Compare/Contrast .260 Rem with 6.5x55

[Ogre]

HI
looking at a .260 Rem.

Still have all the reloading componants for my 6.5x55 (Win 70 L/A) and have the rifle waiting for a new barrel to have the $$ found for it.

The deal on the .260 looks really good and am wondering what the practical differences are between the two rounds. Application is a windy day vermin gun to 500yrds (mainly used to let the 22/243 cool down) and Deer and Hogs with 140's IF I decide not to use the 308.

Brass will be hirtiberger in 6.5x55 and necked up .243 Lapua in the .260 if that helps.

This question must have been raised here b4 or on other boards. On the other boards you all frequent and you to please find and post links to like discussions to save rehashing here.

Rehash all you want If you have opinion.

application is Vermin control: be it small or oinking if I see it I want to be able to put it down.
120+ grain proj's.
If I could get 2900+ fps with 120-129 grian projs and MOA accuracy I would be happy with that for the application.

thanks
later
P

 

[mete]

There really isn't any significant difference. I used a 6.5x55 for many years for deer it deserves it's reputaion. The only problem with it is that it's an old cartridge and the loads here have been reduced because of the old guns .Use some judgement with a 100 year old single lug Krag or 100 year old mauser. But since you have a M70 there is no problem. There are different chamber dimensions also, get the 6.5x55SE reamer if you go for the M70. One that you make might be more accurate than an off the shelf gun. The 6.5x55 should get you 1/2" groups on a well made gun, better on a bench rest gun. And it really shines with the 140 with it's high BC and SD. But either 260 or 6.5x55 will serve you well and I'll leave the differences (???) to be argued by the gun writers.

 

[Jaywalker]

IIRC, the factory barrels for 6.5X55 use a rifling twist rate that's maybe a little faster than those for the .260 (1 - 8" vs 1 - 9"), and assume that since you might be shooting heavier bullets, they'll also be longer. With the latter comes the ability to seat the bullet out further. A longer jump to the rifling might mean slightly worse accuracy with lighter, shorter bullets. If both are true, then I might choose the 6.5X55 for heavier bullets and larger game and the .260 for lighter bullets and slightly smaller game. OTOH, we're talking really marginal differences that might be more theoretical than real.

Jaywalker

 

[stans]

I think the big difference between the 260 Remington and the 6.5x55 Swedish is the overall length of the cartridge. The 260 Rem will run just fine through a short action, the 6.5x55 requires a standard length action. If I had a good 6.5x55, I don't think I would trade it for a 260.

 

[Ardent]

Both are excellant. Personally however, I would take the 6.5X55mm over the .260 in your case. Actual differences are minimal, either will work for your application. You already own the dies and other goodies for the Swede, and as stated earlier by another poster with handloading and a modern rifle the 6.5X55 has considerable performance boosts over what most loading manuals publish. I say stick with the 6.5X55, your are already familiar with it, and you own parts and rifles for it too. The KISS principle will never do you wrong.

Ardent :thumbup

 

[Ogre]

HI
K.I.S.S.
Works for me.
$400 for a new barrel V $1300 for the .260.
with the replies the 6.5x55, good brass in a modern action works as well or better than a .260.
Thanks all

later
P