I am thinking about rebarreling one of my rifles with a .260 Rem barrel. What is the best length barrel for this rifle caliber? I expect I will be shooting 120 and 140 grain bullets the most.

Choose the barrel length to match your personal tastes.....forget about the velocity differences.....if you like long barrels get one.....if you like short barrels.....yup

Personally I like my barrels short and to me a .260 would have 20-22" barrels.

Thanks Vapodog I was actually wanting a barrel no longer than 24 inch and think 22 would be great.

While I personally am going for a 24", I think that Vapodog's advice is the best answer.

I own a couple of Ruger 77s in 260... with the 22 inch barrel, in stainless with the plastic stocks replaced with laminate boyd's stocks....they handle very very well.. one has a 3 x 9 Leupold on it, and the other, has a 4 power Weaver.. I use the latter with 140 grain bullets strictly...very balanced package, regardless of terrain....Oregon has a lot of mountainous terrain and thick vegatation at times to have to deal with also...

the best advise I can give tho, is make sure you go with the one in 8 twist over the one in 9....

I think you will learn to love this cartridge... it is like a cross between the game getting abilities and long range potential of a 270 with the recoil of a 243....

cheers
seafire

I have a few 260s, a few too many if you'd ask my Wife, and think that it all come down to what you are going to use the rifle for. If you're building a rifle to shoot pdogs or 'chucks at long ranges, a longer/heavier barrel would probably be the ticket. If you're building a rifle to still-hunt in thick cover, a shorter/lighter barrel would probably be a better choice. Even for still-hunting, I want a little longer/heavier barrel so that the rifle is well balanced, that is why I have installed 22" or 24" barrels on a couple of my Remington 7s. I also have a Remington 7 Mannlicher with a 20" barrel that balances pretty well and a Remington 700V with a 26" barrel that doesn't balance quite as well.

Jeff

Thanks so much for the advice. Right now it looks like a 22-250 is going to beat out the .260 though. I had it narrowed down to the two and I am thinking that being I do not have bolt action .22 centerfire I need to get one more than a cross between a varmint and deer round.

My personal choice if not 260, a 243 or 6mm, and with 8-9 twist could shoot all bullets up to 105's, but a 10 would get you up to 100's.

Those 70's to 87's would likely give a hot 22 a good run (std twist) considering wind/impact, and on coyotes and deer IF on the menu, you would have LONG range ability if pressed.

Just food for thought.

For me and my rifles they more and more run 23" as the length that fits me.

Good luck

Mark D

I'm having one put together just now - I'm thinking 22.5-23". The report goes up markedly as the barrel gets shorter...

If you get a 22-250 with a faster twist rate of rifling, you could shoot deer with 60 grain Partitions and kill them very, very dead, very, very quickly. The 22-250 with 60 grain Partitions is 1 of my favorite deer shooting combinations. My current favorite 22-250 is a Remington 7 stainless with a 25" #3 contour Shilen (Hart?) in a Bansnar/HTS stock. When I have that rifle, I figure that any deer that stands around and offers a good opportunity within 300+/- yards is as good as headed to the meat locker.

Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by Jacobite:
Thanks so much for the advice. Right now it looks like a 22-250 is going to beat out the .260 though. I had it narrowed down to the two and I am thinking that being I do not have bolt action .22 centerfire I need to get one more than a cross between a varmint and deer round.

Sounds like you should consider the .250/3000.

Why would a 250-3000 be a good option?

Jeff

I got a 23" tube on my custom 260, and get 3350 fps with 85 grainers

3315 fps with 95 vmax

2970 fps with 120s

2850 fps with 129s

2750 fps with 140s

2600 fps with 155s

I've got a 23 inch barreled 260 and get 3250 fps out of a 100 grain partition, 2950 fps out of a 125 grain partition, etc. Like the earlier post, what's not to like about an 87 grain varmint bullet doing about 3350 fps? Then when you go deer hunting with a 125 grain partition, you basically are nearly duplicating 270 win performance in a short bolt, lighter packing and handling rifle. The 260 Rem is one of those cartridges that impresses you "shooting it" not comparing ballistics, etc. That's why all of us shooting them stand behind them, it's probably the biggest "sleeper" cartridge on the market right now. Frankly, the 260 Rem is, well, what the 243 win was supposed to be...............

quote:

Originally posted by AggieDog:
I've got a 23 inch barreled 260 and get 3250 fps out of a 100 grain partition, 2950 fps out of a 125 grain partition, etc. Like the earlier post, what's not to like about an 87 grain varmint bullet doing about 3350 fps? Then when you go deer hunting with a 125 grain partition, you basically are nearly duplicating 270 win performance in a short bolt, lighter packing and handling rifle. The 260 Rem is one of those cartridges that impresses you "shooting it" not comparing ballistics, etc. That's why all of us shooting them stand behind them, it's probably the biggest "sleeper" cartridge on the market right now. Frankly, the 260 Rem is, well, what the 243 win was supposed to be...............

