I'm torn between the .25-06 and the .260 to be used regularly for everything from groundhogs through mule deer size game; and someday a possible blackbear, caribou, or elk hunt. Both rounds seem to be suited for all those tasks. I like the lower recoil, and the energy stats i've read about for both rounds. I'll be handloading. I'd like to stick with a Ruger M77 and a trigger job. They offer the .25-06 with a 24" barrel, and the .260 in a 22" barrel. I'm a little concerned about the Ruger's twist rate for the .260 being a little faster (1 in 8) than the norm (1 in 9). Anything you have to say about all the above topics would be greatly appreciated to help sway my decision.
.25-06 or .260
- Thread starter Hoopie
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Clipper
Member
I recently bought a Win M-70 in 25WSSM, a ballistic twin of the 25-06. If I could have gotten it in .260, I'd have gone with it instead. It has superior downrange ballistics and less recoil than even the .25, and the BC of the heavier bullets is unreal...
Go .260
It's a shorter action and is a ballistic equivalent to the Swede. A real pussy cat that is easy to shoot and their 140 grain bullets are devestating on large game. Nothing wrong with the .25-06. Many use it for elk hunting without complaint. I'm just not a fan of their inability to launch heavier bullets than 120 grains.
The .25-06 makes a really capable varmint rifle, that has the ability to take large game if you do your part.
It's a shorter action and is a ballistic equivalent to the Swede. A real pussy cat that is easy to shoot and their 140 grain bullets are devestating on large game. Nothing wrong with the .25-06. Many use it for elk hunting without complaint. I'm just not a fan of their inability to launch heavier bullets than 120 grains.
The .25-06 makes a really capable varmint rifle, that has the ability to take large game if you do your part.
rangerruck
Member
with either round, i would go with whichever one i could get the longest bbl for, since both of these rounds are speeders. the 260 you can handload very fast, and the 2506, is one of the top 5 fastest factory rounds every year. So speed is my first concern.
MCgunner
Member
I have a .257 Roberts that has taken DOZENS of deer over the years. It's taken 'em all the way out to near 400 yards (my grandpa's best shot). I haven't shot one more'n 250, but wouldn't hesitate to use it as far out as 350. My handloads mirror .25-06 factory claimed exterior ballistics, about 3150 fps for a 100 grain Sierra Game King bullet, my favorite for white tails. You don't need more unless you're going elk hunting and the .25 caliber with 87 grain or 100 grain bullets does well on vermin, too, though it's a might heavy for prairie dogs and such, but it can be used for that.
I see the .260 as a good deer load, a little light, but capable on even elk, but not really a varmint caliber. If you were looking for elk/deer, it'd be a choice in short action guns as well as the 7mm08 or the .308 parent cartridge. For vermin and deer, .243 up to .25-06 (and the .257 Roberts or .250 Savage) are good choices.
JMHO of course. There's not a deer in north America that can't be killed in one shot to 350 yards with a .25-06, though, and the 117 grain Hornady is one tough, penetrating bullet. I'd use that one due to personal experience, for elk hunting with the .25 where legal. I'd really prefer 7mm or .30 cal on elk, though. The .260's big claim to fame is high sectional densities of its bullets, but it ain't got nothin' on a 7 mag for elk. My big 7 is there if I need it.
I see the .260 as a good deer load, a little light, but capable on even elk, but not really a varmint caliber. If you were looking for elk/deer, it'd be a choice in short action guns as well as the 7mm08 or the .308 parent cartridge. For vermin and deer, .243 up to .25-06 (and the .257 Roberts or .250 Savage) are good choices.
