Range Report .260 vs. .243 for competition

[JRose]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: macssubmoa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My thoughts are with the 243, it has won the ITRC shoot several years in a row. The other thing alot of us overlook is the time of flight with muzzle velocity. For example a 115 Dtac at 2800fps is no comparison to a 95 at 3300.Run this out in any ballistics program and you will find the 243 with a 95 gr berger to be far better than a 260 with a 130 or 140 gr bullet also.
Just my .02
Macs</div></div>

I think if you run this out past 700 yards you will find this not to be true. </div></div>

Also, we're not running our DTACs anywhere near 2800fps... Run that data at 3050, which is what I run mine at, and you'll change your mind.

 

[JRose]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

If it's in an AR, I personally wouldn't want a .243. I'd run a .260.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

What kind of barrel lengths are you running on the .260's ?

 

[JRose]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

I've got a 25" on my Creedmoor pushing 139's a tick over 2900fps. Mike has a 22 or 24" on his AR pushing 139's pretty fast too, not sure what his velocity is though.

I'm putting together a .260 AR and it will have a 24" barrel.

 

[bigmac125]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

I ran the ballistics over and over, not to argue but would like to know what programs you arew running. My stuff says the 95gr 6mm Berger at 3300 out performs the 115DTAC at 3050 with less wind drift and less drop out past 1200 yards. Again not trying to argue but would like to check out things if my stuff is off. I've tried Barnes Ballistics, Sierra, JBM, and had a buddy run it on his X-Ball.
GOD BLESS
Mac's
Nobody wants to give advice.

 

[Mike]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

On the AR it's a 22" barrel pushing the 139's at 2800. Yes, it's fairly hot and the brass gets about two reloadings but it's a hammer.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's why I suggested 7-08 for all the reasons I did...... </div></div>

That was an option I looked at for awhile and may still be on the shelf, but I need to choose something right now that is a Factory rifle and I don't see any Varmint weight 7-08's in Remmy's lineup. </div></div>

Out of stock, accepting orders

Remington Model 700 SPS Varmint 7mm-08

even when these were in stock a few weeks ago they were not and have not been on Remingtons web-site, at least since I have been watching for the 18 months.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Niles Coyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Out of stock, accepting orders

Remington Model 700 SPS Varmint 7mm-08 </div></div>

Interesting. Do you know what barrel twist they are using? Will it shoot the heavy, high BC projectiles?

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

It has a 9 1/4 twist and others here have said it shoots 162 amax and 168's fine, I dont have one but hope to change that soon... That twist jives with berger as they call for a 9 twist for the 180's and a 10 for the 168 vld.

 

[One-Eyed Jack]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

This 260 versus 243 (115DTACs) in bolt guns debate was hot a few years ago. George Gardner's argument in favor of the 115DTAC was that the 243Win has less recoil than 260Rem or 260AI. Personally, I prefer to shoot 115DTACs using a 6XC cartridge, using less powder than 243Win and therefore even less recoil. Realistic barrel life for 6XC is 2,200-2,500 rounds, probably about the same as 260Rem. If I had to shoot only one cartridge, it would be 6XC. Unless there is a point about terminal ballistics (more energy on target), I think the 115DTACs are the best choice in competition.

 

[Wild_Bill]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

ok i will trow a spanner in the works here, if using it in an AR the 260 is in the shit with 140gr class of projectiles the 123's will be the optimum because you can not use longer oal mags. there for the 6.5X47 lapua or the 6X47 Lapua would be better options the 243 will still load to 2.800" with a 115gr DTAC and feed through the AR but a 140gr VLD in a 260 can be problomatic. so i would have an adjustable gas block fitted and still go 6nn either the 6X47 LApua or the straight old 243 as it just shoots so well past 1000 yards. we have a lot of problems here ith 260's when the 140gr projectile is used they seem to have a lot of issues loaded to 2.8" as the case capacity is severly reduced and they just become realy hard to tune but the 123gr projectile class works much better and i would keep that in mind if going toward the 260 rem forget the 140's and look at the 120-130 class of projectile as they are more balanced to the case.
Even if you run a 24" 243 you will be better of than a 24" 260 barrel life will be close to half but you have to pay for the extra performance but hammering off a breaked 243 is like nothing else they are amaswing to shoot they have half the felt recoil of the 260 so they are easier to follow up with quick shoting.

also the 107gr MatchKing is amasing and almost indistructable they just shoot jumping or jammed same go's with the 115gr DTAC.

