.260 build

bkknupp

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Minuteman
Feb 26, 2013
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I am thinking of building a .260 rem for a long range tactical style rifle. I currently own two M700 long actions that I could use for the build. Can someone tell me if this will work ok or not. I didn't know if there would be feeding issues if I wanted to use DBM ? I am having trouble finding a SA to use so I hoped I could make a LA work. Thanks.
 
You could build a 6.5x55 or 6.5x57.
A little more boiler room without being seriously overbore.
I don't know if anyone makes a long action bottom metal that accepts short action mags for the model 700
 
I'd go for 6.5x55 as well with a long action.
For my next build, I'm actually considering a switch barrel/bolt gun with 300wm and 6.5x55, and also get a 6.5x47 barrel for my .308.
 
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I've explored the same thing recently. Lots of folks say "build a Swede or 6.5-284 or 6.5-06" on your long action, but when you're already equipped to reload 260 not having to invest in new brass, dies, and possibly different powder becomes an economic benefit.

Yes, a 700 LA will work for 260 and will feed fine from an ADL or BDL mag. If you want DBM, folks have reportedly been able to get 6 rounds of 260 into a 5rd AI 300WM magazine. There's also two different Badger M5 DBM systems that fit a 700 LA and use short action AI AE magazines, the 306-84 (M24) and 306-85 (BDL drop-in).
 
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I recently went through a similar decision and decided to go,with a new 6.5x55 build. The rifle is still at the gunsmith, and I just got my brass in recently... Havent had a chance to confirm that it fits an AICS 300wm magazine yet..
 
I built a .260 on a Savage model 10 with a Shilen barrel and that baby shoots like a house of fire 1/4 MOA all day long.

You could pick up a Savage action relatively cheap and install the barrel yourself. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1373510736.423082.jpg
 
My original plan was to build a 6.5 Swede. Then I was told there would be an issue with the case head being to big for the standard M700 bolt face and there could be issues trying to get this cartridge to feed in standard DBM. That is the reason I was just thinking of getting rid of my LA and finding a SA to do the .260.Can someone tell me just how fast I can actually push the 140's with the Swede ? The load books I have seem to be a little weak I think on how they are loading them.
 
My original plan was to build a 6.5 Swede. Then I was told there would be an issue with the case head being to big for the standard M700 bolt face and there could be issues trying to get this cartridge to feed in standard DBM. That is the reason I was just thinking of getting rid of my LA and finding a SA to do the .260.Can someone tell me just how fast I can actually push the 140's with the Swede ? The load books I have seem to be a little weak I think on how they are loading them.

Most .473 bolts will accommodate the slightly larger case head.

Assuming equal barrel, bullets and pressures between the two, 6.5x55 will go 75-100fps faster than a 260.
 
I've read the 300wm aics mags work, but you may need to do some work on the feed lips.

As for the generally light loads for the 6.5x55, this is because the loads are intended for acceptable pressures in the Carl Gustav M96 and other ~100 year old rifles.
In modern rifles you can go quite a bit higher. Just load as you always would and watch for pressure signs.