JMHO of course. There's not a deer in north America that can't be killed in one shot to 350 yards with a .25-06, though, and the 117 grain Hornady is one tough, penetrating bullet. I'd use that one due to personal experience, for elk hunting with the .25 where legal. I'd really prefer 7mm or .30 cal on elk, though. The .260's big claim to fame is high sectional densities of its bullets, but it ain't got nothin' on a 7 mag for elk. My big 7 is there if I need it.
de
member
I have been shooting and reloading the 25-06 since 1971. I have owned 6 of them altogether. I presently shoot a 700BDL that I bedded, floated, and done a trigger job on. It has a sporter weight barrel and will shoot under an inch at 100yds. With a nosler partition bullet, it will do anything needing done on the north american continent. The cartridge is inherently accurate and has been used at Camp Perry. You would be well armed with one set up right.
one eye joe
Member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2006
- Messages
- 64
I have had a .25-06 as my main shooting rifle since 1972. Used it on just about everything I have shot over the years. If I was doing it today, I would go with the .260/6.5x55 (which I now have). You can handload 100-120 grain bullets to right at .25-06 levels. You can load 130-140 grain bullets at or above .7-08 velocities. The faster twist shouldn't hurt accuracy with lighter bullets, and should help with bullets over 130 grain. The 6.5 is just an overlooked caliber.
rbernie
Contributing Member
The 260 has a bullet selection better suited to larger game, and the 25-06 has a bullet selection that's better suited to lighter game. The 25-06 uses a long action and the 260 uses a short action (half an inch less bolt pull). Pick yer poison....
I have a 270 and a 25-06, and that pair pretty takes care of anything between 20lb and 300+lb. If I had to collapse to one chambering, it might be 260, but it'd probably be 270.
I have a 270 and a 25-06, and that pair pretty takes care of anything between 20lb and 300+lb. If I had to collapse to one chambering, it might be 260, but it'd probably be 270.
260 all the way for the game you`ve named. The 25-06 is a great long range deer cartridge but IMO falls a little short on elk sized game. The 260 copies the 6.5x55 Swede and in factory ammo accually excedes it. The Swiss have used the Swede for years on game up to and including moose & polar bear so `boo and elk should be no problem with heavier bullets. The rifle twist is not really fast for the caliber.. the old swedes had a 1/7" in their military rifles and I just put a Hart barrel in 6.5x55 on a Mark X action that has a 1/8. My Kimber M84 260 has a 1/9 and if possible I`d prefer a 1/8-1/7 in that rifle also. The very long deep penitrating bullets need a fast twist to stablize properly. As a reloader you have a great selection on bullets for either cartridge. The std cup & core bullets work fine in the 260 on deer sized game and you have the choice of Barnes, Nosler, ect for the big stuff if you wish. If you do go with the 25-06 I`d stay with premium slugs simply because of the very high impact velocities you may incounter.
michael_aos
Member
260 Remington.
GooseGestapo
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2003
- Messages
- 6,153
Ditto what MCGunner said.
I too have used the .257Roberts loaded to factory .25/06 performance levels for deer, both Whitetail and Mule Deer.
For Varmints, the .25/06 will be vastly superior to the .260.
A 75gr V-Max can be pushed to around 3,800fps, However, even the .25/06 is a bit much for varmints.
It was very popular back in the late 60's while still a wildcat, and moreso after commercialized in the early 70's in a heavy barrel for LOOONG Range shooting of groundhogs in the Maryland-Pa.-W.VA area.
However, today their are better choices for varmints.
Also, as some have said, it is a bit light for ELK, but MANY have been taken with the .25/06.
With the .25/06, either the 117 or 120gr Nosler Part. will do the job.
I've not any experience with the .264" diameters, but have a lot with both .257 and .284.
I can't see a lot of difference between a .257" bullet at 120gr and a .264" at 140gr. Such as their isn't much difference between my .257Robt. with a 120gr at 2,800fs and my 7mm08 with a 140gr at 2,800fps.
The .260Rem shoots a 140gr at ~2,700fps.
Get my "drift"?
I've looked quite hard at a .260Rem, but I've never found one that "followed me home".
An "inch" of rifling twist or 20gr bullet weight isn't going to make a great deal of difference.
I suggest that you get TWO RIFLES.
Get a good varmint rifle such as a .223. Much cheaper to "plink" with than the .25/06.
Get a good rifle in .25/06 or .260 for their purposes.
