260 vs 7 SAUM

[RedGoat]

I've been looking at putting some big money into my next build and would like to know what the Hide community thinks. Round for tactical use, hunting, and competition:

260 vs 7 SAUM

- The 260 has less recoil, but the 7 SAUM won't have much in a heavy rifle with a suppressor on it.

- Both are very flat shooting and have high BC. With the 7mm edging out the 6.5mm

- They are both in the same ball park with barrel life.

- As for powder the 260 is going to use less hands down, but the 7mm has better ballistics for the 40-50% more powder burned per round.

- 260 has better brass options, but the 7 SAUM has gotten better with the recent addition of Nosler 7 SAUM and the ability to neck-down 300 SAUM Norma brass. But still not as good as Lapua that the 260 has access to.

- Both can be shot from a short action but the 7 SAUM needs more consideration for OAL than the 260 to get max performance, i.e. Seekins WSM DBM to utilize the 3.140" OAL mag length, and the Surgeon WSM action to utilize the 3.110" port opening.

- Terminal ballistics both will kill, but the 7 SAUM will obviously do more damage at longer ranges with a 180gr than a 260 can with a 142gr.

- Both stay supersonic beyond 1000m. The 7mm further than the 6.5mm and with more energy.

- Barrel length is a wash between the two, 24-26" for optimum velocity/maneuverability.

- Bullet weight I think the 7 SAUM (120-180gr) has a better usable range than the 260 (85-142gr).

- Yes I already own a 308

I'm sure some more points will get brought up, just please bring them up objectively.


Goat

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

not to toy with you but have you considered the 7mm08 it is a happy medium between the two.

the saum makes things very complicated honestly, but i have never been a short magnum fan.

 

[RedGoat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">not to toy with you but have you considered the 7mm08 it is a happy medium between the two.

the saum makes things very complicated honestly, but i have never been a short magnum fan.</div></div>

Can you clarify the complications with the 7 SAUM? I've looked at the 7mm-08 but didn't find the performance on the same level as the 260 or 7 SAUM.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Goat,

Let look at 3 rounds, each with 100 yd zero's at 1Kyds:

260 Rem 139 Lapua @ 2800 FPS, estimated useful barrel life 2k to 3k rounds range.

1000 yds drop -8.8 MILS -30.2 MOA drift 2.2 MILS 7.4 MOA

7mm-08 162 Gr A-Max @ 2725 FPS, estimated useful barrel life 3.5K to 4.5 K rounds range. This performance is from my actual 26" barreled 7mm-08.

1000 yds drop -9.0 Mils -30.8 MOA drift 2.0 Mils 7.0 MOA

7mm SAUM 180 Gr Berger LRBT @ 2900 FPS, estimated useful barrel life 1.5K to 2.5K rounds range.

1000 yds drop -7.6 MILS -26.2 MOA drift 1.8 Mils 6.1 MOA

Those are your three "best" choices. If your mostly hunting, and/or shooting north of 1000 yds, then the 7mm SAUM will deliver more, and further.

If your shooting tactical comps, then a 7mm 08 will last longer, and when hunting will hit harder, further, than a 260 will.

The absolute performance differences between the three are really small out to 1kyds.

Given the amount of "surgery" required to make a 7mm SAUM sing, and it's barrel life, unless your mix of shooting is 75% hunting, and 25% tactical comps, then look harder at any of the 6.5mm (260 rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, or 6.5 Lapua) and/or the 7mm-08.

Tactical comps and practice for the same are round count intensive. It is not at all unusual to shoot 2k rounds or more in a year.

YMMV, and IMHO,

Bob

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

for the saum you have to buy a special action with dbm that only works with one type of cartridge. short and fat cartridges can be made to feed well but they are alot more finicky to get to run smoothly. They do have a ballistic advantage for sure though
I currently have a 26" 708 barrel on my trg 22 and i think you will find that actual ballistics are alot better than published ones. everybody i know including me with at least a 24" barrel is getting at least 2725fps with 162gr bullets. i am actually getting 2775 witht the berger 168gr vld's and i am under book max for powder weight with h4350.

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Goat, if you want to try out all 3, there is a group of us that shoot those calibers pretty much on a weekly basis at ASC. Well, almost, I shoot a WSM instead of a SAUM.

 

[McLarenross]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Look at 284 Win. I think youll find it the perfect solution. All the pluss of both with little draw back.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Very well thought out post, BobinNC.