 

[bigmac125]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

I ran the ballistics over and over, not to argue but would like to know what programs you arew running. My stuff says the 95gr 6mm Berger at 3300 out performs the 115DTAC at 3050 with less wind drift and less drop out past 1200 yards. Again not trying to argue but would like to check out things if my stuff is off. I've tried Barnes Ballistics, Sierra, JBM, and had a buddy run it on his X-Ball.
GOD BLESS
Mac's
Nobody wants to give advice? If my stuff is off guys please let me know.

 

[Mike]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

It's off. Real world experience has proven it many times in the past or we'd all be running 95gns. The velocity bleeds out too quickly and past 700-800 yards, the 95 is bleeding energy fast. I don't know what you're imputing into the ballistic calculator but there must be an error somewhere.

Also look at it logically. Almost every single caliber does better <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">at longer ranges</span></span> with a heavier bullet. Why do you think the 243 would be different?

 

[bigmac125]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

I don't think that it would be any different. However I've noticed that there is a spot where time of flight meets BC and if you go past that than the smaller bullet shines. A quick example is my 20x47Lapua, it runs a 55gr Berger with less than 18 minutes at 1000yd. Another real world example is my 300RUM, I get less drop and wind drift with a 210 than I do with a 240. The RUM is when I figured this out. It was built with the intentions of shooting 240SMK's but is rather sick.

 

[spot69221]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: macssubmoa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...My stuff says the 95gr 6mm Berger at 3300 out performs the 115DTAC at 3050 with less wind drift and less drop out past 1200 yards. Again not trying to argue but would like to check out things if my stuff is off. I've tried Barnes Ballistics, Sierra, JBM, and had a buddy run it on his X-Ball.
GOD BLESS
Mac's
Nobody wants to give advice? If my stuff is off guys please let me know.</div></div>

Looks like the ballistic calculators show the 95gr Berger is a bit flatter shooting, wind is inches between them assuming the velocities you mentioned.

Looks nice on the paper, I wouldn't say your wrong as I have never tried the 95gr. I seem to keep hearing about the 115gr more than most other combinations.

macssubmoa - Do you or have you shot either of these combinations?

95gr Berger might work great if you can get it to rip out of a factory Remmy 700 at 3300fps. Shooting that fast you could get to your new custom barrel quicker.

 

[bigmac125]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

WE shoot the 95gr combination alot out to 1200yds. We tried the 105gr and the 115gr but they didn't work as good and had alot more drop and wind drift than did the 95gr. They have proven themselves at the ITRC shoot and also in the field.

 

[JRose]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

I've found better luck out of heavier bullets myself. I'll often give up the quest for the elusive flattest shooter in order to take advantage of a heavier pill, that doesn't get knocked around by the wind as much.

I've had great luck and performance with these. They're also what I currently shoot.

.308: 185 VLD

.243: 115 DTAC

6.5 CM: 139 Scenar

Everybody thought I was nuts when I was shooting 190's in my .308 over the Godsend 175, but the proof has been in the pudding for me, and I prefer a little drop in speed to secure higher BC and wind resistance.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

I pulled up the Sierra .264" diameter projo images, and while I agree the 142SMK is problematic for mag length rounds, it looks like the 120, 123 and 140gr SMKs are pretty similar in length. I've felt for some time that the 140SMK was overshadowed by the 142's arrival, but that for OAL considerations, it could something of an overlooked treasure. The difference is a .535BC (140) vs a .510BC (123) vs .595BC (142). Splits the difference at least partway.