My .257 is a VERY light deer rifle, but I have shot pararie dogs to >400yds with it. But, I'ts not my choice as an ideal tool for it.
My 7mm08 (Rem Mod7) is a superlative big game rifle for everything in N.America except for grizzly/brown bear.
Ditto the .260Rem.
But then so are my .338/06 or .300RemUltMag.
If you consult the Loading manuals and factory ballistic charts, you'll find that the "numbers" actually favor the 7mm08 for game larger than deer.
But, choosing a rifle is as much of an "emotional" choice as a "logical" choice.
Get whichever "pleases" you the most.
Personally, I have "TOO MANY" rifles.
Then, it's like having to choose between "A" golf club, out of 3 sets/bags of clubs, to go "club" a ball with.
I too have used the .257Roberts loaded to factory .25/06 performance levels for deer, both Whitetail and Mule Deer.
For Varmints, the .25/06 will be vastly superior to the .260.
A 75gr V-Max can be pushed to around 3,800fps, However, even the .25/06 is a bit much for varmints.
It was very popular back in the late 60's while still a wildcat, and moreso after commercialized in the early 70's in a heavy barrel for LOOONG Range shooting of groundhogs in the Maryland-Pa.-W.VA area.
However, today their are better choices for varmints.
Also, as some have said, it is a bit light for ELK, but MANY have been taken with the .25/06.
With the .25/06, either the 117 or 120gr Nosler Part. will do the job.
I've not any experience with the .264" diameters, but have a lot with both .257 and .284.
I can't see a lot of difference between a .257" bullet at 120gr and a .264" at 140gr. Such as their isn't much difference between my .257Robt. with a 120gr at 2,800fs and my 7mm08 with a 140gr at 2,800fps.
The .260Rem shoots a 140gr at ~2,700fps.
Get my "drift"?
I've looked quite hard at a .260Rem, but I've never found one that "followed me home".
An "inch" of rifling twist or 20gr bullet weight isn't going to make a great deal of difference.
I suggest that you get TWO RIFLES.
Get a good varmint rifle such as a .223. Much cheaper to "plink" with than the .25/06.
Get a good rifle in .25/06 or .260 for their purposes.
My .257 is a VERY light deer rifle, but I have shot pararie dogs to >400yds with it. But, I'ts not my choice as an ideal tool for it.
My 7mm08 (Rem Mod7) is a superlative big game rifle for everything in N.America except for grizzly/brown bear.
Ditto the .260Rem.
But then so are my .338/06 or .300RemUltMag.
If you consult the Loading manuals and factory ballistic charts, you'll find that the "numbers" actually favor the 7mm08 for game larger than deer.
But, choosing a rifle is as much of an "emotional" choice as a "logical" choice.
Get whichever "pleases" you the most.
Personally, I have "TOO MANY" rifles.
Then, it's like having to choose between "A" golf club, out of 3 sets/bags of clubs, to go "club" a ball with.
pinetree64
Member
I checked the ballistics the 25-06 and 260, when shot with similiar bullets, e.g. Ballistic Tips at like weights, the difference it insignificant. They are almost identical. Run the charts at Federal's site. That said, I'd get the 260, you can got a little heavier for the bigger game.
However, in your situation I'd step up to a 7mm-08.
tjg
However, in your situation I'd step up to a 7mm-08.
tjg
True, the velocity of the three you mention is very similar. The ballistics are very similar to though. If you take the Nosler partition in 120 gr useing it in each cartridge (25-06, 260 rem, & 7-08) at the top velocity Nosler list for each in their manual I found the following for a max point blank range of each on a 8" target with a 100 yd sight in. This is about the kill zone on a small deer or antelope. The drop was figured on a RCBS load program.
25-06 @ 3090 fps - 270.3 yd
260 rem @ 3040 fps - 270.1 yd
7-08 @ 3180 fps (26" bbl vs 24" for the others) 274.7 yds.
The difference on game though comes in with the sectional density of the bullets, which is a good indicator of how well the bullet will penetrate.