Another consideration I'd like to offer: 6.5x47 Lapua. I've heard some excellent barrel life stories and it offers a great trajectory with little recoil. Mine isn't finished yet, so this is second hand data:

130 gr VLD at ~3000 fps

at 1k, -26 MOA, 6.4 MOA wind deflection per mph

 

[BobinNC]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very well thought out post, BobinNC.

Another consideration I'd like to offer: 6.5x47 Lapua. I've heard some excellent barrel life stories and it offers a great trajectory with little recoil. Mine isn't finished yet, so this is second hand data:

130 gr VLD at ~3000 fps

at 1k, -26 MOA, 6.4 MOA wind deflection per mph </div></div>

per JBM 130 Berger VLD @ 3000 FPS, not quite buying 6.4 MOA of drift at sea level, as that's were I computed my numbers, but your altitude would make a difference. Which 130 VLD are you flying??

1000 yds drop -7.5 Mils -25.8 MOA drift 1.9 Mils 6.7 MOA

 

[tylerw02]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Did you read my post? I suggested that mine isn't yet complete.

I plugged it in point blank and that's what it spat out. I'm sure there is variance in the calculators.

 

[GreatGonzo]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

The 7 SAUM will cost considerably more than what the 260 will to shoot when you consider consumables. Especially if you are going to shoot the Berger 180s compared to the 142 SMK.

Assuming you get 1500rds out of the 7 and 2500 out of the 260
Barrel and plumbing is going to cost $550-$600
7mm SAUM will cost about $1.21 per round in consumables
260 will cost about $0.85 per round

Along with the extra recoil, which will be a huge difference, I would rather shoot a 260 in competition. For hunting, it won't matter as you will likely never fire enough rounds to notice the difference in cost.

I have a 6.5 Creedmoor and a 280 AI that I shoot, always suppressed. While I can manage the recoil of the 280 AI, the Creedmoor is much much nicer to shoot. Neither of these are what you asked about, but both are similar to the class of cartridge you are asking about.

 

[GreatGonzo]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

I should add that the 2 are not really very similar ballistically. The 7mm SAUM will own the 260 at any range.

I'd shoot the 162 Amax in the SAUM for ballistic dominance:
162 Amax @3000f/s @1000
-6.85 mil drop
and 1.68mil wind (10mph @ 90 deg)

Also cost about 10 cents a round less than shooting the Bergers.

 

[RedGoat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Bob,

As always thank you for your very well thought out post. As usual I learned something.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Team-Send-It!!!</div><div class="ubbcode-body">for the saum you have to buy a special action with dbm that only works with one type of cartridge. short and fat cartridges can be made to feed well but they are alot more finicky to get to run smoothly. They do have a ballistic advantage for sure though
I currently have a 26" 708 barrel on my trg 22 and i think you will find that actual ballistics are alot better than published ones. everybody i know including me with at least a 24" barrel is getting at least 2725fps with 162gr bullets. i am actually getting 2775 witht the berger 168gr vld's and i am under book max for powder weight with h4350.</div></div>

Thank you for posting this because the only numbers I had was the standard published ones, and they always seemed low. With these numbers the 7-08 is more competitive than I thought it could be.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Goat, if you want to try out all 3, there is a group of us that shoot those calibers pretty much on a weekly basis at ASC. Well, almost, I shoot a WSM instead of a SAUM.</div></div>

Thanks for the offer, I hope to be back in the Houston area in around 3-4 months.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: McLarenRoss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look at 284 Win. I think youll find it the perfect solution. All the pluss of both with little draw back.</div></div>

I like the 284 Win and Shehane, but I don't like the barrel length needed to get the performance.

Thank you everyone for the experience and the opinions.


-Goat

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

To the people who quote barrel life numbers, have you guys even shot out a barrel in the said calibers?

If I was looking into something that will run with the 7 Magnums in a short action, a 243 running 115gr DTACs are hard to beat without going to some crazy wildcat cartridge.

 

[RedGoat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GreatGonzo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I should add that the 2 are not really very similar ballistically. The 7mm SAUM will own the 260 at any range.

I'd shoot the 162 Amax in the SAUM for ballistic dominance:
162 Amax @3000f/s @1000
-6.85 mil drop
and 1.68mil wind (10mph @ 90 deg)

Also cost about 10 cents a round less than shooting the Bergers.</div></div>

These are the kind of ballistics that keep catching my eye with the 7 SAUM.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

I've worn out a few barrels, yes. P'dog hunting will kill 'em quick.

