The .260 Remington

[blue32]

I think marketing and industry support played a large role in the CM popularity, although the CM gives you more clearance in reference to the ogive. I settled on a 260 in 2016 because I wanted a do everything cartridge and felt a more established round would be a better bet. All the components and data were there. At the time, I had a small pile of range pickup .243 brass that was easily converted so why not. If I buy again I'd likely flip a coin but opt for a 1:9 instead of 1:8. I got to play with everything in jacketed from 85 to 160 grains. Now I'm venturing into $3.20/box territory. To say one is better than the other? [tomayto-tomahto]

 

[rayatphonix]

This argument seems to reappear every month or so. I have multiple versions of each. If you were buying a new rifle, be it 260 or CM, chances are you’d get a 1:8 twist barrel. Older 260’s often had 1:9 barrels but these days that’s unlikely so unless you’re comparing an older 260 to a new CM, twist is a non-issue. That said, many CM users favor 130 grain class bullets so older 260’s are still relevant. Magazine length? Both fit in short action magazines. The CM’s case was optimized for longer bullets so the bullets don’t take up valuable powder space, but the 260 case has a bit more capacity so the difference in velocities isn’t as great as some believe.

The CM has superior industry support by far. That’s it’s biggest advantage and it’s significant.

 

[Legionnaire]

Were I buying/building a new hunting rifle and my choices were .260 Remington or 6.5 Creedmoor, I'd definitely choose the latter. A friend wanted a new rifle in something lighter than his .30-06. I recommended the 6.5 Creedmoor. He bought a Ruger American Predator and couldn't be happier. @jmr40 outlined the history and foibles of the .260 Remington very well above.

That said, I don't own a 6.5 Creedmoor and won't any time soon. I bought my first .260 Remington before the 6.5 Creedmoor was a thing and at this point, this pair of .260 Ackleys keep my happy.

1:9 twist Remington 700 Ti, McMillan Hunter.

1:8.5 twist Remington 700 "Remage," McGowen barrel, Grayboe stock.

 

[David Hoback]

If I were to do it over again now, I’d go 6.5 Super LR. It is truly perfection in a cartridge. I may do one if I ever run out of range with the 260. Exceptional cost of switching to, though.

However, watching videos of shooters engage targets at A MILE+ using a standard 260, has me doubting that time will ever come.