The 25 cal 120 gr has a SD of .260 vs .246 for the 6.5 and .213 for the 7MM with like wgt bullets, a slight edge to the 25 cal but the 25 is topped out here where one can use 140 gr 6.5 slugs at .287 or 175gr 7mm bullets at .310. The 6.5mm 140gr acually has a higher SD then a 180 gr 30 cal, and 160 gr bullets are available in 6.5mm that run .328 for SD.
The fact the poster included Elk in his request to me makes the 25 -06 a bit too small. I would really (IMHO) prefer a 30 cal for them but feel a 6.5 up will do very well in a pinch. I have a 25-06. I also have had three 7-08s with one still in the safe, and now have two 260s plus its ballistic twin, a 6.5x55, in the safe too. All will the same thing on deer. The trajectory is similar, no one likely would notice any difference with field conditions. Recoil is also similar, and all have a bit too much weight on their "varmite" bullets.
Then again the 270 falls in with the 280 Rem and `06 with just about as much controversy.................
atblis
Member
260
260 is not the equal of 6.5x55. Close, but not quite.
25-06 would be better for Varmints, and 260 would be better for larger things (as was said above).
Why not 6.5x55?
How about a Tikka and no trigger job?
Or a CZ 550?
260 is not the equal of 6.5x55. Close, but not quite.
25-06 would be better for Varmints, and 260 would be better for larger things (as was said above).
Why not 6.5x55?
How about a Tikka and no trigger job?
Or a CZ 550?
I'd like to stick with the Ruger. I own several of thier handguns and a 10/22. A few buddies of mine have the M77 in different callibers. Never a complaint between any of us with them. Their prices are always better than the competition, and the quality I've seen has always been competitive if not better. Ruger has earned my business. Those reasons, and the fact that I would rather buy American when given the choice between a quality product made in the states or one made elsewhere, will keep me loyal to Ruger.
The 6.5x55 seems to be so closely matched to the 260 that i'll just stick with the 260. Anything larger than the .25-06 or the .260 seems a bit overboard to me when I won't be hunting anything larger than deer anytime soon. I can't see, on a regular basis, getting kicked around by something that'd burn more powder than those two. Especially when, with proper bullet selection, they'll shoot south and blow the ass end out of a north bound deer. If i gained experience with one of those two and decided to go on an elk hunt and felt underpowered i wouldn't hesitate to borrow or buy something in 7mm or bigger. I started out hunting with a bow so i tend to wait for the good shots anyway. I also don't think popping any animal at 200+ yards is much of a "hunt." Thats not hunting... thats seeing with binos and shooting. So i don't worry about what "x bullet" will do at "y speed" 453 yards from where i am. I'm not to worried about the groundhogs, i imagine hitting them with either a 75 grain or 85 grain hp any which way will eventually make them die. They're just seen as a problem to machinery and livestock around here anyway.
I guess i should've stated that in my original post. To refine my question a little, would you buy .25-06 in a 24" barrel or a .260 in a 22" barrel? Sorry, the beer went a little to my head tonight! Thanks again for your opinions. Yinz guys all rock!
The 6.5x55 seems to be so closely matched to the 260 that i'll just stick with the 260. Anything larger than the .25-06 or the .260 seems a bit overboard to me when I won't be hunting anything larger than deer anytime soon. I can't see, on a regular basis, getting kicked around by something that'd burn more powder than those two. Especially when, with proper bullet selection, they'll shoot south and blow the ass end out of a north bound deer. If i gained experience with one of those two and decided to go on an elk hunt and felt underpowered i wouldn't hesitate to borrow or buy something in 7mm or bigger. I started out hunting with a bow so i tend to wait for the good shots anyway. I also don't think popping any animal at 200+ yards is much of a "hunt." Thats not hunting... thats seeing with binos and shooting. So i don't worry about what "x bullet" will do at "y speed" 453 yards from where i am. I'm not to worried about the groundhogs, i imagine hitting them with either a 75 grain or 85 grain hp any which way will eventually make them die. They're just seen as a problem to machinery and livestock around here anyway.