 

[GreatGonzo]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To the people who quote barrel life numbers, have you guys even shot out a barrel in the said calibers?

If I was looking into something that will run with the 7 Magnums in a short action, a 243 running 115gr DTACs are hard to beat without going to some crazy wildcat cartridge. </div></div>

Not shot out any barrels yet, but I would think it would be safe to say the the SAUM would have considerably less life than the 260. Burning 50% more powder to launch a much heavier projectile considerably faster is a recipe for noticeably less barrel life.

I completely agree that the 243 would be a great choice for a competition gun. All you have to do is look at the recent major competitions and you can see that the 243/6xc is a dominant cartridge. Fast, flat, and no recoil is tough to beat.

 

[B.Bates]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

tough call


really need to know more about what you are shooting at and how far

if your going to be doing alot of killing then get the 7

also how much shooting are you going to be doing past 900 yards?

at a match like ASC the 7 is definatley the way to go but others where most of the shooting is inside of 800 or even 600 with just a few shots past those ranges i like a 260

i have owned a 7wsm and currently own a 260, and in the process of putting together another wsm

without a doubt the 7 smokes the 260 but......

with my 260 i dont need a brake run 44g of powder compared to 64g, and the wsm/saum to me is alot harder on barrels and brass plus you can run into issues with mags/mag lenght on the saum/wsm

i also wonder what speeds you would get out of a 24 to 26in saum probably closer to 2850fps

like i said it really comes down to your use and desired outcome

in the end both will work build which ever one you will shoot more

 

[RedGoat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To the people who quote barrel life numbers, have you guys even shot out a barrel in the said calibers?

If I was looking into something that will run with the 7 Magnums in a short action, a 243 running 115gr DTACs are hard to beat without going to some crazy wildcat cartridge.</div></div>

I see people quoting 1500 rounds out of the SAUM, but from what I can tell. That's only if you're firing 180gr bullets @ 2900+fps for every round you fire.

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GreatGonzo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To the people who quote barrel life numbers, have you guys even shot out a barrel in the said calibers?

If I was looking into something that will run with the 7 Magnums in a short action, a 243 running 115gr DTACs are hard to beat without going to some crazy wildcat cartridge. </div></div>

Not shot out any barrels yet, but I would think it would be safe to say the the SAUM would have considerably less life than the 260. Burning 50% more powder to launch a much heavier projectile considerably faster is a recipe for noticeably less barrel life.

I completely agree that the 243 would be a great choice for a competition gun. All you have to do is look at the recent major competitions and you can see that the 243/6xc is a dominant cartridge. Fast, flat, and no recoil is tough to beat. </div></div>

But yet, I went 3300 rounds out of my last 7mm barrel with a WSM, thats about 6-8gr more powder then a SAUM. And I was shooting 180s at 2975PFS. I am willing to bet the SAUM can probably go 3k rounds if you load it right.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

What were the groups it shot at 3300 rounds when you decided it was done?

 

[Bacarrat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

9" groups at 300 yards. I didn't even bother trying anything else out as I knew it was dead.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Awesome....did it go all at once? Or was it noticeably worse over 50 or so rounds???

 

[MuleyTime]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Although not exactly the comparison you are asking for, I have to share my experience.

I shot a 7 WSM for over 1,000 rounds. I loved it but decided I wanted to try something else. Went to a 6X47 Lapua which I have shot around 200+ rounds. 100 - 1000 yards.

My overall opinion, is that the WSM was WAAAYYYYY less finicky to wind twitching. BUT....there is no free lunch, I had to shoot the WSM with a brake and it cost a lot more to shoot. That being said, I miss my 7 WSM. The 6X47 is a little more enjoyable to shoot but it's also the cause of a lot more frustration in the wind. I just sold my 6X47 and been thinking about something in 6.5, but the more I think about it, I wonder why I just don't go back to the WSM.

BTW....the WSM didn't need anything too special to feed. I had a Stiller Predator Action and Wyatts Mag Box. It fed great, and I think if you looked at the ballistics close with correct speeds, you may realize the 162 Amax or 168 Berger is a better choice than the 180's anyway....I used 168's.

