.260 vs 7mm08 for long range hunting

[huntinfool87]

So I'm I the market for a gun to hunt deer for what I call long range (700 yards) I'm pretty sold on the tikka ctr .260 I have a line on one and I'm sure that's what I want. That being said I've heard mixed opinions and I'm sure I will get some more of those here lol. Is the .260 a finicky caliber to reload for? If so can anyone tell me how it compares to the 7mm08? I'm not new at reloading but I'm no seasoned vet either. Right now I currently reload for 6.5x55 , 280 , 257wby. I use a lot of Berger vld with good luck for my hunting rounds. But honestly any information on reloading for these guns would be great.

 

[Varminterror]

Flip a coin. Both the 260 and 7-08 are great options. If you set up the 260 to shoot the 140's, you gain SD on the 7-08. Personally, I'd rather run the 7-08, or even AI version. For whitetail & elk hunting with the 7-08, if 42.0grn Varget behind a 140 NAB doesn't shoot well, there's probably something wrong with your rifle. The 7-08 picks up in bullet weight where the 260 lets off, and for a hunting rifle - a long range hunting rifle - that extra ~20grns and teeny bit of bullet diameter goes a long ways, so working up to a 160/162grn, or even a 180grn bullet, will pay back at range on game.

For longer range hunting, without going magnum, a 7-08AI with a 1:9" twist 26" Lilja running 162's is a very formidable short action option. I've only had one 260 which really held my interest, and it was a 14" pistol - and I haven't had a 6.5 creed which held my interest yet. The 7-08 is one of my favorite hunting rounds, a modernized version of my first long range precision rifle - a 7x57mm. So for me, I'd plant both feet firmly on the side with the 7-08, and live happily ever after.

 

[huntinfool87]

Flip a coin. Both the 260 and 7-08 are great options. If you set up the 260 to shoot the 140's, you gain SD on the 7-08. Personally, I'd rather run the 7-08, or even AI version. For whitetail & elk hunting with the 7-08, if 42.0grn Varget behind a 140 NAB doesn't shoot well, there's probably something wrong with your rifle. The 7-08 picks up in bullet weight where the 260 lets off, and for a hunting rifle - a long range hunting rifle - that extra ~20grns and teeny bit of bullet diameter goes a long ways, so working up to a 160/162grn, or even a 180grn bullet, will pay back at range on game.

For longer range hunting, without going magnum, a 7-08AI with a 1:9" twist 26" Lilja running 162's is a very formidable short action option. I've only had one 260 which really held my interest, and it was a 14" pistol - and I haven't had a 6.5 creed which held my interest yet. The 7-08 is one of my favorite hunting rounds, a modernized version of my first long range precision rifle - a 7x57mm. So for me, I'd plant both feet firmly on the side with the 7-08, and live happily ever after.

Thank you for the info. The only issue I have with 7mm08 is that I cant seem to find one in a light tactical type rifle. I enjoy target shooting also when it's not hunting season. I also would like to stay under 9 lbs as I will be packing this gun. That would be hard to do with a 26" barrel. But I do agree with you that the 7mm08 ks superior when it comes to retained energy at range.

 

[Varminterror]

Keep some perspective: 2” of sporter weight 7mm barrel will run about 3 ounces. Easy to carve that out of a stock, or save it on an optic - or ignore the extra 2% on the 9lb rifle, or take one less useless tool in your backcountry pack. In a 24” tube, the 7-08 will give up less speed than the 260 as well. You could also skip the Tikka, which is a long action, and save a half pound going with a true short action - and get back some of the wasted action length to be productive barrel length instead.

Another “trick” for either 260 or 7-08 I’d recommend for either of these is to buy Lapua Palma brass, and neck it down. This gives you access to small primers, and incredibly durable, incredibly consistent brass.

For a “light tactical rifle,” meant for target shooting in the off season, it’s certainly easier to get a 6.5 creed factory rifle which is set up for heavy, high BC than one in 260.

 

[huntinfool87]

Keep some perspective: 2” of sporter weight 7mm barrel will run about 3 ounces. Easy to carve that out of a stock, or save it on an optic - or ignore the extra 2% on the 9lb rifle, or take one less useless tool in your backcountry pack. In a 24” tube, the 7-08 will give up less speed than the 260 as well. You could also skip the Tikka, which is a long action, and save a half pound going with a true short action - and get back some of the wasted action length to be productive barrel length instead.