I guess i should've stated that in my original post. To refine my question a little, would you buy .25-06 in a 24" barrel or a .260 in a 22" barrel? Sorry, the beer went a little to my head tonight! Thanks again for your opinions. Yinz guys all rock!
atblis
Member
You really should consider 6.5x55!
Ruger chambers the M77 in 6.5x55.
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdSpecsView?model=7895
As does Sako, Tikka, CZ, Remingon, Steyr, Cooper, Blaser, Winchester, Baikal etc.
6.5x55 performs better and doesn't have any real disadvantages. They are not as closely matched as one might think.
I'll go ahead and try to make the argument for 6.5x55 over 260, though I'll admit it isn't superior to 260 or 25-06 but has some advantages.
Ammo availability- Adavantage 6.5x55
There are actually more commercial loadings available for the 6.5x55 than the 260 Remington. PMC, Remington, Winchester, Federal, Norma, Hotshot/WolfGold, Hornady, etc. etc.
Number of factory chamberings- Advantage 6.5x55
I am not entirely sure about this one, but can think of more companies chambering 6.5x55 than 260 Remington. Anybody know about this?
Medium/Large game peformance- Advantage 6.5x55
6.5x55 handles heavier bullets better, and usually has a twist rate optimized for these bullets. 260 Remington is intended for use with 120 gr bullets. I'll explain this better later.
Varmint performance Advantage 260
I am basing this solely of the usual twist rate. Neither cartridge is really an ideal varmint cartridge.
Handloading potential- Advantage 6.5x55
More flexibility with OAL, better components available, etc.
Case Capacity- Advantage 6.5x55
6.5x55 ~53 gr of water
260 Rem. ~50 gr of water
First off 6.5x55 is underloaded in deference to older rifles. It is up to modern standards and can be loaded to modern pressures when appropriate (like in a Ruger). Simply comparing published data and factory loads does not give you a good indication of its peak performance. Though it is interesting to note that even downloaded it is still wonderfully effective, and all of its reputation as a superb medium game cartridge were earned at these moderate velocities.
260 max OAL = 2.8"
6.5x55 max OAL= 3.149"
6.5x55 is a medium length cartridge. This makes me curious as to what Ruger did. I would wager that they are actually built on a 30-06 length action. This is a good thing for the handloader because in theory you have plenty of length to work with. You could load to 30-06 lengths. My handloads for my M96 are approaching 30-06 OAL. This is especially important when loading long heavy bullets which are what makes the 6.5 so interesting. A 6.5mm 140 gr bullet is rather long (a good thing). This gives excellent ballistic properties. However, because 260 is cramped for OAL this means that a 140 gr bullet extends into the case. Not good. 6.5x55 does not have this problem. THe interior of the case is for holding powder, not bullets.
Here's a big advantage IMO. If you handload, you can get Lapua brass for the 6.5x55 which is as good as it gets. Remington brass is kinda crappy.
Really you would think that
More rifles are available in 260 Remington- Wrong
More factory loadings are available in 260 Remington- Wrong
260 Remington peforms better- Wrong
The only reason I can think of for purchasing a 260 over a 6.5x55 is if you want a short action over a long action (which is also full of exagerations and misconceptions).
A 6.5x55 has better performance (especially with heavy bullets) than 260 Remington and gives up nothing in availability of ammo, rifles, components, reloading dies.
I really can't think of a reason to buy a 260.
Ruger chambers the M77 in 6.5x55.
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdSpecsView?model=7895
As does Sako, Tikka, CZ, Remingon, Steyr, Cooper, Blaser, Winchester, Baikal etc.
6.5x55 performs better and doesn't have any real disadvantages. They are not as closely matched as one might think.
I'll go ahead and try to make the argument for 6.5x55 over 260, though I'll admit it isn't superior to 260 or 25-06 but has some advantages.