Greg

 

[Terry Cross]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

You are right. . . You are not going to get a definite answer. Both are great rounds when proper bullets and twists are used.

You are screwed on anything factory barreled because their slower twist will not let you shoot the bullets you need to shoot in the first place.

Both rounds have great brass and bullets. Both rounds can be fired in chambers cut with dimensions that allow mag fed OALs. But that is a moot point if Remington barrels won't stabilize the bullets.

Might be worth considering the advice made earlier to get a popular rifle from them that you can sell and put the $ toward a proper build. If you are looking at a dedicated tactical/comp rifle, don't half ass it. Just put the project in somebody's lap and forget about it till it's done. Much frustration and nashing of teeth will be in store for you otherwise.

BTW, Sherri Gallagher won the Camp Perry Long Range National Agg shooting a .260 Rem a few months ago. They could care less about barrel life but still didn't use one of the barrel burner rounds. Curious. Lots of .260s shot in the top ranks every year at Perry.

They pick what works for them and then shoot it hard. When the barrel needs swapping, they handle it just like opening up the next box of bullets.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's off. Real world experience has proven it many times in the past or we'd all be running 95gns. The velocity bleeds out too quickly and past 700-800 yards, the 95 is bleeding energy fast. I don't know what you're imputing into the ballistic calculator but there must be an error somewhere.

Also look at it logically. Almost every single caliber does better <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="text-decoration: underline">at longer ranges</span></span> with a heavier bullet. Why do you think the 243 would be different? </div></div>

I beg to differ. I can't shoot anything over 95 gr. because all my 6mm stuff is 1-10" twist. That 95 gr. Berger gets out to 1k just fine. FWIW, all the guys I shoot with around here that use tighter twists, won't use a DTAC 115 unless they are shooting @ 1k. That's 6mm BR, 6x47 and 6XC.

Edit:

For the OP. I used to think .243 was inferior to many other calibers. However, a few folks have proven that wrong. .243, 6mmBR and 6mmXC have all taken national titles in some high profile disciplines. All the rage was the 6.5 when everyone went to the 6.5x.284. Now that velocities have come back to norm and what folks are looking at is barrel longevity the .243 and 7mm-08 have gotten more looking at them. I would go with the .243 as it will fit the AR-10 platform you're looking at with less problems. I would choose a 7mm-08 in a bolt gun, but with long high BC bullets it won't function well in an AR.

 

[Mike]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I beg to differ. I can't shoot anything over 95 gr. because all my 6mm stuff is 1-10" twist. That 95 gr. Berger gets out to 1k just fine. FWIW, all the guys I shoot with around here that use tighter twists, won't use a DTAC 115 unless they are shooting @ 1k. That's 6mm BR, 6x47 and 6XC.</div></div>

SW,
A few questions for you. Because your rifle is a 1:10 and you "can't" shoot the 115s, how is that the caliber's fault or rather a limitation of the caliber?

No one is debating whether or not the 95 gets to 1k, but does it get there better than the 115?

Can your rifle with the 95s or your friends with the other 6mm beat the number to 1K?

6.5 mil to 1K
1.5 mil @ 10mph FV

Every GAP built 243 I have seen has shot this load with no pressure signs. Also, there is a pretty good chance we can get that dope even lower as we've been looking at a new powder that may give us faster velocities. Yes, at the price of barrel life but that's a price I am willing to pay.

I don't think you can have your cake and eat it to. I think if you have a rifle built for the 95s it wont shoot the 115s and vice versa. Therefore it is up to the individual to decide where he would like to sacrifice. I'll take the short distance sacrifice (I easily concede the lighter bullets inside 600) for the benefit of the longer distances. I have consistently hit at 1200 with the 115s and feel confident in doing so.

This is just my experience. I go with what works and for me, there has been only one thing that worked better than others.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

I've always seen this discussion from the .260 side; but this conversation about the .243 has been very interesting too.

Greg

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

I just emailed Remington on the 7mm-08 SPS-V.

When I posted this question I was not even aware one existed. That may be the route I head for now since it will be the cheapest way to gain an advantage over the .308.

