A .260 build for hunting & range work

[10generation]

Guys,

I’m getting ready to start my first build and wanted to run it by all of you for feedback.

Caliber: .260

Purpose – rifle is going to be for hunting and range work. Trying to find the balance between something I can easily carry and handle for hunting deer and pig and still shoot comfortably at the range. Recognize the .260 will require more effort/cost around ammo, but really like the versatility of the round. The next rifle will be a tactical .308.

Stock- originally looked at McMillan M40a1, but think I am going to go with a manners T stock. Higher comb appeals to me and I think quality is on par. Also, I’m looking for a fairly neutral stock as my son shoots right handed bolts lefty and will likely use the rifle from time to time.

Action: Remington 700 BDL

Trigger: Timney

Barrel: Schneider, Stainless Steel, Match, 1:8 Twist, #5 Contour Barrel, not fluted

Barrel Length: 24”

DBM: HS Precision, closer to flush with the rifle, bit more streamlined for hunting.

Thinking gun will weigh around 8lbs before scope, sling, etc. I’m planning to have Matt at Hill Country Rifles do the build.

Please let me know your thoughts, any ideas I should be considering before kicking this off. Thanks very much.

 

[jpspeeddemon]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

everything looks good. Might want to consider a shorter barrel, maybe 22". Thoughts anyone?

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

With a #5 contour it isn't so bad carrying an extra 2". Therefore I wouldnt go shorter than 24".

Awesome choice on caliber.

 

[Hondo64d]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Looks like we had the same idea and are approaching it in a similar manner. Here's my solution:

Stiller Predator
#4 Brux, finished at 24"
Shillen Trigger
Wyatt 3" Box
PT&G Bottom Metal
McMillan Remington Hunter
Stiller Aluminum 20 MOA rail.

Mike Bryant of Bryant Custom is doing the 'smithing. Hope to have it by the end of the week...

John

 

[beretta989]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

I'm thinking I need a 260 as well, Very nice setup Hondo

 

[krummarine]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

I have this Wyatt's 3" box for sale if anyone is interested:

http://wyattsoutdoor.com/product_info.php/cPath/1/products_id/35

Just sayin'; 260 is the way to go. Going to put a Shilen No. 4 on my Rem 700 switch barrel;

 

[skinney_7]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

all i use mine for is steel, and hunting, nice little rigs the 260's are.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Hondo, that barrel looks bent. Optical illusion??

 

[Hondo64d]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Maybe a little curvature in the lens of my cheap camera, but I think just the angle. I guess Mike will know when he chucks it in the lathe!

Here's another photo with the same barrel. To me, the bottom one looks bent in this photo.

John

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Just got my 260 back from the smith, couldn't be happier. A few thoughts:

1. Get as long a barrel (within reason) as you can. Speaking of kinetic energy, you square the V, so don't chop the barrel too much. Mine is 26", even with a can I still find it OK to hunt (not stalk, but from fixed position.)
2. The T5 is a great lefty or righty stock. Order it with the righty palm swell (rather than ambi), it works great shooting lefty with a right bolt.
3. Consider a Rifle Basics trigger or other with a thinner profile (not the blade but the trigger mech.) I have noted that my timneys require the removal of some material from the bottom metal (Manners chassis, in particular) to prevent the trigger from rubbing the bottom metal on the sides. The Rifle Basics have a thinner internal mech that doesn't contact the bottom metal, blade is about the same size.
4. Get your ammo from Southwest Ammo, they make great stuff, they support the Hide, and their stuff is cheaper than comparable ammo in a 308 ($27/box for 142s, I think.) Also, they will make hunting ammo for you, if what you want ain't on the list.


The 260 is a great cartridge.

 

[tylerw02]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

If you plan on carrying and shooting offhand, I'm telling you, go lighter than a #5. I have a #4 on my .280 AI finished at 25" and it just didn't point well or balance well offhand on stalks. Had I to do it again, I'd have gone #3 at 24". For a .260, a #4 at 22" may be do the trick.

 

[krummarine]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

+1; No 4 at 22"

 

[LegioX]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Just for giggles, here's a pic of a 20" 260 with a Gemtech Sandstorm can. Opinions vary on effective bbl length. This has served my wife nicely. We had it built for the same purpose as you. Fun at the range and an eventual deer rifle in her retirement years. With can attached recoil is minimal. Rifle is 9.5 lbs w/scope.

 

[10generation]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Tyler and Krummarine,

I'll probably end up spending more time at the range than hunting, would you still recommend #4 at 22"?

Thanks to everyone for the feedback, getting fired up, but in for a wait. Had a good discussion with Tom Manners today, definitely going with the T stock.

