What would you do?

07zx6r · Mar 21, 2012

I know this topic has been discussed but I would like to hear some up to date responses.. I wrote a check yesterday to Collier Rifles to build a rife.. I chose to go with a 308 as this is my first long range rifle. however, since the minute I left the shop, I have had buyers remorse.. i was torn between a 260 and 308.. it will be strictly a target gun that i would like to eventually shoot out to 1000 yards..I can still change the caliber, should I?

I know the barrel life and factory ammo selection isnt as good, but i do reload. also, what barrel length and twist is ideal for a 260?

jasonk · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

260, 1-8", 24".

And yes I'd make the change.

triceratops3 · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

I don't have very much experience yet but I've thought about 6.5 caliber vs .308 for countless hours. I ended up choosing a 6.5 creedmoor over the .308. Much better ballistics. Pretty comparable in price (except 308 has more brass options). It's in the process of getting put together now.

I went with a 1-8" twist for the heavier 140's and 28" to get the most velocity/weight. (I want minimal recoil too) and if I don't like the long barrel I can always get it chopped.

07zx6r · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

would a 22" be suitable? i had chosen the the bartlein 20" 1:11.25 for the 308.. i know you lose velocity with the shorter barrel.

triceratops3 · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

I've heard most people prefer the longer barrels on the 6.5's and .260's because they supposedly loose lots more velocity in shorter barrels as compared to .308. But there's a few people on here that have shorty 6.5's and it seems like they are getting pretty decent results.

In the bolt action section look for the thread "diet 6.5" guy has a 20" shorty creedmoor and seems to be getting close to 2700 fps out of it with 139's i believe. Check it out. So From what his testing shows a 22" can be promising.

gme · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

If I could only own one rifle, it'd be a .308

Oneteam · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

I have both and I am going to rebarrel my 308 to another 260. 24" barrel for the 260.

USMC mustang · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

Unless you wanted to shoot F-Class FT/R I'd go with the .260, better ballistics downrange and it's easy to get good a shooting factory .308. Either way, you'll probably end up getting both. I have three .308s, my next bolt gun WILL be a .260.

Switchblade · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

Wasn't there something called a fag mag a while back a lot of guys here were shooting...something like 6.5 x 260 or 308? It was a long time ago, like back when there were only about 2500 people here

PRDRIVER · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

I have shot .308 for a number of years and recently switched to .260. I wish I would have made the switch years ago.

If you don't reload much, I would consider the 6.5 Creedmoor because it is a little easier to find match grade ammo than the .260.

For a barrel length I would go with a barrel that is between 24" and 26" and a twist of 1-8" or 1-8.5" to allow you to shoot the heavier 140gr projectiles.

Napsters · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

It depends on how much general shooting you have done. I have fired at least 10k rounds of 22, a lot of shotgun, and done enough center fire to know how to shoot. I went 308 for my first precision gun. I figured I did not want to change the barrel after 3k rounds...

07zx6r · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

anyone have experience running a 7.62 can on a 260? i know that it will work, but im just curious on how well it suppresses compared to a 308, also will the larger exit hole have any negative effects on accuracy? thanks

triceratops3 · Mar 21, 2012

Re: What would you do?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RMW</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> If you don't reload much, I would consider the 6.5 Creedmoor because it is a little easier to find match grade ammo than the .260. </div></div>

Yeah, it seems like most people are recommended the Creedmoor if they don't reload because of the relatively cheap factory ammo about $25 for 20. other than that the tw oare pretty much identical.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wasn't there something called a fag mag a while back a lot of guys here were shooting...something like 6.5 x 260 or 308? It was a long time ago, like back when there were only about 2500 people here </div></div>

perhaps you're thinking of the 6.5-'06 I believe it was the predecessor to the .260 Rem.. but im not 100% positive on that.

PRDRIVER · Mar 22, 2012

Re: What would you do?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: triceratops3</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RMW</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> If you don't reload much, I would consider the 6.5 Creedmoor because it is a little easier to find match grade ammo than the .260. </div></div>

Yeah, it seems like most people are recommended the Creedmoor if they don't reload because of the relatively cheap factory ammo about $25 for 20. other than that the two are pretty much identical.</div></div>

I agree. The 6.5 Creedmore, .260, and 6.5X47 are all very close in performance. I went the .260 route and have been very happy with it. If I had to do it again, I may lean towards the Creedmoor. I know I am not going to be thrilled losing a bunch of Lapua brass at competitions.

redroan45 · Mar 22, 2012

Re: What would you do?

For my 100th post I will say go with .308 because I am old school, but I will most likely own both eventually. My first elk rifle was a .308 and so it is still my favorite caliber. If you are having that much remorse I would say that you have already made up your mind, so make the change.

PRDRIVER · Mar 22, 2012

Re: What would you do?

The .308 is a great round. With my .308, I have done lots of long range shooting; elk, deer, and coyote hunting; and my .308 shoots great with factory ammo.

However, my .308 is not being shot much now that I have the .260. The .260 does everything better than the .308. The only drawback I see to the .260 is the lack of good match grade ammo that can be purchased off the shelf at your local gun shop.

RONINUSMC · Mar 22, 2012

Re: What would you do?

I would say stick to your original idea of 308win, use it as a learning tool. Shoot it till the barrel is done, then chamber it into something else.

anthonyt95628 · Mar 22, 2012

Re: What would you do?

Step one, Call the Rifle maker and put a hold on the order. Step two tell yourself that you are going with the .260 instead of the .308, really convince yourself that you are going with the .260. Wait 24-48 hours and see if you have buyer’s remorse again. If you do repeat step two with the .308. If that doesn’t work reread the all of these posts again.

biscuit75camaro · Mar 22, 2012

Re: What would you do?

dude i have 3 308 rifles all of them except my EBR are going to get sold to buy 260 ammo components. its seriously that much better at extended ranges with less wind drift and less bullet drop. 260 man do it i promise you will be happy you did.

The Punisher · Mar 22, 2012

Re: What would you do?

260 Rem...same ballistics as a 300 win mag with out recoil and noise.....that's what I did!