Yes, but if you ARE comparing ballistics the 260Rem looks even better...

With 125's you are in 270Win territory
With 140's you more of the same and like factory loaded 140's in the 7mm-08 or 7x57

but with 100gr partitions it's suddenly a 25-06...

AllanD

That's it, Allan. I could not agree more. The 260 is also a reloader's cartridge due to limited factory ammunition, but, we wont ever run out of 308 win brass to use in a pinch. I find the 260 Rem a kick to shoot, light rifle, excellent accuracy, and fit's in the "most don't have one" catagory that appeal's to me when I am looking for something new and different to load for.

If Rem had any brains, they would be offering the 260 Rem in more than just the short barrel version. They would also be pushing their 7 Saum alittle harder than they do.

Here's to wishing Rem will someday bring back a 24" .260.

This is an older, ugly, overpriced, 24" DBM model.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=47630916

quote:

Originally posted by biglmbass:
Here's to wishing Rem will someday bring back a 24" .260.

This is an older, ugly, overpriced, 24" DBM model.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=47630916

yeah, I'd say that was an overpriced ugly version of the 260.....

May be ugly to some but the way it shoots makes it beautiful.

Did all of those have 'embellished' reveivers?

quote:

Originally posted by biglmbass:
Did all of those have 'embellished' reveivers?

No, that's the factory optional engraving.

AD

that is one damn UGLY rifle - I hated the engraved receivers.

the LSS MTn rifle is a MUCH better looking rifle

Todbartell

I would be grateful for any info you have on loads for the .260, I have a semi custom based on a Tikka 595 action, 26" shilen barrel short throat. I am using Nosler 100 BTs as a starting load at present, and have very good accuracy but pedestrian load for woodland Roe(small) and Fallow Deer. Currently using 44Gn N160 Fed Gm210 Primers Lapua .243 brass necked up. Getting 2850fps from them, but I am a bit stuck for inspiration as I was originally using N140 and got signs of high pressure with the most accurate load, so came down to a slower powder. That solved the pressure signs, but I feel that I am not getting the best from the calibre with what I am doing.

Any input appreciated

T260

Tikka,

If you would like some faster velocity out of those 100 grain Ballistic Tips...

IMR 4064... 43.5 grains... will yield 3350 fps out of a 22 inch barrel and 3450 fps out of a 26 inch barrel with NO pressure signs..

I am sure their is a VV powder equivalent to the burn rate of IMR 4064... work up, but I am sure you can duplicate those results in Europe...

Recoil is light enough even at that velocity that in my Ruger 77 with a 22 inch barrel, with the scope on 4X, you do not loose site picture.. and can watch the deer go down on inpact, from 100 to 300 yds...

I have taken several deer at 300 yds with this combo... and zeroed 3.5 inches high at 100 yds, I did not have to do any site adjustment when I fire the shots...

Dropped several 100 lb deer like a brick and on the spot, no running at all...

good luck,

cheers
seafire

I would have no problem w/ a 22"bbl. ona walking around rifle but if I were barreling one new, it would be 23". I have a 1-8/27" hvy. on my .260ai & it is amazongly accurate for me w/ all bullet weighrs.
VV150 is very accurate in mine under the light wy. 85-100gr. I like RL19 & H4350 for 120-123gr & IMR7828ssc for 140-142gr.

quote:

Originally posted by seafire/B17G:
Tikka,

If you would like some faster velocity out of those 100 grain Ballistic Tips...

IMR 4064... 43.5 grains... will yield 3350 fps out of a 22 inch barrel and 3450 fps out of a 26 inch barrel with NO pressure signs..

I am sure their is a VV powder equivalent to the burn rate of IMR 4064... work up, but I am sure you can duplicate those results in Europe...

Recoil is light enough even at that velocity that in my Ruger 77 with a 22 inch barrel, with the scope on 4X, you do not loose site picture.. and can watch the deer go down on inpact, from 100 to 300 yds...

I have taken several deer at 300 yds with this combo... and zeroed 3.5 inches high at 100 yds, I did not have to do any site adjustment when I fire the shots...