 

[42769vette]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

man this sounds familiar. about a year ago i did my first build. i wanted it for hunting and range work and wanted it to be a 260 since i arleady reloaded for that caliber.

i went with

stiller predator action
mcst stock
riflebasix trigger
shelin #5 26in 1-8 twist barrel i thought about a 24 inch and decided it was easier to cut some off later than to add it later
badger dbm
harris swivel bipod with pod lock
eagle stock pack
uso rings
stiller bases
nf 5.5-22x56 npr1 scope.

i could not be happier with the rifle. the only change i would have made is i would have gotten a mcsta stock. he factory stiller bases are pretty high i mounted the 56mm scope in uso low rings but my cheak weld is still to high even with the stock pack.

 

[10generation]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Do you mean your cheek weld is too high with the stock pack or still too low with the stock pack? Curious what the weight of the rifle is before scope, sling?

 

[42769vette]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

even with the stock pack my eye level is a little lower than perfect.

ive never weighed the rifle ill get back to you

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

I just took delivery of A Savage 10 Predator Hunter Max I .260.

My intentions for this rifle are very similar to yours.

24", 1:8" satin finish, black, deeply fluted, medium weight barrel. SAAMI .260 chamber.

Camo Accu-Stock and Accu-Trigger, very well configured for a hunter, smooth and crisp operation. Flush, bottom release, 4-round detachable magazine. Factory 2-piece scope based provided.

With scope and mounts, mine runs very close to 10lb, and balances nicely at right around the recoil lug.

It's a well integrated package with a factory warrantee; and the weight appears to me to be at a good balance between a Hunter and a bench gun. I think that with modest optics and mounts (mine are Weaver/Tasco), you can put one into the field for roughly $1000.

I will be shooting mine for the first time later this week, probably tomorrow or Thursday. Total time, order to home, was less than 1 week.

I don't own any .308's, I have found the .260 to be so all-around satisfying that it's all I would want in that power class. This rifle could probably perform very well in tactical comp.

I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but I firmly believe that many intended projects can be very effectively satisfied with a thorough review of the Savage website's gun finder results. These offerinsg can frequently come in cheaper and faster than a custom build, and from my viewpoint the only real difference tends to be a question of barrel quality.

IMHO, the Savage barrels shoot well, but often foul quicker; at least at first. With time, this difference diminishes, and the Savage rifles are very well suited for barrel replacement when the need arises.

Greg

 

[c1steve]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LegioX</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just for giggles, here's a pic of a 20" 260 with a Gemtech Sandstorm can. Opinions vary on effective bbl length. This has served my wife nicely. We had it built for the same purpose as you. Fun at the range and an eventual deer rifle in her retirement years. With can attached recoil is minimal. Rifle is 9.5 lbs w/scope.

</div></div>
Legion-X, what stock is that? Looks like an A1-3, but adjustable. I did not think McM made it in adjustable.

 

[c1steve]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

A hunting weight rig will be much lighter than you would want for range work. An all around rifle might not suit either purpose well. The range rifle would have a longer and much heavier barrel than a hunting rifle.

You could buy a 3/4 moa hunting rifle in .308 or 7-08 for $600-$700. Then you could put the normal $2,500 or so into a heavier range rifle.

 

[darrenk75b]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Legion-X, what stock is that? Looks like an A1-3, but adjustable. I did not think McM made it in adjustable.
</div></div>

I'm not Legion-X, but that is a Manners MCS-TA

 

[10generation]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Its a small thing but I've heard of having sling attachments put on the side of the rifle, is that an advantage over the traditional bottom sling attachments?

 

[bignada]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

26" light varmint barrel is going to weigh about 5.25lbs. Rem 700 action is about 3.25 lbs complete, then you got to figure 2lbs or more for stock and another 1/2lb for scope mount system.

Your likely looking at about 13lbs with scope, depending on that maybe 13.5lbs finished. Not gonna save much weight by fluting

A #3 contour barrel plus a McMillan HTG Edge and a Leupold 2-7x might get you close to 9lbs finished if you use aluminum mount system.

 

[c1steve]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bignada</div><div class="ubbcode-body">26" light varmint barrel is going to weigh about 5.25lbs. Rem 700 action is about 3.25 lbs complete, then you got to figure 2lbs or more for stock and another 1/2lb for scope mount system.

