.260 vs .308?

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besheff.308

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Dec 26, 2009
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#1
Hello, I have been looking around for awhile now and I finally have decided on the rifle I want, however I cannot pick between .260 or a .308.

The rifle I have in mind is the Base Custom Rifle with a Templar action and McMillan A-5 stock made by G.A. Precision.

I have read a lot of good things about the .308 and I know that it is a very accurate caliber but i also hear a lot of good news about the .260. So if you have any information or recommendations please say so. (I will handload the ammo that I shoot.)

.260 will have a 1/8.5 twist and use 140 grain Berger VLD's
.308 will use 155 grain SMK's, unknown twist rate.
 
#3
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">260 all the way.
308 is a dinosaur. </div></div>

I wouldn't go that far... <600yds there's not too much difference in ballistic performance. The .308 has substantially longer barrel life and IS the standard LR caliber.

For beyond 600yds the .260 (w/ 140's) really out performs the .308 in drop but especially in wind drift. But has about half the barrel life of the .308

Depends on what range you'll mostly be shooting at.
 
#5
Re: .260 vs .308?

Conner,

Nor can we pick for you. You also don't say what you want the rifle for, and that certainly has a bearing.

But generally speaking a 308 Winny is never a mistake. And I don't know your experience, in either shooting or reloading.

But consider this: The only measurable advantage the 260 Rem has over the 308 is that is a flatter shooting and better wind bucking round. That is no small thing, in and of itself.

But on the whole: Accuracy is equal between the two; barrel life is better in the 308; match factory loads in the 308, if you need them, are more readily available; and 308 brass is either better and/or less work in obtaining.

But really it is hard to go very wrong wither way. Toss a coin...
 
#6
Re: .260 vs .308?

Bah ha ha ha !!!!
I will get you converted yet my friend !!!




<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buffybuster</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">260 all the way.
308 is a dinosaur. </div></div>

I wouldn't go that far... <600yds there's not too much difference in ballistic performance. The .308 has substantially longer barrel life and IS the standard LR caliber.

For beyond 600yds the .260 (w/ 140's) really out performs the .308 in drop but especially in wind drift. But has about half the barrel life of the .308

Depends on what range you'll mostly be shooting at. </div></div>
 
#7
Re: .260 vs .308?

If you don't yet reload go 308, everybody needs a 308, so if you don't have a 308 yet get one, then if you want a 260 swap barrels, I would get a Surgeon action if a switch barrel
 
#8
Re: .260 vs .308?

There's too many of you "fast" (6mm/6.5mm) guys trying to "convert" me. Though constantly shoot next to you "fast" guys tends to make a guy start thinking........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bah ha ha ha !!!!
I will get you converted yet my friend !!!




<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buffybuster</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">260 all the way.
308 is a dinosaur. </div></div>

I wouldn't go that far... <600yds there's not too much difference in ballistic performance. The .308 has substantially longer barrel life and IS the standard LR caliber.

For beyond 600yds the .260 (w/ 140's) really out performs the .308 in drop but especially in wind drift. But has about half the barrel life of the .308

Depends on what range you'll mostly be shooting at. </div></div> </div></div>
 
#9
Re: .260 vs .308?

Again, as others have said .....what range, what is the primary purpose?
If you don't have a 308......that would be my first choice.
Either one will serve you I'm sure.

Pop
 
#10
Re: .260 vs .308?

They are not even in the same league at 800 yards and beyond. The 260 (depending on the 2 loads and bbl length) will drift around 2 feet less at 1,000 yards and the 308 will drop anothe 5-8 Feet at 1,000. Go with RL 17 and 139 Lapuas and at around 2900 fps the 260 is right there with a 6.5-284 which will kick a 308's ass every time out at long range assuming shooters with similar skills. Anyone arguing that hasn't had long-range experience with both and been to enough F class and 1,000 yard matches.
 
#11
Re: .260 vs .308?

Are there calibers ballistically superior to the .308? You Bet...
However, the .308 is still the main hammer in the toolbox. As others have mentioned above, either would serve you well.

No matter what you choose, know your rifle and learn to shoot it really well. Less wind drift, drop, etc., etc. can never make up for poor marksmanship.... Both are also easy to load for and the difference in component costs is a wash.. HTH
 
#12
Re: .260 vs .308?

