can't decide between .260 Rem or 6.5-06 this will be a packing mtn rifle for deer and some long target fun. I like 2 things a 22" barrel and want to be able to push the 140 gr VLD at about 3000 fps and still reliably feed cartridges. Can I get both wishes on .260 platform or will the 6.5-06 do it with a22" barrel?

If your goal is 3000 fps with a 140 grain bullet, then I think you are looking at a 6.5-06 with 24" barrel or most likely a 26"....unless you want to really up the pressure.

For a packing mtn rifle, the short action 260 with a 22" would be a great choice.

I guess it all depends on what is more important to you. Light weight handiness or long range high velocity.

You will not do 3000fps with a 140 in a 260rem. I would guess you could do 3000fps with a 120gr and a 24" barrel - but you didn't ask that. I would think 2800-2850 is max for the 260rem and 140's.

If you must have the magic 3K in a 6.5, the 6.5x284 is the way to go, shorter case with '06 capacity.

For a mountain rifle for deer, I would do a 260rem with a 22" barrel. Plan on shooting 120gr BT's or 125gr partitions if you need a premium bullet.

Consider a 6.5 x 55 on a long action, or a 257 Roberts necked up.. 6.5 x 57...

the 6.5 x 284 will easily do so, ( long action) as mentioned above by Brian..

For a deer and mountain gun you do not need a 140 grain bullet. You can get 2900 with the 120-125 Nosler and AA4350 in a 260. You can surely get there with a 6.5-06 is what I would suggest.

the more I look at this the .260 is about the perfect deer mtn rifle cartridge.

I looked at the 260 awhile back. I chose the 6.5x284. But the 260 is a very good caliber. It would still be behind the 6.5-06 for me though.

quote:

the 140 gr VLD at about 3000 fps and still reliably feed cartridges. Can I get both wishes on .260 platform or will the 6.5-06 do it with a22" barrel?

I'm wagering that neither of these cartridges will supply you 3,000 FPS with a 140 grainer.

I'll also wager that either of them with a 120 or 129 grain bullet will meet your approval.....darn good cartridges!

I have built 260AI, 6.5X280IMP, 6.5X284 and 6.5SAUM. I have a 264 WM also. You are going to have a hard time getting 3000 fps with a 140 gr in any but the 6.5 SAUM. Out of a 22 inch barrel it will be impossible I think.
i like the 260AI the best of all these cartridges listed. I built it with a 22 inch barrel and shoot 140's at about 2750 fps. Great cartridge and easy to load. The gun is built on a Winchester 70 short action and is perfect for hunting.

Sam

The cartridge that will fill your need with ease is the 6.5x284 hands down & an awesome round.

There's nothing magic about 3000fps and a 140gr bullet at 2800fps is a good start toward killing something.

Hate to steal this thread but srose could you tell me more about the 6.5saum? I have a 7mm saum and really like it but i am also a big 6.5mm fan. My 6.5X55 is my sweetheart and shoots very well.

as to the OP i would go with a 6.5-270AI in a min 24" barrel, you should get very close to 3 grand with a 140....

Have you considered the 6.5x47?

Both the 6.5x47 and .260 I know to be excellent deer cartridges.

quote:

Originally posted by D Humbarger:
The cartridge that will fill your need with ease is the 6.5x284 hands down & an awesome round.

I agree, in the right action length. I would rather have a 6.5x284 than a 6.5-06 in a std action. You can seat the longer 140gr bullets out & gain some useable powder space. I have a 260ai w/ 26" bbl & can just get to 2850fps w/ a 142grSMK, so the 260 in any flavor won't get you to 3000fps w/ a 139-142gr bullet.

quote:

or will the 6.5-06 do it with a 22" barrel?

No ..... the 260 Rem. isn't magic; consider it's parent - the .308 Win.

You'll need at least a 6.5x284 with a 24" tube to obtain your desired results.

If you want 3000fps with a 140gr. bullet get a 270 win.

It gets the job done with less fuss.

quote:

Originally posted by Captain Finlander:
If you want 3000fps with a 140gr. bullet get a 270 win.

It gets the job done with less fuss.

Yeah, but it's a 270? The 6.5 or 7mm while not better, are just diff enough to make them interesting.