Remington 260 for long distance shooting

[tammons]

Doing more research and looking around a bit after posting my other thread....

"Why is the 6.5-284 such a barrel burner"

I am almost 100% convinced to rebarrel my 12vss to 260 remington. More barrel life, off the shelf hunting ammo, factory remington brass although I have read its not too great, sniper is carrying match grade ammo, lighter recoil. I plan to do some reloading later.

I guess what I am giving up is around 200 fps, but at this stage of the game, since I am a beginner, I dont think it matters. I can always rebarrel to 6.5-285 later or build a custom rifle.

Any reason I should go another route ??

 

[sierra22]

No.
Shooting a 6,5x55 to 1000m, works fine.

 

[techshooter]

There are alternatives to the 6.5-284. The 260 Improved can reach the same accuracy velocity levels as the 6.5-284, in my experience. Having said that, I have not tried to really max out the 6.5-284, and have found that the 142SMKs run best for me at about 2950 FPS. The 260AI can achieve that velocity with reasonable chamber pressures. The ballistic performance with the 130 Berger's appears to be as good or better than the 142s from the 6.5-284, with less pressure than the 142s. Less pressure means better barrel life.

You can see some results of my 260AI testing here:

http://www.the-long-family.com/260AI.htm

I started with neck thickness sorted 260 Remington brass, then tried .243 Lapua necked up, and got big-time donuts. The 260 brass is available now, and I just got a box of 500 in the mail yesterday. The neck thickness sorted brass has worked very well, some on the 4th loading and no primer pocket issues. Haven't even had to bump the shoulders.

Having shot both cartridges, I like the 260AI better. Barrel life remains to be seen.

Cheers,

 

[RDesJardin]

I have a .260 Rem. built on a Savage 10FP that I use in 1000yd BR matches. I don't think the velocity loss is a issue when you consider barrel life. And with a 29" barrel you can get 140's going plenty fast. Just remember to get Lapua brass,.243 or .308).
RD

 

[tammons]

Thanks,

I have decided for now to start off with a 6mmbr and if I like shooting at over 600 yards I might build another gun.

 

[RNSubmariner]

I have a .260 Rem. built on a Savage 10FP that I use in 1000yd BR matches. I don't think the velocity loss is a issue when you consider barrel life. And with a 29" barrel you can get 140's going plenty fast. Just remember to get Lapua brass,.243 or .308).
RD

I've heard of opening up .243 Win brass to form .260 Rem brass, how easy is it to make .260 Rem from .308 Win? I have about 500 new Lapua .308 cases and would be interested in necking them down to .260 Rem, are there any problems I need to be aware of doing this?

Thanks

John Morgan-Hosey

 

[RDesJardin]

Just size the .308 down in a FL size die. I have had no problems with this either.
RD

 

[rhino]

Why not just get a long barrel 6.5x55 Swede and your at 260AI velocities and no fireforming needed. Your basically near the same case capacity and 6.5x55 SE is made by Lapua...and its cheaper for some reason.

I have and I am switching back to 6.5x55 from my 6.5x.284. Its a great round when handloaded.

RHINOUT!

 

[tammons]

Now you have me thinking. I was contemplating building a 6.5-284 but the 6.5x55 round look very close dimension wise.

Whats the main differences for long distance shooting of say 800-1000 yards.

 

[Raptor]

I agree with rino, the 6.5x55 is a great round. It falls right between the 260 and the 6.5x284 and it will shoot right with the 6.5x284. I had a 6.5x284 and loved it but I think I may have a new girlfriend with the 6.5x55. You can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[RDesJardin]

Tomato tomoto, Chevy or Ford,,This is for a second choice after Dodge) all options will work and have pros and cons. Build a gun and enjoy it.

 

[JOHN708]

I've shot 260 LR for several yrs. before going to a 6brx. With 42-43 gr. of H4350 and 139 Lapua's, you can get 2875-2925 fps out of a 30 in. barrel. Your giving up a couple in's of wind drift over the 6.5-284 at 1000 yds. In return, your getting 2x the barrel life, 1200 rds vs 2500 rds in the 260. By the way, the Remmington brass works just fine. Batch sort by wt. and you should be ok. My best groups with this brass, ranged from .38in.-.58 in for 10 shots at 100 yds. ES was 17 fps. Hope this helps.

John Skowron