Ammo availability- Adavantage 6.5x55
There are actually more commercial loadings available for the 6.5x55 than the 260 Remington. PMC, Remington, Winchester, Federal, Norma, Hotshot/WolfGold, Hornady, etc. etc.
Number of factory chamberings- Advantage 6.5x55
I am not entirely sure about this one, but can think of more companies chambering 6.5x55 than 260 Remington. Anybody know about this?
Medium/Large game peformance- Advantage 6.5x55
6.5x55 handles heavier bullets better, and usually has a twist rate optimized for these bullets. 260 Remington is intended for use with 120 gr bullets. I'll explain this better later.
Varmint performance Advantage 260
I am basing this solely of the usual twist rate. Neither cartridge is really an ideal varmint cartridge.
Handloading potential- Advantage 6.5x55
More flexibility with OAL, better components available, etc.
Case Capacity- Advantage 6.5x55
6.5x55 ~53 gr of water
260 Rem. ~50 gr of water
First off 6.5x55 is underloaded in deference to older rifles. It is up to modern standards and can be loaded to modern pressures when appropriate (like in a Ruger). Simply comparing published data and factory loads does not give you a good indication of its peak performance. Though it is interesting to note that even downloaded it is still wonderfully effective, and all of its reputation as a superb medium game cartridge were earned at these moderate velocities.
260 max OAL = 2.8"
6.5x55 max OAL= 3.149"
6.5x55 is a medium length cartridge. This makes me curious as to what Ruger did. I would wager that they are actually built on a 30-06 length action. This is a good thing for the handloader because in theory you have plenty of length to work with. You could load to 30-06 lengths. My handloads for my M96 are approaching 30-06 OAL. This is especially important when loading long heavy bullets which are what makes the 6.5 so interesting. A 6.5mm 140 gr bullet is rather long (a good thing). This gives excellent ballistic properties. However, because 260 is cramped for OAL this means that a 140 gr bullet extends into the case. Not good. 6.5x55 does not have this problem. THe interior of the case is for holding powder, not bullets.
Here's a big advantage IMO. If you handload, you can get Lapua brass for the 6.5x55 which is as good as it gets. Remington brass is kinda crappy.
Really you would think that
More rifles are available in 260 Remington- Wrong
More factory loadings are available in 260 Remington- Wrong
260 Remington peforms better- Wrong
The only reason I can think of for purchasing a 260 over a 6.5x55 is if you want a short action over a long action (which is also full of exagerations and misconceptions).
A 6.5x55 has better performance (especially with heavy bullets) than 260 Remington and gives up nothing in availability of ammo, rifles, components, reloading dies.
I really can't think of a reason to buy a 260.
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MachIVshooter
Member
Both are good rounds, and both are similar in terms of raw ft/lbs (though the .25-06 will pull away from the .260 with handloads). I give the .25-06 the nod. Better availability of commercial ammo (and new brass). Better trajectory. The 117 and 120 grain boat tail pills have very high BC's, albeit lower than some of the 6.5mm bullets. However, the .25-06 will push those slugs much faster than the .260 will. I use a .25-06 in a 700 BDL for everything from praire rats to elk.
One simply has to remember that bullet placement is key with larger animals. This holds true even with the larger calibers, but is much more critical with the smaller critters like the .257" and .264" bullets.
One simply has to remember that bullet placement is key with larger animals. This holds true even with the larger calibers, but is much more critical with the smaller critters like the .257" and .264" bullets.
Hokkmike
Member
Another vote for the .260. As a long time Swede fan I cast a vote for its ballistic twin. The 25.-06, well - it is LOUD!!!
aspade
Member
atblis, I like the 6.5x55 but you're really selling the 260 Rem short.
Factory ammo wise, the Swede is more widely available but they're all the same load - a noname 140gr SP at a neutered 2500 fps or so. Only Federal and Rem load for the 260, but they'll give you the same cheap 140s a little quicker or 120gr ballistic tips at 2900 or so.
