Starting a project - help needed .260 or 6.5 creedmor

[Idahotrophyhunter]

So Im starting a new project I hope to have finished by this spring. I wanted a gun to shoot a lot, that would be good for deer, antelope, and varmints...something to completement a .300 weatherby I use for everything else. Below is a breakdown of my plan I just don't know if I should chamber for .260 or 6.5 creedmoor. Would like to load 125 grain nosler partitions..(only bullet i use)

Weatherby Vanguard Action - (Was a .243 rifle)
6.5mm Krieger Barrel blank - rem varmint contour .830 at muzzle.
Richards Microfit Laminate Stock, Custom Rollover style, 2 1/4" forened, ebony tip and cap, Black Widow red and black. Will be Glass Bedded

Scope is going to be a vortex viper PST FFP 4-16-X50.

 

[gerry]

Performance of the 260 and 6.5 Creedmoor are very similar so either would be good, you can't really go wrong here. The 260 is more established and has more options for brass and does have a slight edge in performance over the 6.5 Creedmoor. I really like my 260 Remington and would choose it over any of the smaller 6.5's available. If you ever want to shoot 140 or heavier bullets go with a 1 in 8 twist. My 260 has a 1 in 8 and shoots bullets from 120-160 gr well haven't tried anything lighter in this 260 yet. The 6.5's are very versatile and don't kick much, they are great guns.

 

[DrMike]

I have rifles chambered in both cartridges. I'm just getting started with them. However, for the reasons Gerry listed, the 260 probably has more appeal to most of us. I believe the 6.5s are underrated.

 

[onesonek]

My vote would go to the .260 as well. And I totally agree with Dr. Mike, about the 6.5's being under rated.
Beyond that, and with considering you have the larger critters covered,,,,
A 1 in 10" twist handles the 125 gr. PT very well in my 6.5, although not a .260.
Should you decide to maybe use something like the 130 gr. AB, you will need a 9" twist. I figure however, if I need the 140's, I'm going to a bigger caliber anyhow. That's just me of course.
This is what my 6.5x57AIR (6.5x257 Rob. AI Rimmed) , does with the 125 gr. PT's out of 10" twist.

It shot in the .3's at 50 grs. at 2850 fps, but I started to hit pressure signs.
It will also shoot in the .2's with 120gr. BT's, but I prefer the PT's for it's intended use. And, 1/2 moa works for me with most any hunting round anyhow.
I would also expect in the velocity dept., you will be a 1-200fps faster if not more with the .260, as this is out of an Encore 17" handgun barrel.

 

[mcseal2]

Penetration and bullet performance from the 140gr accubonds in my 264WM has been excellent.
The 6.5's long bullets penetrate extremely well.

 

[Idahotrophyhunter]

My barrel is a 1/9 twist so I think the 125 nosler should be the ticket going to run around a 25" barrel. Hopefully looking at about 2950-3000 for the 125 grain load.

98% convinced Im going to chamber it for .260 remington. Stainless steel duracoat finish on the barrel with matte finish on the action, high gloss laminate stock...Should be a great project...Hurry up and wait time, stock wont be here till around first of the year.

 

[gerry]

Make sure you post pictures of your gun when it's finished. Your 1 in 9 twist will be great with the 125 Partition. Good luck.

 

[usmc 89]

i think both of your options sound good however dont overlook the 6.5x47 lapua i am currently using one on coyotes until my middlested is finished. i am using 40g h4350 and a berger 130g vld @ 2830 fps. accuracy is fantastic recoil is minimal and stadndard deviation is under 10 fps. if you do go with the other two i would suggest the 260 for the simple fact that lapua is making brass for it. looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[Idahotrophyhunter]

What scares me bout the lapua is the primer restrictions.


Barrel and action has been sent to the gunsmith...going to be a 260.....I will do the stockmyself.

 

[Guy Miner]

Good choice. The .260 seems to be making a bit of a comeback, which I'm glad to see. As I recall, our 2010 National Champion NRA highpower shooter (a lady Sergeant in the Army) used a .260 with Remington brass to win, and set some records along the way.

I didn't follow Camp Perry this year.

Guy

 

[onesonek]

Good choice. The .260 seems to be making a bit of a comeback, which I'm glad to see. As I recall, our 2010 National Champion NRA highpower shooter (a lady Sergeant in the Army) used a .260 with Remington brass to win, and set some records along the way.

I didn't follow Camp Perry this year.

Guy

I have to admit, I really didn't have much interest in the .264/6.5mm caliber until I got one. I too am glad to see interest in the .260 coming back. It and the other 6.5's a truely under appreciated in this country. Personally, I think it betters the widely used .243Win. for deer. While it gives up some speed, and ever so little at that,,,,it's just a little more all the way around. I love my .243/6mms, but still feel the .264/6.5 has a significant edge. The better SD's, and very adequate bullet selection,,, just make the difference for me. I know how the 120 gr. BT works on deer, and have no doubts with the 125 gr. PT, then throw in the 130 AB, the .260 Rem, would be lacking nothing for deer, out to what I call normal hunting ranges. And still within reasonable ranges, the 140 gr PT is not out of the question for larger species. The only bullet I will use in the 6mm's for deer is 100 PT, and unless forced, would not consider it's use on Elk,,,,even though I know others have. And the .260 really don't give up much if anything to the classic .25-06 as well.

Afterthought amendment,,,,,although in regarding the .243/6mm's,,,I did forget about the 90 gr. ET. I think they very well could bring a new level of performance to that caliber.

 

[338 Ultra]

And the .260 really don't give up much if anything to the classic .25-06 as well.

quote]



Consider it a short action 25-06 with 100-120 grain bullets. With 125-140's it is a reall killer even on bigger stuff, holds it's own with cartridges that have more powder capacity in normal hunting ranges. Very easy to find accuracy and speed in a .260 .

 

[BK]

The only bullet I will use in the 6mm's for deer is 100 PT, and unless forced, would not consider it's use on Elk

I'd whack a spike or cow with a .260/Creedmoor/6.5x47 Lapua/6.5x55, if you let me have good bullets... Partitions, Accubonds, TSX/TTSX.

 

[onesonek]

The only bullet I will use in the 6mm's for deer is 100 PT, and unless forced, would not consider it's use on Elk

I'd whack a spike or cow with a .260/Creedmoor/6.5x47 Lapua/6.5x55, if you let me have good bullets... Partitions, Accubonds, TSX/TTSX.

Me too