My .02 cents, if you don't reload and the primary use of this rifle will be for hunting, I would go with the .308. I say this because of selection of factory ammo.

If you are primarily a target shooter and reload, go with the .260 especially if you have a place and the desire to shoot over 600yds on a regular basis. Barrel life will add up if you are a regular shooter but that is part of the fun.

There is a reason the 308 is still going. It does what it does very well and the rifle you are describing will be no exception to that. The Templar is one of the smoothest actions I have ever cycled.
 
#13
Re: .260 vs .308?

Again... A Prius will run in the Daytona 500 and finish.
Gas mileage vs. performance.
Life is full of choices.
Have had several 308's in my day and just can't find any love for them.

Hell a fast 223 is ideal out to 600 yards.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buffybuster</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There's too many of you "fast" (6mm/6.5mm) guys trying to "convert" me. Though constantly shoot next to you "fast" guys tends to make a guy start thinking........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bah ha ha ha !!!!
I will get you converted yet my friend !!!




<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buffybuster</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">260 all the way.
308 is a dinosaur. </div></div>

I wouldn't go that far... <600yds there's not too much difference in ballistic performance. The .308 has substantially longer barrel life and IS the standard LR caliber.

For beyond 600yds the .260 (w/ 140's) really out performs the .308 in drop but especially in wind drift. But has about half the barrel life of the .308

Depends on what range you'll mostly be shooting at. </div></div> </div></div> </div></div>
 
#14
Re: .260 vs .308?

I am sorry it took me this long to read these and reply. I plan to use this rifle for the occasional hunting trip but from what I hunt this makes no difference. I already do reload and I am alright at it, reloaded more then 3000 rounds for my plinking 22-250 (can easily hold 1/4 MOA at up to 300 yards Factory XR-100 rangemaster). However the main purpose of this rifle will be to shoot at up to 900 yards for fun or competitively. 900 because that is as far as my property extends diagonally.

And what kind of difference in barrel life are we talking about?

(I meant to reply to all of you but didn't know how to just reply so i picked this post)
 
#15
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...Hell a fast 223 is ideal out to 600 yards.... </div></div>

Groups will suffer if you have much of a cross wind.
 
#16
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: connor55</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> However the main purpose of this rifle will be to shoot at up to 900 yards for fun or competitively. 900 because that is as far as my property extends diagonally.

) </div></div>

I've never messed with the 260. 308 has all I need.

That said, from my reading, 308 gets sketchy past 800 yards. Since you already reload, I'd say get the 260 IF it'll actually do what you want.

Still, 308 is a great round. Its no dinosaur.
 
#17
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garandman</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: connor55</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> However the main purpose of this rifle will be to shoot at up to 900 yards for fun or competitively. 900 because that is as far as my property extends diagonally.

) </div></div>

I've never messed with the 260. 308 has all I need.

That said, from my reading, 308 gets sketchy past 800 yards. Since you already reload, I'd say get the 260 IF it'll actually do what you want.

Still, 308 is a great round. Its no dinosaur.

Go shoot a 308 and a 260 side by side at 1,000 yards and you'll switch. A 243, 260 and 7mm-08 will all make a 308 look bad on a windy day at 1K with the proper LR loads.

</div></div>
 
#18
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: connor55</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

And what kind of difference in barrel life are we talking about?

</div></div>

Hold 1moa or less.

.260Rem 3-4K rounds

.308Win 6-8K rounds

Depends on your rate of fire and how you treat your barrel. That seems to be about the number of rounds that shooters, I know, notice groups starting to open up and shop for another barrel. I do know of one .308 that is right at 10K and I've another burnout at just over 4K but I think that's the exception.

BTW the .308 will perform out to 1000yds (w/ the proper loads). The only time you notice it's deficiencies is when you shoot next to a properly setup 6mm,.243/6.5mm,.260
 
#19
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: connor55</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hello, I have been looking around for awhile now and I finally have decided on the rifle I want, however I cannot pick between .260 or a .308.

The rifle I have in mind is the Base Custom Rifle with a Templar action and McMillan A-5 stock made by G.A. Precision.

