quote:

Originally posted by 6.5BR:
IIRC Seafire here throated out his Ruger 260 for 156-160s when he wants to use them.

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

Just something to ponder.

quote:

Originally posted by Kabluewy:

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

quote:

Originally posted by Captain Finlander:
Your giving to much credit to todays bullets. The partition and monolithic type's are better performers with lower sectional density but nearly every other bullet made today still perform the same as the old ones requiring a higher sectional density to perform.

quote:

Originally posted by gumboot458:
I'm looking for that won't put a 3" hole out the off side of a fox or lynx. And will work well on caribou. The 260 seems ideal. But the rifle must be not burdensome to have with me. Toughest rifles made are the Ruger m77mk 2. Most idiot pruff. IMO+e best rifles made. The Compact is ideal. They always work weather its 45 below or a hundred above.

quote:

Originally posted by gumboot458:
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?

quote:

Originally posted by AggieDog:
OK, as an old 58 year dude, I am on my second 260 Rem. I like a 22-24 inch barrel on a 260 but I am a western dude, and do want to ring out all I can from a cartridge. Currently, I love a 24 inch 700 that I have. To each his own, but pack weight never stopped me, if you cant pack a standard wt rifle up the mtn, you dont belong up there anyway. That come's from someone who has packed a standard wt for "years"... I don't mean this negative, but come on guys, let's man up.