 

[flyboy]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

As Bacarrat said, we meet out at the 600 yard range most weekends, He has a 7WSM, another guy has a 260 and I shoot a 7-08, I don't feel I give anything up to the 260. By the numbers it edges me out in wind at those distances but the energy on target is significantly more. Also, you'll find that your ability to read the wind as such small differences will make a much larger difference than the .2 mil the numbers say can be between them.

If your interested, contact one of us and we will let you know the next time we are out.

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

I have found with my 7-08 I hold right with the 260 in the wind but after 900 yards I start doing much better in the wind. If you never shoot over 900 or are just doing paper punching go 260. If you ever plan to hunt or go past 900 then go 7-08. I get 2775 with 162BTHP and 2725 with the 162 Amax all day long with my rig.

PM if you have any questions.

Good luck,
Merritt

 

[RedGoat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As Bacarrat said, we meet out at the 600 yard range most weekends, He has a 7WSM, another guy has a 260 and I shoot a 7-08, I don't feel I give anything up to the 260. By the numbers it edges me out in wind at those distances but the energy on target is significantly more. Also, you'll find that your ability to read the wind as such small differences will make a much larger difference than the .2 mil the numbers say can be between them.

If your interested, contact one of us and we will let you know the next time we are out.</div></div>

Yeah I talked to Bacarrat and he mentioned the range. I should be back in the Houston area in about three months. Will definitely have to link-up at the range. What length barrel do you have on your 7-08?

 

[raptor99]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

If you don't mind the recoil go with a 284. I just built one with a 27" barrel to shoot the 162AMAXs. The accuracy is unreal!! I have a couple of 260s and "Have" shot the barrels out of two others plus a couple of 6.5x284s. I used the shoot the 300WMs but have not tried the new short action mags.

I think the 284 is the best compermise of them all or a 280 Remington. The recoil is more like a 308 but its a hammer!!!

 

[RedGoat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: raptor99</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you don't mind the recoil go with a 284. I just built one with a 27" barrel to shoot the 162AMAXs. The accuracy is unreal!! I have a couple of 260s and "Have" shot the barrels out of two others plus a couple of 6.5x284s. I used the shoot the 300WMs but have not tried the new short action mags.

I think the 284 is the best compermise of them all or a 280 Remington. The recoil is more like a 308 but its a hammer!!!</div></div>

I like the 284, but I'm wanting something closer to a 24" barrel. That still has the option of firing the larger bullets at competitive velocities if I go with the 7mm. If barrel length wasn't an issue, I think going with a .284 Win or Shehane would be my top choice for the 7mm.

 

[captrichardson]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Lot of good stuff covered so far, my extra 2 cents,

Ballistic Numbers - they are like most statistics, work with them long enough, and you can get them to say whatever you like! If you are going to compare numbers, please make sure it is an apple to apple comparison. I love it when someone compares a handload that is running on the ragged edge to one that is loaded to factory specs.

6.5mm vs 7mm - the bigger/heavier the better! The 7mm will beat the 6.5mm, but to push a heavy 7mm to the velocities needed you are going to need a "magnum load" to get it there. Then you have to start dealing with the issues of barrel life and recoil. Barrel Life is a choice, load light and give up some performance but in turn extend the life, or load to the max and plan on replacing them frequently. Recoil can be managed with a number of options, but not all applications will allow them, such as F-Class where you can't run a Brake.

SAUM versus WSM or Something Else - Remington made the decision to kill the SAUM line, basically the WSM was out selling it so they let it go. Personally, I don't like getting into rounds that are no longer in “factory production” because they may go the way of the Dinosaur and disappear or become very difficult to find. Both the WSM and Rem 260 are growing in popularity so the available resources continue to grow, case in point Lapua is now offering .260 Brass.

If you go back and look at the 2009 F-Class World Championship,
http://usfclass.com/blog/blog.aspx

You will see where the Brits shooting a 7mm outshot the Americans shooting a 6.5mm. Wind was the deciding factor, so the 7mm performance gave the advantage needed to win. HOWEVER, if you also look into the details, you will see the Brits dealt with some major downsides, the barrels were going in less than 1,000 rounds, and the shooters were getting beat up with recoil. As with most things in life, there are Pros & Cons, and in this case the Brits decided the Pros of better wind performance outweighed the Cons of barrel life and recoil. Likewise any shooter is going to have to look at all of the Pros & Cons and decide what works for them, because what works for one shooter may not work for another!