I am also going to experiment with the 208gr. Amax in the .308. The ballistic calculators show some interesting promise for that round and changing loads in the rifle I have is the cheapest yet.

 

[Nocalphoenix]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

Dont forget to see if your local matches have a velocity limit for the steel targets. Our club says max of 3100fps at the muzzle so I run the .243 with the 115dtacs at about 2950fps for everything. I know I could run it faster but the results between 2950 and 3100fps do not really show up at 600 and it would seem Im getting a bit better barrel life.

I wobbled back and forth between 6.5mm stuff and the .243 for a while and the easy availability of quality brass led me to the .243. Im pretty sure I could have had either one and been happy and I cannot really say going with one or the other has helped me gain a single point in a match.

 

[oldgrayone]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

LoneWolf,
Your PM box is full. If you want to try a SPS V in 234 I have a new one sitting here that has never been fired. I bought it for a project that lost interest. You can borrow it and see what you think. Right now it is sitting in the safe as a barreled action but I think I have the stock some where. Just say the word! With the fucked up Illinois law I think we are OK with IN. being a bordering state. If you like it we can work somethng out, if you dont like it just give it back.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I beg to differ. I can't shoot anything over 95 gr. because all my 6mm stuff is 1-10" twist. That 95 gr. Berger gets out to 1k just fine. FWIW, all the guys I shoot with around here that use tighter twists, won't use a DTAC 115 unless they are shooting @ 1k. That's 6mm BR, 6x47 and 6XC.</div></div>

SW,
A few questions for you. Because your rifle is a 1:10 and you "can't" shoot the 115s, how is that the caliber's fault or rather a limitation of the caliber?

No one is debating whether or not the 95 gets to 1k, but does it get there better than the 115?

Can your rifle with the 95s or your friends with the other 6mm beat the number to 1K?

6.5 mil to 1K
1.5 mil @ 10mph FV

Every GAP built 243 I have seen has shot this load with no pressure signs. Also, there is a pretty good chance we can get that dope even lower as we've been looking at a new powder that may give us faster velocities. Yes, at the price of barrel life but that's a price I am willing to pay.

I don't think you can have your cake and eat it to. I think if you have a rifle built for the 95s it wont shoot the 115s and vice versa. Therefore it is up to the individual to decide where he would like to sacrifice. I'll take the short distance sacrifice (I easily concede the lighter bullets inside 600) for the benefit of the longer distances. I have consistently hit at 1200 with the 115s and feel confident in doing so.

This is just my experience. I go with what works and for me, there has been only one thing that worked better than others.</div></div>

It's not the calibers fault. It's what I got for cheap that shoots 95's pretty good. I didn't build the rifle around 95 gr. bullets. I got an inexpensive Shilen 6mm barrel and put it on an action and started shooting it. I've been frustrated that I can't shoot 105's 107's and 108's let alone 115's of either DTAC or Berger. I'm just happy when I hit with the 95's past 1200. I can't say I've done enough shooting with them past 1k to really have a ton of confidence in them. Partly because I mostly shoot the 7mm's when I get out that far. Also, the guys who I shoot against are pretty damn good with 105's. Again, though, most all of this is to 1k.

FWIW, we may disagree which bullet is better but I will say I agree with you the .243 is quite the sleeper that many don't think will do the job. It is capable of doing the job very well. It surprised me how well it can perform.

 

[dar1246]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

The 243 is a true performer. Although I have more 260s in the rack. I still seem to always build a 243. This one now was built for the 115s and glad I did. I only have 400 rds threw her. She shoots great. I'am only getting about 2850 but my SDs are at 5 using H4350. Thought about trying the RL-25. I have heard this would be a good combo. I would not change if the SDs go up. At 1000 yards my come up is 27.5 moa.

Not much different in the 260 but the 243 eats the barrels up more. Loading a little lighter, my thought was the barrel life would be a little better. But in the end I think I will bump the load up and push the bullet down the road around 3000. I can always put a new barrel on it.