Dropped several 100 lb deer like a brick and on the spot, no running at all...

good luck,

cheers
seafire

Seafire

Much appreciated your input, all ideas or experience welcome to a newcomer to the .260. I shall have a look at the equivalent powders available here in Uk, and give the varios options a try

Thanks

T260

What I'm after is a have with me everyday. Fur / Caribou /wolf rifle. The Rugerr M77 Compact. Is what I'm thinking. It would Prolly ride 500 miles in the truck for every shot fired. 110gr.Barnes Banded solids and 120 great TSX or TTSX are the 2bullets I'm interested in most. Holping for 2900 fps with the 110s and 2800 with the 120s. ??? What say ye?

Short barrels are becoming the norm today but I am from the old school and favor no less than a 22" and would prefer a 24" in everything. It is really a clear issue when you consider every inch is equal to 25-35 fps.

22-23 for me and 260s, 8 twist if building.

Had a 21 and 24" 6.5x55 M96s, about 100fps diff.

Figure 35fps per ".....I'd say don't figure on more than 2750-2825 w/a Ruger Compact, but if you don't mind the blast, no worries, that combo would be good for anything to 300 yds IMHO and using mono's - might be good insurance if a Griz wanted to eat your bou....or you

BTW, short barrels do just as well w/same powders for speed as long IIRC....heavier bullets have less diff in lost velocity in shortened tubes vs. light fwiw.

I'd fling 120 TTSX and 130 Accubonds and call it good myself. H4350.

quote:

a barrel no longer than 24 inch and think 22 would be great.

You can always that that 2" off but you can never put it back. Go with the 24 & if you don't like it cut to 22. I alway offer that as a free option for all customers.

Why do some recommend the 8" twist rate?

KB

I have found that my wife's Ruger Compact is the handiest rifle to have with me. But the 308 makes a pretty big hole on fox. An 18" barrel would be fine but would need t shorten a std 22" Ruger. Her rifle is a sub 1" shooter and many groups are 5/8" some guys say they are loud. Its sure
Quiet compared to my 458 so the blast isn't a problem. Yes a 22" handles well but is a pain to pack around .

Shooting test indicate that the 6,5x55 is best of with a 23-24 inch barrel(57-60 cm)
The 260 is quite simular in capacity.

What's practical is another story....

m

I have a few rifles with 20" barrels, and they are nice to carry and shoot well, especially my 308. I just can't justify a rifle barrel shorter than 20".

Seems to me like the 260 would work ok with a 20" barrel, if a guy just has to have something shorter than 22". I think the reason the 308 works well with a 20" barrel is due to the faster powder. For example, I like W748, which is relatively fast. I've shot it in low light and the muzzel flash is minimal.

Since you'll be handloading anyway, perhaps the 260 can benefit from some of the faster powder from published load data.

I could never see the reason Ruger offered those compact rifles with the 16" barrels and short stocks. I always considered them silly, but I have a friend in Texas who uses one in 308 a lot, and has no complaints. It's his primary truck gun for hogs, coyotes, etc.

Anyway, I would find a 20" barrel plenty handy, and a normal length stock would be my preference. Actually, I hate short stocks, and especially on those rifles that have any significant recoil, I don't normally just whack myself in the nose with my thumb, so I see no need to shoot a rifle that causes that either. Same thing with whacking myself in the eyebrow with the scope. Of course the 260 isn't a likely candidate for that but that's no excuse to use a stub of a stock. If the stock doesn't fit right, the caliber makes little difference to me.

On the other hand, I would rather have a butchered up rifle than a pistol, if handy is the primary criteria. Shots would be easier to make, and follow up. Seems to me something like an AR in 6.8mm short barrel would be a good choice for varmints, and a handy truck gun.

KB

quote:

Originally posted by Kabluewy:
Why do some recommend the 8" twist rate?

KB

You need the 1 in 8" to stabilize the 160 grain bullet and the added twist doesn't hurt the lighter bullet accuracy.

quote:

Originally posted by Captain Finlander:

quote:

Originally posted by Kabluewy:
Why do some recommend the 8" twist rate?

KB

You need the 1 in 8" to stabilize the 160 grain bullet and the added twist doesn't hurt the lighter bullet accuracy.

Then why do they bother making 6.5 barrels in any twist other than 8"?

For that matter, why do they bother making any barrel in a twist rate other than the fastest for the given caliber? That sure would make the choices simpler. Perhaps we should try and convince the Palma guys that 10" twist is better than 13" for their sport.

Who would shoot 160gr bullets in a 260?

KB

You will have to take it up with the barrel makers.

The europeans love their 160 grain bullets but americans love high velocity.

quote:

Originally posted by Captain Finlander:
The europeans love their 160 grain bullets but americans love high velocity.

Seems to me that the only reason the heavy 6.5mm bullets exist is a carry over from the CIP throat in the 6.5 Euro cartridges such as the 6.5x55, etc. The 160gr Hornady, 155 gr Lapua, and 156gr Norma for examples. It's my understanding that those bullets shoot well in the long throats, and fast twists of those old mil-surp rifles. And also that's what made them perform in the old days when bullets weren't as well made as they are now. Slow velocity, super penetration. Even if the bullet shed a lot of lead in its passage, there is plenty of SD left over to pass through even a moose.