Best of Luck,
M Richardson

 

[RedGoat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: captrichardson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lot of good stuff covered so far, my extra 2 cents,

Ballistic Numbers - they are like most statistics, work with them long enough, and you can get them to say whatever you like! If you are going to compare numbers, please make sure it is an apple to apple comparison. I love it when someone compares a handload that is running on the ragged edge to one that is loaded to factory specs.

6.5mm vs 7mm - the bigger/heavier the better! The 7mm will beat the 6.5mm, but to push a heavy 7mm to the velocities needed you are going to need a "magnum load" to get it there. Then you have to start dealing with the issues of barrel life and recoil. Barrel Life is a choice, load light and give up some performance but in turn extend the life, or load to the max and plan on replacing them frequently. Recoil can be managed with a number of options, but not all applications will allow them, such as F-Class where you can't run a Brake.

SAUM versus WSM or Something Else - Remington made the decision to kill the SAUM line, basically the WSM was out selling it so they let it go. Personally, I don't like getting into rounds that are no longer in “factory production” because they may go the way of the Dinosaur and disappear or become very difficult to find. Both the WSM and Rem 260 are growing in popularity so the available resources continue to grow, case in point Lapua is now offering .260 Brass.

If you go back and look at the 2009 F-Class World Championship,
http://usfclass.com/blog/blog.aspx

You will see where the Brits shooting a 7mm outshot the Americans shooting a 6.5mm. Wind was the deciding factor, so the 7mm performance gave the advantage needed to win. HOWEVER, if you also look into the details, you will see the Brits dealt with some major downsides, the barrels were going in less than 1,000 rounds, and the shooters were getting beat up with recoil. As with most things in life, there are Pros & Cons, and in this case the Brits decided the Pros of better wind performance outweighed the Cons of barrel life and recoil. Likewise any shooter is going to have to look at all of the Pros & Cons and decide what works for them, because what works for one shooter may not work for another!

Best of Luck,
M Richardson </div></div>

Bryan Litz put it well when expressing his opinion on the recoil vs ballistics of 6.5mm vs 7mm: "You can make up more on a windy day with superior ballistics than you’re likely to lose in two days to slightly compromised precision."

Barrel life gets brought up a lot as a deciding factor. But with a 7mm WSM/SAUM type cartridge you don't always have to fire a heavy&hot round. The WSM/SAUM have the options of bullets as light as 139gr Interbond (.486BC) and the 140gr Accubond (.485BC). And beyond the Recoil vs ballistics vs barrel life of the two terminal ballistics is still a factor if you plan shooting anything besides paper/steel.

 

[flyboy]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Goatphius</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As Bacarrat said, we meet out at the 600 yard range most weekends, He has a 7WSM, another guy has a 260 and I shoot a 7-08, I don't feel I give anything up to the 260. By the numbers it edges me out in wind at those distances but the energy on target is significantly more. Also, you'll find that your ability to read the wind as such small differences will make a much larger difference than the .2 mil the numbers say can be between them.

If your interested, contact one of us and we will let you know the next time we are out.</div></div>

Yeah I talked to Bacarrat and he mentioned the range. I should be back in the Houston area in about three months. Will definitely have to link-up at the range. What length barrel do you have on your 7-08? </div></div>

My 7-08 is a 24" rock creek barrel. It more than gets the job done.

 

[RedGoat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

I'm in the process of getting a 27" blank and have half a mind to keep it 27" and just keep cutting it down 1" at a time. To see what velocities I get out of the SAUM at each length. Wish I had my own equipment to do the work. Then once I get the length that I like, send it in to get it nitrided.

Goat

 

[stiletto raggio]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

I have gone back and forth on this issue several times. I am sold on the .260 at the 6.5mm cartridge of choice, but the 7 SAUM looks good and the .284 looks like the best of both worlds. I am willing to accept a long barrel if it significantly improves barrel life, and that makes the .284 attractive. I wish I could get the prefromance I want from the .284 out of a short action, but in order to seat the 180s (or the new 190s) I will need to go with a long action.

That said, my next build will be a .260. Barrel life, recoil, bullet cost and component availability all favor it. The .284 is still on the table, but I no longer view it is a direct alternative to the .260. When I build a .284, it will be as a larger, heavier magnum alternative for shooting past 1000. I don't need that yet, and the .260 can give me all the practice I need out to 1000 in the meantime.