 

[spot69221]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: oldgrayone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">LoneWolf,
Your PM box is full. If you want to try a SPS V in 234 I have a new one sitting here that has never been fired. I bought it for a project that lost interest. You can borrow it and see what you think. Right now it is sitting in the safe as a barreled action but I think I have the stock some where. Just say the word! With the fucked up Illinois law I think we are OK with IN. being a bordering state. If you like it we can work somethng out, if you dont like it just give it back.</div></div>

That's awesome, do it and tell us what you think!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: macssubmoa</div><div class="ubbcode-body">WE shoot the 95gr combination alot out to 1200yds. We tried the 105gr and the 115gr but they didn't work as good and had alot more drop and wind drift than did the 95gr. They have proven themselves at the ITRC shoot and also in the field.</div></div>

If you don't mind I will hit you up with a PM, got some ?'s

 

[Notime]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

There are a few differences between the 243 and 260 that may help you make a cartridge decision.

The 243 has flat trajecory, needs very slow powders for decent barrel life and needs cleaning more often than the 260 to maintain top accuracy.

260 barrels tend to last longer, the larger/heavier bullets allow easier impact observation (hits and misses) and kicks more..

Bennie Cooley and I have shot 260, 300WM, 6.5x284, 243 and 6x47 Lapua cartridges at matches including the ITRC.

The 243 is a little higher performance if we look strictly at paper ballistics. It is also slightly higher maintenance... The 260 hits substantially harder at the target and slightly more (than the 243) at the shoulder.

My recommendation is to build a 6.5 Creedmoor using great components. Less powder, great bullets, long barrel life, less cleaning. And yes, I am currently having a 6.5 Creedmoor built for a competition rifle.

MV

PS - all of the above cartridges work well in a semi auto, but the gas hole location and size is important

 

[Mike]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

How often do you have to clean your 260? Because at 300 rounds with BN coated bullets my 243 is still sub .5 moa. I never went over 300 with my 260 either so I'm curious what you're seeing in between cleanings with your 260.

 

[JRose]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Notime</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The 243 has flat trajecory, needs very slow powders for decent barrel life and needs cleaning more often than the 260 to maintain top accuracy.

</div></div>

Where's my B.S. flag at.....

I clean all my rifles the same... Between about 350-450 rounds, and have never notice a change in accuracy between cleaning that amount, or cleaning every 20 rounds.

 

[Jedi]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

Just food for thought
6-6.5x47 or plain jane 6.5x47

Guess you could also do same with CM

or really get crazy
6mm crusader,

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

buried somewhere on this site is a chart which treats chamberings in terms of being 'overbore'. The .260 (and .30-'06) are listed as marginally overbore, the .308 as not, the .243 as definitely overbore.

Not really giving this a lot of weight, but I think it has to have some bearing on bore life.

Greg

 

[MTETM]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

Lonewolf,
According to Remington's web site, the SPS and SPS varmint in 243 have a twist rate of 1:9 1/8. The "recommendation" from Hornady is a 1:9 for the 105 amax. Try the 243 and run some amaxes. I have had very good success with them to 1100 yards with a 1:8 poly barrel, maybe someone can comment on them in the factory barrel. I seem to recall a post either here or on 6mmBR about some folks having success with the Amax in a factory barrel.

Good Luck

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just emailed Remington on the 7mm-08 SPS-V.

When I posted this question I was not even aware one existed. That may be the route I head for now since it will be the cheapest way to gain an advantage over the .308.

I am also going to experiment with the 208gr. Amax in the .308. The ballistic calculators show some interesting promise for that round and changing loads in the rifle I have is the cheapest yet.</div></div>

FWIW, that was the caliber I was looking at with that rifle{edit: when I started the SPS thread}. Until they sold out. I have a 7x57 that I like but I can't push the round. Too much bolt thrust due to the taper. That's why I wanted to go to the 7mm-08. Or maybe Ackley. The big deal with that to me is getting good brass. I can get better .308 based cases than I can Mauser cases.