It also seems to me that the heavy bullets in the 260 sorta defeat the best purpose of the cartridge, which also seems to me a primo deer and hog rifle with low recoil, at any range out to 300 yds or so, perhaps further for those so inclined (not me).

In a 260, seems to me like a 140gr would be the maximum weight usefull in the cartridge. Most likely one of the 130gr bullets would give about all the 260 has to offer.

Take the 130 gr Barnes for example. I would be surprised if that bullet wouldn't shoot through an elk most of the time, and penetrate as deep as the heavier bullets mentioned.

The 130gr Barnes is a rather long bullet, so I suspect the twist rate needed for it would also be needed for the typical 140gr.

So, I'm really asking the question of twist rate relating the 140gr maximum. Is 9" twist fast enough for 140gr 6.5mm boat tail bullets? If not, that's ok and faster really is better, and the lighter bullet optimum twist rate is a moot issue. However, if 9" is fast enough for 140gr, then I see no need for faster twist rate. I don't have enough experience with the 6.5 to know the answer, but because they do it that way in Euro, isn't an answer to me.

My limited experience with the 6.5 does include a limited amount of at the range time with my 6.5x55 CZ 550. The max range I've shot so far is 100yds. At the time I bought the rifle, I thought the twist was between 8" and 9", but I see that CZ web site shows 9" now. Because I thought it had a fast twist, I tried some 155gr Lapua Mega bullets, and my notes show excellent accuracy. That could change a lot at 200 yds, if the bullet is not adequately stabilized. Also, the 140gr Hornady SST bullets are actually longer than the heavier Lapua bullets, and the Hornadys shot well too according to my notes. Sierra 140gr BT shot best of all tried. I also tried 120gr TSX bullets with good results. These 120gr TSX bullets are about the same length as the Lapua 155gr Mega.

I sighted the rifle in for the 140gr Sierras. I also tested the barrel twist rate with the cleaning rod method, and it seems that 1 in 9" is correct.

So, from my limited tests, 9" twist appears adequate, but I don't count on such a limited test as being conclusive. It' a pretty good test for that rifle, at 100 yds, but there is a lot I don't know. What it does at 200 and 300 yds for example.

That's why I'm interested in reading what others have to say, from their experience. I'm not really interested in what the Euros do, or have done, or faster is better just to be sure, or because in theory it doesn't hurt anything. I want to know what has been your experience at the range, with specific bullets, etc.


KB

IIRC Seafire here throated out his Ruger 260 for 156-160s when he wants to use them.

9 twist did fine in a Sako I had, thru 142s, yet not ALL 9s apparently are created equal. Had a 9 custom 6.5/308 pre-260 era, would not shoot factory corelokts though those 140s were sub spec at 2550 vs. 2750, in early lots. Also would keyhole 140 partitions, it was a 23", did fine w/129s, again my Sako - no problem.

I hear some Remington 260s will do fine w/140-142s, while others claim not so much. I recall a bbl maker telling me they were sending some bbls overseas to a rifle mfg. in 8.6 or so - maybe CZ.

Going 8 cuts the chase and compensates for all the variables that might occur and twist rate will NOT be the reason a 6.5 is not accurate w/a given bullet of standard weight - 120-160s. I might add I have seen 7.5" twist 6.5x55 shoot great at 22" in a Kimber '96 using 85s, nothing BR grade, but VERY respectable and usable for a hunting rifle.

Also, if I were doing a 264 mag or 6.5/284 - the pressure would drop a tad and speed up w/an 8.5 vs. 8, so in THAT scenario, w/higher mv/rpm I might look at 8.5, but I like to K.I.S.S. and don't shoot for score on paper w/a set bullet weight and versatility for me, trumps a few thou of grouping on paper. I use mine for hunting.

Not a physics major - but know the base area has alot to do w/speed/energy so a larger bore same case will get more speed/energy all else equal.

Also, bore VOLUME to me, not so much how fast the powder is, though I am sure it matters is important. A 308 can burn more powder sooner/shorter bbl than a same length smaller 264 bore IMO.

I do this:

308 x 20" = 6160 Then divide by 264 = 23.33

Therefore in my 'ballistic logic' in my head, a 260 needs perhaps 23.33" of bbl to burn the powder of a 20" 308. Make sense? Perhaps not accurate, but surely somewhat relevant.

That said, a 23 makes a nice 6.5mm bore length in a mid sized round IMO.

Just something to ponder.