat i built which most closely could be described as a 6.5 superLR, was a better cartridge in my opinion. if i had your choice to make today, i would go with the creedmoor and form brass from something that will take some stout loads. i think that would be about as good as you could do in a short action especially if you were not going with an extended length magazine or single shot.

chuck