 

[JRose]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

SW, I've been running numbers this morning with FTE, and I've yet to see one instance where a 95gr .243 bullet is any advantage, even pushing it out to 3300fps. I notice a slightly flatter trajectory, but it still doesn't beat the wind like a 115, albeit it's close.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SW, I've been running numbers this morning with FTE, and I've yet to see one instance where a 95gr .243 bullet is any advantage, even pushing it out to 3300fps. I notice a slightly flatter trajectory, but it still doesn't beat the wind like a 115, albeit it's close.

</div></div>

I'm just saying the 95's get there pretty good. I show on a ballistic program that the 115's and 95's are less than an inch apart @ 1000 in a 10 mph wind. But, I haven't shot them under those conditions. Mostly just cold and pretty calm.

I had an epiphany about 2 months ago and called up Hornady and asked why they didn't have something like the Berger 95 gr. VLD. "No Market for it," I was told. When really the market for it IMO is wide open. 9 out of 10 6mm caliber cartridges are 1-10" twist. The 95 gr. Berger is a really good bullet for the 1-10". The only ones not 1-10" are dedicated target guns. Now, in your case it makes sense to use a twist that will stabilize the optimum bullet. But rifles off the shelf don't come like that. Most people who want to start shooting in any competition need to get out there with what they've got and start pulling the trigger. Once they decide they want to dedicate themselves to the sport then they need to look at a custom rifle. Unless, of course, the custom rifle comes along cheap.

My bottom line is I shoot the 95 gr. Bergers because that's what I got the barrels in. When I decide to spend more money on 6mm barrels I can guarantee you they'll be in 1-8" twist.

 

[JRose]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

I agree completely SW. Actually, I appreciate you pointing out the usefulness of a 95gr pill in a slower twist .243! It's good to know that something is out there for a slower twist barrel that's able to hang with the 115, and not have to be custom.

Now building a rifle, I still choose a fast twist 115, b/c while they are close, I'll choose heavier bullet, and a little more come up on trajectory. I feel the advantages are there as far as beating the wind, as well as energy retention on impact.

Thanks for the discussion, opened my eyes to another viable bullet option out there!

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just emailed Remington on the 7mm-08 SPS-V.</div></div>

Remington just replied to me. They no longer produce the SPS-V in 7mm-08, so it looks like factory .243 or custom is my option.

 

[Notime]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

JRose, glad you have not noticed an accuracy change with different cartridges using the same cleaning schedule. That has not been my experience.

As a generalization, higher velocity and longer bullets tend to leave more fouling – which leads to either a degradation in precision or a need to clean more often. This isn’t to say that there are not exceptions.

I had a 7.62 AR-10 barrel that fouled horribly. It shot great (sub moa) for 20 rounds, good through approx 50 rounds and then stabilized at about 1.5 moa for a couple hundred rounds. I also had a 6.5-284 that seemed to shoot really well (.5moa or less) no matter how many rounds were shot through it. Both of these rifles had great cut rifled barrels from the same manufacturer and good chambers. The 7.62s barrel was replaced as I needed it to shoot many accurate rounds w/o cleaning. The 6.5-284 was rebarreled when the accuracy went south. Both replacement barrels were from the same manufacturer, both chambers were cut with the same reamers that cut the 1st chambers.

The 7.62 barrel now gets cleaned when the rifles gas system needs it. I have shot up to 450 rounds w/o cleaning the barrel and like the energizer bunny – it just keeps going and going and… This is what I expect from a 7.62. The 6.5-284 was rebarreled and shoots great. The accuracy tends to fall off a bit after 40-50 rounds and come right back with a quick cleaning. If shot for more than 100 rounds, it is a bear to get clean again.

These are my experiences, not carved in stone.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: .260 vs. .243 for competition

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just emailed Remington on the 7mm-08 SPS-V.</div></div>

Remington just replied to me. They no longer produce the SPS-V in 7mm-08, so it looks like factory .243 or custom is my option.</div></div>

Typical Remington, they sold like hot-cakes so lets not make any more of them.