Loading your own, the Swede gives you more flexibility with heavier bullets but within the 100 to 130 grain range there isn't a dime's worth of difference between them. 120s are just about perfect for deer, for large game either cartridge is marginal even with the 140s. An extra 100fps out of the Swede is a step in the right direction, but bringing along some variety of .30 caliber instead would be a much larger step.
Now that I think about it, it isn't the 6.5x55 that I like at all, it's the M96 and M38 rifles it comes chambered in.
Factory ammo wise, the Swede is more widely available but they're all the same load - a noname 140gr SP at a neutered 2500 fps or so. Only Federal and Rem load for the 260, but they'll give you the same cheap 140s a little quicker or 120gr ballistic tips at 2900 or so.
Loading your own, the Swede gives you more flexibility with heavier bullets but within the 100 to 130 grain range there isn't a dime's worth of difference between them. 120s are just about perfect for deer, for large game either cartridge is marginal even with the 140s. An extra 100fps out of the Swede is a step in the right direction, but bringing along some variety of .30 caliber instead would be a much larger step.
Now that I think about it, it isn't the 6.5x55 that I like at all, it's the M96 and M38 rifles it comes chambered in.
atblis
Member
Given the choice
Forgot S&B, Igman, Prvi Partizan, and FNM. A couple companies are arguably duplicates.
No names?
Winchester loads it
Hornady loads it
Remington loads it
Federal loads it
Norma loads it
anyways
Given the choice between the two, why would you choose 260 Rem?
It just bugs me that just because 260 has Remington attached to it, most people disregard the swede. You would assume that there are more rifles chambered in 260, more ammunition available for 260, and looking at the numbers it is equal to 6.5x55 in performance.
You are correct that a lot of the ammunition available is not loaded with premium hunting bullets. I've found the Yugoslavian stuff to be off excellent quality especially the brass (don't know if the stuff from parts of the former Yugoslavia is the same though).
What I am trying to point out is that there's no disadvantages to buying a 6.5x55, and actually a few advantages. People summarily disregard it for reasons that are patently false. Again, given the choice between the two, why wouldn't you pick 6.5x55?
Swedish mausers are the shizzznit.
Forgot S&B, Igman, Prvi Partizan, and FNM. A couple companies are arguably duplicates.
No names?
Winchester loads it
Hornady loads it
Remington loads it
Federal loads it
Norma loads it
anyways
Given the choice between the two, why would you choose 260 Rem?
It just bugs me that just because 260 has Remington attached to it, most people disregard the swede. You would assume that there are more rifles chambered in 260, more ammunition available for 260, and looking at the numbers it is equal to 6.5x55 in performance.
You are correct that a lot of the ammunition available is not loaded with premium hunting bullets. I've found the Yugoslavian stuff to be off excellent quality especially the brass (don't know if the stuff from parts of the former Yugoslavia is the same though).
What I am trying to point out is that there's no disadvantages to buying a 6.5x55, and actually a few advantages. People summarily disregard it for reasons that are patently false. Again, given the choice between the two, why wouldn't you pick 6.5x55?
Swedish mausers are the shizzznit.
Depends on the popularity of the cartridge in your area. Likely true though.
True, The Swede has been a favotite in Europe for 100 years. I don`t think either has the upper hand here in American made rifles though.
False with factory ammo, the 260 out does the Swede by ~200 fps in available bullets weights. With hand loads they are equal.
Both with same weight bullets will preform the same on varmites. No advantage to either.
OAL doesn`t mean a thing with these two. The case capasity of both allows for full loads without needing to seat bullets out. The components for both are exactly the same with the case as the only variable. If you don`t mind resizeing 308, brass to 260 there is no differance in case quality and the parent 308 case is definitly more widely available.
3 gr of case capasity gains you what? 50 fps at best?
Check the Nosler and Speer manuals. Both warn their loads are for MODERN rifles in good condition ONLY. Speer states their loads are at 50K CUP vs 46K Cup SAAMI max The VihtaVuori manual load the Swede to 55,100psi vs 60,100psi for the 260.