I have read a lot of good things about the .308 and I know that it is a very accurate caliber but i also hear a lot of good news about the .260. So if you have any information or recommendations please say so. (I will handload the ammo that I shoot.)

.260 will have a 1/8.5 twist and use 140 grain Berger VLD's
.308 will use 155 grain SMK's, unknown twist rate.
</div></div>

If it were my one and only....I would go with the .308 the new Sierra 155 2156 look very promising. It it was a "comp" rifle I would have to be in the .260/6.5 world.
 
#20
Re: .260 vs .308?

Thanks for all the info everybody, I will do some more looking around but I expect I will go with the 260. I plan to treat this rifle like gold and from what you all said the couple thousand rounds less wont matter to me if the 260 can get anywhere from 3000-4000. Once again thank you all and have a nice day or whatever is left of it.
 
#21
Re: .260 vs .308?

I have found that if I shoot lighter loads at short range...bbl life increases quite a bit. I've had 260's that were done at 2000 rounds and I had some go over 3500 rounds because I did less raid fire and loaded 107's/ 108's at around 2700-2800- fps and there was much less wear on the bbl.
 
#22
Re: .260 vs .308?

Good choice. Buy once cry once. You will not be disappointed with the the 260.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: connor55</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all the info everybody, I will do some more looking around but I expect I will go with the 260. I plan to treat this rifle like gold and from what you all said the couple thousand rounds less wont matter to me if the 260 can get anywhere from 3000-4000. Once again thank you all and have a nice day or whatever is left of it. </div></div>
 
#24
Re: .260 vs .308?

IMO they're both good rounds. I usually will run to defend the .308 but it doesn't really matter. Everyone will stand behind the cartridge of their choice regardless as it's like backing the sports team of their choice.

I have a .308 and love it, i'm thinking about rebarreling it to a 6.5 creedmore when the time comes. It's a tough choice as I like heavy bullets, I shoot 208gr amax's now and the downrange performance is awesome. When I run the numbers of a 208 amax and a 140vld, the wind drive at 100 is less than 1moa difference. Granted there is a recoil difference for sure, but there are fixes for that.

With the wind drift differences aside, the downrange energy of the 208 over the 140 is significant. The 208's don't shoot as "flat", but that's a moot point as we all adjust for drop regardless of the rifle. Range determination is easy, wind is the tough part so the wind deflection resistance was the key for my decision on the heavy bullets.

Either way, both rounds are good. Here's the way I look at it. When the poo hits the fan, what are you going to be able to get, and shoot. .308? or .260?

Branden
 
#25
Re: .260 vs .308?

haha, it is true if poo hits the fan I would rather have a 308, but I already have a hunting 30-06 that's just as easy to get ammo for. And the way I shoot is not anywhere near rapid fire, one round per 10 seconds is the fastest I shoot, and that's only if the wind is going crazy and it finally calms for a moment.
 
#26
Re: .260 vs .308?

Indeed it is. Should of gave me a holler.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chrisj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was just in Huntington Beach yeterday 65. working in Murrieta and had nothing to do yesterday. Laguna to Huntington is a nice stretch on the PCH! </div></div>
 
#28
Re: .260 vs .308?

If you're asking yourself the "Hmmm, A or B?" question, as firearms owner and shooter, we both know you will end up owning both sooner or later
grin.gif

Pretty much every time I was in such situation, that's how it ended.
 
#29
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chrisj</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Go shoot a 308 and a 260 side by side at 1,000 yards and you'll switch. A 243, 260 and 7mm-08 will all make a 308 look bad on a windy day at 1K with the proper LR loads.

</div></div>


I never shoot 1,000 yards. Doubt I ever will.

AS I SAID.... 308 meets all my needs.

If you like another caliber, good for you.

The 308 meets my needs.

Comprende?
 
#30
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're asking yourself the "Hmmm, A or B?" question, as firearms owner and shooter, we both know you will end up owning both sooner or later
grin.gif

Pretty much every time I was in such situation, that's how it ended.
</div></div>

Listen to the man. He speaks the truth.
 