Another “trick” for either 260 or 7-08 I’d recommend for either of these is to buy Lapua Palma brass, and neck it down. This gives you access to small primers, and incredibly durable, incredibly consistent brass.

For a “light tactical rifle,” meant for target shooting in the off season, it’s certainly easier to get a 6.5 creed factory rifle which is set up for heavy, high BC than one in 260.

Yes this is true... I think I have a lack of interest in the 6.5cm simply because it's like the 308 in the aspect that everyone and their dog that thinks they are a some kind of super sniper has one. Do you have any recommendations on a short action that offers the 7mm08 in a light tac style? I know I could get something and rebarral it but by the time I did that I might as well start building a custom rifle and I already have one of those lol

 

[troy fairweather]

7-08 hands down for me nothing against the 260 i am just a big 7mm fan for good reason.

 

[Varminterror]

A lot of models can be rebarreled for low cost. Any of the barrel nut models can be swapped at home with a $50 wrench set and a factory round and drop in barrels can be had at considerably lower cost than a blank plus gunsmithing for thread and chamber work.

The Savage isn’t a particularly light action, but can be bought in an MDT LSS chassis which is remarkably light, and rebarreled as described above. A Rem 700 (light action) with a McGowan remage conversion in an LSS chassis is about as light as a guy could ever ask without going ultralight (Ti action, carbon fiber wrapped barrel, milled action, etc).

A lot of folks worry far too much about public perception, and rob themselves of experiences with great cartridges. The 6.5 might be highly praised by idiots who don’t really know “come here from sick’em,” but there’s really not much which isn’t truthful about it. It’s super easy to load, and highly efficient. The only thing lack-luster about it is how easy it makes 1,000yrd shooting. A 6mm Creed even moreso - and at higher speeds.

Another “trick” for what you’re trying to accomplish: two stocks. A heavy tactical chassis to keep you stable for targets and a lightweight composite stock or minimalist chassis for pack hunting.

Any of these 3 cartridges can work, and the Tikka’s are great rifles, but for what you described, the 260rem in a Tikka wouldn’t be on my short list.

 

[troy fairweather]

Yes this is true... I think I have a lack of interest in the 6.5cm simply because it's like the 308 in the aspect that everyone and their dog that thinks they are a some kind of super sniper has one. Do you have any recommendations on a short action that offers the 7mm08 in a light tac style? I know I could get something and rebarral it but by the time I did that I might as well start building a custom rifle and I already have one of those lol

kibers are real nice

 

[huntinfool87]

7-08 hands down for me nothing against the 260 i am just a big 7mm fan for good reason.

Very good reasons! I wish I could find one

A lot of models can be rebarreled for low cost. Any of the barrel nut models can be swapped at home with a $50 wrench set and a factory round and drop in barrels can be had at considerably lower cost than a blank plus gunsmithing for thread and chamber work.

The Savage isn’t a particularly light action, but can be bought in an MDT LSS chassis which is remarkably light, and rebarreled as described above. A Rem 700 (light action) with a McGowan remage conversion in an LSS chassis is about as light as a guy could ever ask without going ultralight (Ti action, carbon fiber wrapped barrel, milled action, etc).

A lot of folks worry far too much about public perception, and rob themselves of experiences with great cartridges. The 6.5 might be highly praised by idiots who don’t really know “come here from sick’em,” but there’s really not much which isn’t truthful about it. It’s super easy to load, and highly efficient. The only thing lack-luster about it is how easy it makes 1,000yrd shooting. A 6mm Creed even moreso - and at higher speeds.

Another “trick” for what you’re trying to accomplish: two stocks. A heavy tactical chassis to keep you stable for targets and a lightweight composite stock or minimalist chassis for pack hunting.

Any of these 3 cartridges can work, and the Tikka’s are great rifles, but for what you described, the 260rem in a Tikka wouldn’t be on my short list.

But if I rebarral with a heavier one then I'll need a new stock. I'm trying to avoid a rebuild or a build. I'm after an entry lvl type rifle. Its unfortunate that there are so little offerings in 7mm08 for this type rifle. It's not so much public prospective I like lesser known/used calibers. I own 2 .280 one of witch is AI and I also shoot a 6.5x55 sproter. My first .280 was purchased to show a friend it could do all and more than a 30-06. I tend to stay away from the main stream stuff.