Your likely looking at about 13lbs with scope, depending on that maybe 13.5lbs finished. Not gonna save much weight by fluting

A #3 contour barrel plus a McMillan HTG Edge and a Leupold 2-7x might get you close to 9lbs finished if you use aluminum mount system. </div></div>

That is exactly the problem with one rifle for everything. The light barrel will not be suitable for target, and the target rifle will be heavier than desirable for hunting. Best off planning for two rifles, than something in between.

s

 

[Burleyboy]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

I run 2 different 260's one is a 22" carbon wrapped barrel in an old style rem Ti take off stock. I had to open up the stock a ton and it looks a little cheesy and has a lot of forearm flex but it shoots 130 NAB's consistently under 1/2 MOA at 2900 fps. Seems good enough to me for a sub 6# gun. I took it with as my backup gun on my elk hunt last year.

My other is a factory 700 VLS that's just been floated and had a rifle basics trigger installed. It shoots good too but likes 140g MK's. A much heavier gun but easy to shoot and it still gets to go hunting sometimes if I'm not heading far from the truck. I'm thinking about building a custom to replace it. Something with more of a tactical look. Might go with a 24" light palma, rem varmint, or #5 next time in a synthetic stock and maybe mag fed.

Bb

 

[tylerw02]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 10Generation</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Tyler and Krummarine,

I'll probably end up spending more time at the range than hunting, would you still recommend #4 at 22"?

Thanks to everyone for the feedback, getting fired up, but in for a wait. Had a good discussion with Tom Manners today, definitely going with the T stock. </div></div>

If you ever plan to shoot it unsupported, I do. My .280 AI in #4 (which burns 63 gr of powder vs 40) would handle five rounds in five minutes at the range without harming accuracy. I could even squeeze them in faster than that. Its quite an accurate gun, but more than I like lugging around.

If you plan to use your target gun to hunt and are selective with your hunting setups, then no reason not to use a full-out target barrel. You could probably get by with a #17 (Similar to Rem Varmint contour) and finish it at 22" without being too terribly heavy. I'm a firm believer that MOST rifles are heavier than they need to be. If you go this route, maybe consider a nice light carbon-fiber fill Manners.


Do you have a good .308? If not, I'd go that way before a .260 and you can get by with an 18" or 20" bbl and Rem Varmint contour and it will balance quite nicely hunting and still be a great target rifle.

 

[Chiller]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skinney</div><div class="ubbcode-body">all i use mine for is steel, and hunting, nice little rigs the 260's are.

</div></div>

Love the look of that one....

 

[LegioX]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

C1, it's a Manners MCS-TA adjustable stock w/6 flush cups and a sling stud

 

[LegioX]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

10Gen, they can be used to carry your rifle slung in front of your body in a "ready" position. Just gives you a few more options.

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

I'd highly recommend a 7-08 if you reload. You have a much larger range of bullets to choose from and if you go with a 1in8 twist like I did you can easily run the 180g bergers or the 120nosler ballistic tips depending on what your going after. Then run the 162 bthp or a-max for steal duty. And I agree with your stock selection as I'm running the same stock.

Good luck,
Merritt

 

[fw707]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skinney</div><div class="ubbcode-body">all i use mine for is steel, and hunting, nice little rigs the 260's are.

</div></div>

skinney,
is that a T5A stock?

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Yes, it is.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Zeroed the new Savage 10 Predator Hunter I .260 at 100yd yesterday. With a tenative handload (Win 7-08 brass necked down, 140SMK, 44.0gr H-4350, FGMM Primers), it shot the last five off the bench/Hoppe's Rest into a hole that can be covered with a quarter at 100yd, Current round count stands at 19.

Greg

 

[skinney_7]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fw707</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
skinney,
is that a T5A stock? </div></div>

Yes sir!!!

 

[fw707]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Thanks skinney!
I tried to change my order today, but the shell has already been laid up on this one (MCS-TA).

I changed the next one to a T5-A though!
I think it'll look nice in a 4 color Flectarn!

 

[Graywolf.260]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

I had been trying to decide on what to use for the same set up (.260 for hunting and range). I found a .260 Sako Hunter at Euro-optic (thanks Jason and Alex). I got a Zeiss 4.5-14x50 with target turrets to go on it. Next decision is the stock and I'm thinking about an A3-5 or A5. Anybody know what the average weight of a an A3-5 is? I'd like to keep the rig very light.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c1steve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A hunting weight rig will be much lighter than you would want for range work. An all around rifle might not suit either purpose well. The range rifle would have a longer and much heavier barrel than a hunting rifle.