#31
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're asking yourself the "Hmmm, A or B?" question, as firearms owner and shooter, we both know you will end up owning both sooner or later
grin.gif

Pretty much every time I was in such situation, that's how it ended.
</div></div>

I currently shot a .308 with 168gr SMK. Next build will be a .260
Why? Same reason as quoted above......
He nailed it!!
 
#32
Re: .260 vs .308?

i am one of those die hard 308 guys, but i did try a 260 for a spell, for competition, hands down it is superior, the drop/ballistics all say 260, the biggest difference i found on the bench is torque and recoil, by the time i get my 308 pushing a bullet hard enough to make it to 1000 it is a bag jumping torque monster (10 twist). the 260 stayed in the bags and was quite tolerable as a free recoil gun. all that said, i chose not to invest in another caliber, brass, dies, bullets, etc. but i am still changing diapers, so my priority's in life may not be the same as yours... and i am still planning on a doing a 6br someday to tame my distance shooting passion.
 
#33
Re: .260 vs .308?

The "Hmmm..., A or B" question is well answered above, methinks.

However, with the .260/.308 debate, the only real mechanical difference is the barrel...; soo...

A spare barrel in 'the other chambering' completes the suite.

I wish all the questions on these forums were this easy to answer.

Greg
 
#34
Re: .260 vs .308?

It is true, I probably will end up owning a rifle in both calibers, however I will more then likely end up doing what Greg said, just own a 308 barrel and a 260 barrel. Or just a 308 once i shoot the 260 out. Either way I will probably start with the 260.

Anyone got some good loads for it? I keep hearing 140 Bergers/139 Scenars loaded with Reloader (some # that I forget) CCI primers and resizing 308 Lapua brass works very well.
 
#35
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: connor55</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It is true, I probably will end up owning a rifle in both calibers, however I will more then likely end up doing what Greg said, just own a 308 barrel and a 260 barrel. Or just a 308 once i shoot the 260 out. Either way I will probably start with the 260.

Anyone got some good loads for it? I keep hearing 140 Bergers/139 Scenars loaded with <span style="color: #FF0000">Reloder (some # that I forget)</span> CCI primers and resizing 308 Lapua brass works very well. </div></div>

17 is what i use
 
#36
Re: .260 vs .308?

6.5 cal is way to go for sure, especially if comparing to 308

There are other 6.5 cals i wud consider before 260 thou, heres why.
Ideally a bullet should be seated so boat tail junction is at neck junction of case
Doing so with a 260 will require a long OAL 2.900 + not many rifles mag feed @ that lenght..thou it can be done

I have no experience with 6.5CM

6.5x47 @ 2.800 OAL positions 130/140berger correctly in case, most rifle can mag feed 2.800

Just my 2 cents but 260 wud be my last choice of 6.5 cals available
 
#37
Re: .260 vs .308?

...c'mon now...it realy doesn't make that much difference...

...fer whut it's worth it would seem 3 to 1 people buying these 6.5's don't agree with you...(i'm one of the smart ones of course)...(wink)...


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LiteTac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here is a list of serial #'s that are spoken for:

01-25 .260
02-25 .260
03-25 6.5 Creedmoor
04-25 6.5 Creedmoor
05-25 .260
06-25 6.5 Creedmoor/.308
07-25 6.5 Creedmoor
08-25 .308
09-25 .260
10-25 6.5 Creedmoor
12-25 .308
13-25 6.5 Creedmoor
14-25 .260/.308
15-25 .260
20-25 .260
24-25 .260
25-25 .260

I will keep this list updated as orders come in.
</div></div>


 
#38
Re: .260 vs .308?

Ok, now from looking on wikipedia it appears that both the .260 and the 6.5CM are based off the .308 case. Sooo.......what's the difference between the 2? Either the 6.5Cm or the .260 have a advantage over the other???

Branden

Edit: Nevermind, I found a site with a comparison of a bunch of 6.5's with pictures included. The difference is in the picture. The .260 uses the same (or very close to) shoulder angle as the .308, and the 6.5CM kinda is like a AI chambering with a steep shoulder.
 
#40
Re: .260 vs .308?