 

[Overflow10]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stiletto raggio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">......I wish I could get the prefromance I want from the .284 out of a short action, but in order to seat the 180s (or the new 190s) I will need to go with a long action.

...</div></div>

Is it the mag length that is the issue with using a short action .284 WIN and loading it long??? If so could you not simply use a Seekins WSM dbm?

Or is it an issue with ejecting a live round from a SA? or both issues??

 

[VKC]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Goatphius,

I went through the same dilemma as you did. I went with the 6.5 Creedmoor because I have a semi-automatic and a bolt-action. But the difference between that and a 260rem is a wash.

I really like being able to buy loaded Hornandy ammo when I don't have time to reload, and then reloading it after fired. Hornandy brass is not as hard or durable as Lapua, but it is still good and also cheaper. I also don't worry if I loss hornandy brass, as I do when I use Lapua brass.

Plus, if you look at reloading manual and magazines, and do load testing, you'll find that Hornandy's factory loads are right on and usually close to the most accurate load compared to other powders and bullets.

Also, for your stated barrel length (24-26"), I think 6.5 Creedmoor or 260 rem is a better option. I went with a 24" barrel for 6.5 Creedmoor.

Even for hunting the 6.5s are great for deer or smaller, as is evident by their popularity for European hunters.

Recoil, barrel life and follow-up shots are the big differences, and the reason that I would pick a 6.5 over 7mm, if I am shooting inside 1000 yds and mostly doing target shooting and even deer hunting.

Now if you are talking about mostly hunting, e.g. elk, and shooting beyond 800 yds, then pick the a 7mm mag. That's why I have a 28" 7mm WSM build pending, but I'm planning on saving it for longer distances only.

 

[mcfred]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

Since you already have a 308 and you want to go bigger, then I'd suggest going with the 7. The short mags in 7mm are about the best ballistics you can get out of a short action, and are really not that far behind the 338's. It sounds like you've already researched it fairly well, so my only other suggestion would be to find someone who has a rifle like you're looking at building and see if they'll let you try it out. Good luck.

 

[RedGoat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: McFred</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since you already have a 308 and you want to go bigger, then I'd suggest going with the 7. The short mags in 7mm are about the best ballistics you can get out of a short action, and are really not that far behind the 338's. It sounds like you've already researched it fairly well, so my only other suggestion would be to find someone who has a rifle like you're looking at building and see if they'll let you try it out. Good luck.
</div></div>

I agree with going out and shooting, there is no substitute for it. But at the moment I am stationed in Germany so my options are limited. I can't wait to be able to go out and shoot anytime I want.

Goat

 

[Emouse]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

not quite true,...whilst 7mm did have its advantage what the US Team didn't and doesn't realise is that the wind coaching was vastly different and won and has won, subsequent matches.

 

[stiletto raggio]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stiletto raggio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">......I wish I could get the prefromance I want from the .284 out of a short action, but in order to seat the 180s (or the new 190s) I will need to go with a long action.

...</div></div>

Is it the mag length that is the issue with using a short action .284 WIN and loading it long??? If so could you not simply use a Seekins WSM dbm?

Or is it an issue with ejecting a live round from a SA? or both issues?? </div></div>

Obviously mag length is an issue, but I am not sure what a standard short action will take for OAL. The load data I have looked at has the "happy spot" somewhere between 3.1" and 3.2" and that is for the 180s. I would imagine the 190s will be even longer.

 

[RedGoat]

Re: 260 vs 7 SAUM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stiletto raggio</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: stiletto raggio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">......I wish I could get the prefromance I want from the .284 out of a short action, but in order to seat the 180s (or the new 190s) I will need to go with a long action.

...</div></div>

Is it the mag length that is the issue with using a short action .284 WIN and loading it long??? If so could you not simply use a Seekins WSM dbm?

Or is it an issue with ejecting a live round from a SA? or both issues?? </div></div>

Obviously mag length is an issue, but I am not sure what a standard short action will take for OAL. The load data I have looked at has the "happy spot" somewhere between 3.1" and 3.2" and that is for the 180s. I would imagine the 190s will be even longer.</div></div>

A standard short action mag has an OAL of 2.800" an Alpha mag has 2.985" and a Seekins WSM DBM has 3.140".

Keep your powder dry,
Goat