The individual max loads in the VV 3rd edition manual shows the 260 will drive 120 & 139 gr bullets at 2832 & 2654 fps respectivly from a 22" barrel vs the Swedes 2801 & 2664 fps from a 26.5" barrel
Hmmm, Big gain? Better Where?How about a 155gr Lapua Mega? the 260 pushes one out at 2551 fps while according to VihtaVouri the 6.5x55 can only run them at 2454 fps
Nope the Swede won`t drive heavy bullets faster either, bummer!The two cartridges are the same for all intents with the exception of the action size needed for them. Both drive the same bullet at the same velocity with loads at EQUAL pressure. Both are extreemly accurate. Ask a bench shooter, both are common in 600 - 1000 yd benchrest. There is nothing to be gained by either except for personal preferance. I`ve both. I`ve shoot deer with both. I couldn`t tell one from the other on game and can`t find one to be more accurate then the other on paper. I would choose the RIFLE I prefer in either cartridge before I would make the cartridge the deciding factor.
atblis
Member
Uhhh
I've taken this off the orginal topic. This will be my last post.
I don't have a 260 case handy, but the 308 should suffice for comparison.
Yes it absolutely does. Those case capacities are taken when filled to the top and do not take into bullet intrusion into the case. When you go to a longer bullet (anything heavier than 120 gr), where does that extra bullet length go? Asides from reducing capacity, there are other issues with having the bullet in the case. The 6.5x55 can be loaded longer. My loads are approaching 06 length, and yes they still fit in the magazine and are off the rifling (and that's not an 06 action). The Ruger most likely has an 06 action length and magazine.
I am not saying the 6.5x55 blows 260 out of the water, just that it is a bit better (particularly with heavy bullets).
And I'll ask again, given the choice why would you pick 260 over 6.5x55?
I've taken this off the orginal topic. This will be my last post.
I don't have a 260 case handy, but the 308 should suffice for comparison.
Yes it absolutely does. Those case capacities are taken when filled to the top and do not take into bullet intrusion into the case. When you go to a longer bullet (anything heavier than 120 gr), where does that extra bullet length go? Asides from reducing capacity, there are other issues with having the bullet in the case. The 6.5x55 can be loaded longer. My loads are approaching 06 length, and yes they still fit in the magazine and are off the rifling (and that's not an 06 action). The Ruger most likely has an 06 action length and magazine.
WHy bother resizing when you can have the correct brass from the get go?
It is extremely difficult to compare SAAMI and CIP standards. They have different methodolgies. Don't believe everything you read in reloading manuals. I think we all know that there are issues about comparing manufacturers numbers. I can't possibly think of what Remington's motivation for smuding numbers a bit may be?
I was referring to the rifles having different twist rates. You could argue that this isn't really a difference between cartridges. You could argue that it is because a cartridge is worthless without a rifle. Most 260s have a slower twist, therefore in theory they should shoot lighter varmint bullets better.
I am not saying the 6.5x55 blows 260 out of the water, just that it is a bit better (particularly with heavy bullets).
And I'll ask again, given the choice why would you pick 260 over 6.5x55?
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aspade
Member
By noname, I mean noname bullets.
Federal loads the .260 with Sierra Gamekings and Nosler Ballistic Tips. Remington loads Hornady SSTs, bonded Core-lokts.
In 6.5x55, you get white box "softpoints".
If you want a long action rifle, and if you load your own, and if .260 and 6.5x55 are the only choices, then sure I would go with the Swede.
Those aren't the only choices, and if you need to consider that the 6.5x55 is a little bit more gun the answer isn't the Swede over the 260, it's the .270 over either.
Federal loads the .260 with Sierra Gamekings and Nosler Ballistic Tips. Remington loads Hornady SSTs, bonded Core-lokts.
In 6.5x55, you get white box "softpoints".
If you want a long action rifle, and if you load your own, and if .260 and 6.5x55 are the only choices, then sure I would go with the Swede.
Those aren't the only choices, and if you need to consider that the 6.5x55 is a little bit more gun the answer isn't the Swede over the 260, it's the .270 over either.
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