 

[huntinfool87]

kibers are real nice

Kiber? I think you might have meant kimber? I'm not sure what they offer in a compact tactical type rifle but I will look into that. Thank you

 

[Varminterror]

1) you do not have to rebarrel with a heavier contour.

2) many stocks have plenty of meat to allow a larger contour to be inlet into the stock with about an hour’s worth of elbow grease.

3) most chassis’s will be inlet for a heavier profile from factory.

Starting to seem like you have your answer in mind, and aren’t looking for objective suggestions. Which is fine. A Tikka in 260 will do what you want, although it may not shine in both (or either) application, or hit your weight target.

 

[huntinfool87]

1) you do not have to rebarrel with a heavier contour.

2) many stocks have plenty of meat to allow a larger contour to be inlet into the stock with about an hour’s worth of elbow grease.

3) most chassis’s will be inlet for a heavier profile from factory.

Starting to seem like you have your answer in mind, and aren’t looking for objective suggestions. Which is fine. A Tikka in 260 will do what you want, although it may not shine in both (or either) application, or hit your weight target.

Well the post didnt say I'm looking to customize a gun it didnt say I'm looking to build a rifle it didnt even ask what caliber would be best and it didnt ask for other caliber options that you may choose. It simply was asking about reloading information in regards to the 7mm08 and the 260. So yes my mind is somewhat made up already when it comes to calibers and if I want to start customizing a rifle or not.

 

[Varminterror]

And my first response only referred to the cartridges - with a sprinkle of AI on the 7-08, which can be cut into any factory 7-08 anyway. If you’re decided upon the Tikka CTR, then you’re painting yourself away from a 7-08 anyway, so your question wasn’t a question.

The question SEEMED as if you wanted to know which would be a better long range hunting cartridge, the 260 or 7-08, to which the answer is 7-08.

 

[huntinfool87]

And my first response only referred to the cartridges - with a sprinkle of AI on the 7-08, which can be cut into any factory 7-08 anyway. If you’re decided upon the Tikka CTR, then you’re painting yourself away from a 7-08 anyway, so your question wasn’t a question.

The question SEEMED as if you wanted to know which would be a better long range hunting cartridge, the 260 or 7-08, to which the answer is 7-08.

Well I did say on several occasions that I cant find a 7mm08 on the type of set up I want without doing some customization.

 

[Ks5shooter]

TC Venture weathershield 7mm-08 my go to hunting rile. Farthest Ive shot it is 150 yards with my pet 139 Hornady sst loads. Don't have access to longer range yet.150 YD target pic,grouped inch and three quarter high to reach out to 300 hundred until I find a longer range.

It wears a Leupold VXR 3-9 x40mm firedot 4 reticle.

Weather Shield


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[Legionnaire]

I think the .260 is a fine long range hunting cartridge. Even better if you cut it to an Ackley. The 7mm-08 will carry more punch than the .260 if both are in their original configuration, but I don't think you'll be under-gunned with the .260 on deer.

 

[Dudedog]

6.5x55 , 280 , 257wby

Silly question but for hunting deer at long range if you have the .280 why step down to 7mm-08?
.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Tikka doesn't limit you on mag length like a true story action does. I got aggravated trying to run 140s in a VTR because I had to seat them so deep.
For me the 260 is easier to load for than the 6.5x55.
To keep the pot stirred...
Why go 260 if you already have a 280? I just built an 8.5lb 280 AI and it makes the 260 look like a baby. The 280rem with hand loads isn't too far behind it.

 

[huntinfool87]

Ok so a couple of you are wondering why I need this if I have a 280. Let me answer. My .280 AI is about 11.5 lbs it's a bench gun. My other .280 is a sporterized k98 mouser. It holds a lot of sentimental value and I get more from that gun the way it is now than I would if I used it for this purpose. I also have a .280 styre pro hunter. I've been having some miss fire issues with it and it has proven to not be very reliable. (I know it's the gun not the ammo as I do not have this issue with my other .280 same ammo) also I cant use the Berger vld unless its single fed. I also had an issue with the gun firing while on safety styre did fix this for me but I'm loosing confidence in its reliability. Hope that answers your question but I also have to mention I have a desire to play with a new caliber but dont tell my wife...

