I haven't personally shot one, but I believe that Remington went with a barrel twist that is marginal for stabalizing the 160 gr bullets. That said, I would expect that a premium 140 gr, ie Barnes X, Swift A-frame, would penetrate at least as well as a conventionally constructed 160 gr bullet.

While I personally would choose something larger for myself, I rate the 6.5mm, .270, and 7mm's all in the same class, ie they will all kill the same size game as effectively given good shot placement.

I have a friend whose 11 year old was drawn for elk in AZ they have a 260 rem in a Remington Model 7 they want to use.

Anybody have any experience with 160 grain RN's in this caliber? Any suggestions for other heavy bullets?

Please no speeches on the 260 being too light for elk. Millions of elk have been killed with 150 or 160 odd grain 308 bullets at similar velocities. The 260 Rem is obviously not for raking shots or long range elk, but I figure it will do the trick with a close shot (under 200 yards) to the boiler room.

I do not have any experience with a 160gr round nosed bullet in a .260 but I have to believe it would thump an elk with authority. Stick with the RN'ed profile and stay under 200 yards and I wouldn't hesitate to use that rig.

Make sure the kid is well practiced in handling the rifle and shooting from varied FIELD positions.

Do a search, some of the 6.5 guys have used the 160grRN w/ good success. While not my 1st choice, your young shooter would do fine w/ a NP or Swift 140gr thru the slats under 200yds. Congrats to him/her for drawing the tag & best of luck to on your hunt, make sure you post the results.

I shoot the 260 alot.

I can recommend the 160 grain Hornady as far superior for reloading than the Sierra. It has a smaller ogive or something.
ON game performance, is equal I am sure.

Normally, I tend to go for the heavier Round Nose design, but in a 260, I have to admit, the opposite. 140s are so efficient in this caliber, I don't think you gain anything going to the 160s. The only thing you get is less range with the the 140.

I am not knocking the 160s as that would be my personal choice based on habit. However, for another person the quality, ease of availability and performance, I'd recommend the 140s.

Cheers and Good shooting
seafire

Another option is the Barnes 130g TSX. Will probably out penetrate 140g bullets and shoot flatter than the 160g.

HogWild

The Hornady 160-grain RN shot very accurately in my Remington Model Seven in .260 Rem at around 2350 fps, duplicating the classic 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer round.

My son will go for the first time elk hunting next year as well and he is using his .260 Mtn rifle. We have decided to go with 140 gr. Partitions, keep the range to a minimum, cow license and take only the best of shots. 160 gr. RN bullets don't shoot well in his rifle (1-9) twist and the load work up is all done with the NPs. Plenty of gun with a decent shooter.........

Hey Slingster, what powder and charge weight were you using with the 160's in the M-7?

Thanks to all for your suggestions. Our young hunter is really looking forward to this trip. I am going to see which is more accurate between the 140 NP's or 160 Hornady's and have him hunt with that.

This is going to be a fun experiment.