You could buy a 3/4 moa hunting rifle in .308 or 7-08 for $600-$700. Then you could put the normal $2,500 or so into a heavier range rifle. </div></div>

This was my plan when I picked up my Rem 700 SPS SS in .308 and a Rem 700 SPS Varmint in .308. It turns out that the SS hunting rifle is a 0.5 MOA shooter with no mods and my SPS-V has delivered 0.2" groups at 100 yds before mods. I'll use the SPS-V stock until I figure out exactly how I want to use it, and though it doesn't really need it, I may put a B&C Medalist hunting stock on the SPS SS as I have been very pleased with the B&C stock that comes on my Win 70 EW in .30-06.

All that said, I'd like a 6.5x.284 or .260...there may be a Savage LR Hunter in my future...if I don't get another R700 XCR II in .280 Rem or a Nosler TGR in .280AI.

I've got more ideas than money, but.........

FH

 

[pd721el]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Here is mine, blue printed 700 SA, Kamfield fluted bolt, RB trigger, badger lug, 23" flutted 4.1 contour 8 twist Broughton, HS sporter stock and camo by On Target. It really likes 120 Ball Tips.

 

[lonely_wolf]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

I would look closely at the A1-3. It has a lot to offer for a heavy hunter/lightweight tactical. High comb for 50mm scopes. Wide flat fore end makes it good for offhand and shooting off supports. Handle is a little straighter than the HTG. Can be had pretty light with Edge. The A1-3 will be about 1.5-2lbs with Edge (depending on options). It will easily be two pounds lighter than the other A series tacticals (HTG being the exception).

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: graywolf.260</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Next decision is the stock and I'm thinking about an A3-5 or A5. Anybody know what the average weight of a an A3-5 is? I'd like to keep the rig very light.
</div></div>

 

[Hondo64d]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hondo64d</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like we had the same idea and are approaching it in a similar manner. Here's my solution:

Stiller Predator
#4 Brux, finished at 24"
Shillen Trigger
Wyatt 3" Box
PT&G Bottom Metal
McMillan Remington Hunter
Stiller Aluminum 20 MOA rail.

Mike Bryant of Bryant Custom is doing the 'smithing. Hope to have it by the end of the week...

John </div></div>

It looks even better assembled. Here's the pic I just got from Mike Bryant at Bryant Custom . I'm gonna go pick it up this week. Eager doesn't even begin to describe it...

John

 

[10generation]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Guys,

Deep in the build on this rifle and some questions have come up on the DBM.

Specifically, the HS precision dbm is very delayed, the company has apparently done a redesign and it won't be available until Late May.

I originally specced the HS Precision because it fitted flush, seemed like a very clean solution for a gun that would be hunted as well as shot at the range.

So, here's the question, do I wait for the improved HS Precision with the flush mags or switch to the Surgeon? Don't want to do the badger because of the release that drops below the rifle, but have heard/read great things about the Surgeon.

Function wise, Surgeon would probably be better, but I really like the idea of keeping the rifle clean with the HS Precision. I'm not time constrained, can wait till late May (if that is actually when the new parts will be available).

Thanks for any ideas, opinions you have.

 

[mark5pt56]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

I've had good service from the FN flush fitting DBM, four round flush fitting magazine. Another option there for you, they lock tight, no rattle.

 

[10generation]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Thanks, talked to HS Precision today and they are now saying June. When I asked what they specifically did in redesigning their DBM, he said "made it better". Classic.

So I'm probably going to switch - Surgeon a good way to go for a rifle I want to take hunting? Want to stay with a well known brand - Surgeon, Badger, Seekins, etc.

 

[gamhuntr]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Take a look at the American Precision Arms RTG bottom metal. I have it on two rifles and really like it.

 

[Wolfish365]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Those are some beautiful rigs. Hopefully I can do some show and tell of my own .260 soonish

 

[biscuit75camaro]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

260 700 Rem trued
Manners t4
Vortex 6-24x50mm mil mil
bolt fluted by me on a cnc lol
Timmney flat trigga
CDI bottom metal

 

[tigerfan_9]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Nice. Should be a nice dual purpose rifle. What length and contour is the barrel?

I'm having a similar one built: trued rem 700 LH, krieger med Palma at 24", manners T2A, Surgeon bottom metal and a Harris bipod.

 

[biscuit75camaro]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

Mine is a rem varmint contour bbl. 26" but im thinkin i might cut it to 24" for a brake and to mount a suppressor when my paperwork gets back

 

[ccoker]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

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

I don't get another R700 XCR II in .280 Rem or a Nosler TGR in .280AI.

I've got more ideas than money, but.........
FH </div></div>

I have a TGR in 280 AI
freaking <span style="font-weight: bold">awesome </span>rifle

 

[mossyoak79]

Re: A .260 build for hunting & range work

what does one of those mcmillan remington hunter stocks run?