I have used a factory Savage 24" 1:8" barrel and currently run a couple of 28" 1:8" Lothar-Walther high grade barrels. Curiously, both barrel configs like the same loads. I use Sierra 142SMK's, CCI BR-2 primers, 43.8gr (or 43.9gr, depending one which of the two 'identical' barrels) of H4350 in necked up Win .243 brass. OAL to touch the rifling. Ramshot Hunter has a similar burn rate and works well too, but the charge weight is not the same.

Greg
 
#41
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotIce</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you're asking yourself the "Hmmm, A or B?" question, as firearms owner and shooter, we both know you will end up owning both sooner or later
grin.gif

Pretty much every time I was in such situation, that's how it ended.
</div></div>
OK you pecker heads, I sold a rifle Friday and now have some spending money. I have a .308 in 5R that I love, and a .308 Savage that I like, so I am in the hunt to go .260 or 6.5 x 47, with a change of a barrel on the Savage. Any good advice on where to get a Barrel, or twist rates.
Thanks to all of you here, there is no more "Spare Money" it is all sitting in my Gun Safe. LOL
SScott
 
#42
Re: .260 vs .308?

Been reading more and more articles online and thinking that I might need a .260.

I shot a .260 at a match earlier this year, and there was very little recoil, it was nice. Also, the hits on the steel at 500 sounded much harder than .308 rounds at the same target. However, my 208 amax's rocked it more.

I wish I had the money to just buy another rifle in .260, and see which one I end up shooting more.

Branden
 
#43
Re: .260 vs .308?

Okay so most of you say what I keep hearing, reloader 17, or H4350, but once again I stumble back onto the Barrel issue and am having trouble coming up with a static number. I do NOT plan to load this rifle to max, I will NOT be shooting this rifle more then once every 10-15 seconds. What kind of life are we talking about? Do most of you agree with 2500 give or take a few hundred? (My definition of shot out is cannot hold half MOA at 300 yards).
 
#44
Re: .260 vs .308?

Connor,

I don't think anybody can tell you an exact number. Too many variables. The real number for the 260 is somewhere between a low of 2500 and high of 4500 rounds. A 308 barrel can be expected to double those numbers, again on average.

None of this makes the 260 bad. You get get higher overall performance with any of the medium 6.5's (260, 6.5x47, 6.5 Creedmoor). You pay for that higher performance in lower barrel life. No free lunches...... Only you can decide if the trade-offs are worth it.
 
#47
Re: .260 vs .308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dust_Remover</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok, now from looking on wikipedia it appears that both the .260 and the 6.5CM are based off the .308 case. </div></div>

The 6.5 Creedmoor is based off the 30TC and not the .308.
 
#48
Re: .260 vs .308?

Branden, I will have a 6.5 CM running soon that you can shoot.

I actually went the "have both" route and just swap a barrel if I want the other caliber. The only way to go.

For me, if I am running out to 800 yrds, there is not enough difference to choose just on performance. I will usually run 308 to 600 or 700 (the barrel is shorter). Any further, the 6.5 is nice.

I lose barrel life with the 6.5 and add length, but, since I run mostly factory ammo, the ammo is actually quite a bit cheaper.

I gain barrel life and manuverability with the 308 but ammo is a bit more and it is harder to shoot to 1000 (not impossible, just harder).

To really see the gains of 6.5s, you need a longer barrel than what you can get away with in 308.

My 6.5 is a 25" and my 308 is a 20".

It all depends on what you are using it for at the time.
 
#49
Re: .260 vs .308?

I have several .308 Win. rifles and love them. I have shot some .260 cal rifles and have a few. (6.5x47, 260 Rem. 6.5x284 etc.)
One point I think most of the posters are overlooking.
I have hundreds of kills with a .308 Win and dozens with .260 cals. I use them for deer culling and the 260's just do not have that .30 cal smack. When I am shooting out to 800 yards with the .308 and hear that bullet hitting the body, I know the trail will be short. ( if not killed right there) Just do not get the same positive result with the smaller cals.
On targets, take your pick.
 
#50
Re: .260 vs .308?

From Zak Smith ...
The .260 Remington blows .308 out of the water. It has 35% less wind drift and about 10 MOA less drop at 1000 yards than the standard 175-grain M118LR load. Despite a 35-grain deficiency in bullet mass, it has 31% more energy because it loses less along the way due to atmospheric drag, hitting 350 fps faster at 1000 yards.
 
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