 

[GooseGestapo]

Get a .30/06
Load it with 190gr AccuBond LR bullets and RL17.
Same long range performance as 6.5Creedmoor, just a bit more recoil.
b.c.= .640 G1. Sd= .286.
(My choice is the Sierra 200gr GameKing over RL22).
Superior on-game performance.
It’s a HUNTING rifle. With the few shots taken on game, recoil isn’t an issue.
But, get a 6.5Creed and practice shooting 600+yds.
After shooting paper, trying to cope with winds, and varying temperatures, cold shot vs. hot barrel, clean vs. fouled.
I shoot NRA highpower. Known distances. Wind can still cause you to miss a 36” Bullseye @600yds if you don’t compensate.
How big is a deer vital area? 10x14”, maybe.....?
With my .300RUM, I wouldn’t attempt beyond 400yds.
And yes, I have a .260Rem. And yes I attempted a 470yd shot. I hit the deer, but she ran 400+yds onto adjacent property. Coyotes fed well.
(129gr Hornady failed to expand).
ymmv

 

[huntinfool87]

Get a .30/06
Load it with 190gr AccuBond LR bullets and RL17.
Same long range performance as 6.5Creedmoor, just a bit more recoil.
b.c.= .640 G1. Sd= .286.
(My choice is the Sierra 200gr GameKing over RL22).
Superior on-game performance.
It’s a HUNTING rifle. With the few shots taken on game, recoil isn’t an issue.
But, get a 6.5Creed and practice shooting 600+yds.
After shooting paper, trying to cope with winds, and varying temperatures, cold shot vs. hot barrel, clean vs. fouled.
I shoot NRA highpower. Known distances. Wind can still cause you to miss a 36” Bullseye if you don’t compensate.
How big is a deer vital area? 10x14”, maybe.....?
With my .300RUM, I wouldn’t attempt beyond 400yds.
And yes, I have a .260Rem. And yes I attempted a 470yd shot. I hit the deer, but she ran 400+yds onto adjacent property. Coyotes fed well.
(129gr Hornady failed to expand).
ymmv

Lmao I'm gonna pretend I didnt just read any of that for one I'll never own a 30-06 again glad you like your I really am but no thank you for me. Please read the post again your answer is completely unrelated to the post. I dont mean to be rude but yesterday I made 3 post on this page and out of over 350 replies there has been 3 replies that are actually relevant to the post. I'm not looking for caliber suggestions I'm simply looking for information on the 7mm08 and the .260 and also looking for make and model suggestions.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I get the desire for a new cartridge. The 260 is a 6.5x55 in a short action. The 7-08 is your 280 with less power.
Look at your current powder and bullet supply, which cartridge has the most already available? This gives you a change to burn up bullets and powder your other toys didn't like.

 

[huntinfool87]

I get the desire for a new cartridge. The 260 is a 6.5x55 in a short action. The 7-08 is your 280 with less power.
Look at your current powder and bullet supply, which cartridge has the most already available? This gives you a change to burn up bullets and powder your other toys didn't like.

Good point. I guess I might be a little nervous because that 6.5x55 is kinda stubborn to reload for. But like I said I'm no seasoned vet.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Good point. I guess I might be a little nervous because that 6.5x55 is kinda stubborn to reload for. But like I said I'm no seasoned vet.

I meant in ballistics. The 260 has been like loading for a 308 in my experience. Any appropriate powder and bullet gave me an accurate load. My 6.5 x55 Mauser on the other hand only likes 129 sst. It didn't even like 160 rn.
If you go 260, be sure to post updates as you find a load.

 

[huntinfool87]

I meant in ballistics. The 260 has been like loading for a 308 in my experience. Any appropriate powder and bullet gave me an accurate load. My 6.5 x55 Mauser on the other hand only likes 129 sst. It didn't even like 160 rn.
If you go 260, be sure to post updates as you find a load.

Thanks for the information. My 6.5x55 mauser likes the 140 vld. But when it comes to powder it's very picky. I'm getting 3/4 moa now and I'm good with that. But that gun is a lot like my 280 k98 it was sporterized by the same guy and holds a lot of sentimental value to me.