We can throw another one into this pot, or two, depending on who's counting. The American wildcat 6.5 Roberts and the European 6.5x57 are virtually identical cartridges and ballistically fit into that skinny little slot between the .260 and the 6.5x55.
My first one was a rechambered Arisaka which was the reason for the wildcat. WWII souvenirs were rechambered so available brass could be use. When it turned out that bore was grossly oversized, I used the action to build a deer rifle for my then wife. A set of dies had come with the original deal; the only available 6.5x55 brass was the very expensive Norma and the even more expensive Lapua; the 6.5-308 was a wildcat needing a custom reamer and custom dies. I had a new 6.5 Roberts barrel fitted and have never regretted it.
Finished rifle turned out to be pretty good and the wife turned out to be worthless, so I threw her out and kept the rifle. Never regretted that, neither.
Posts: 1570 | Location: Base of the Blue Ridge | Registered: 04 November 2002
Whichever one fits in a rifle you like. They can be loaded so closely in performance there is no real difference other than that the 260 fits in a short action.........DJ
Posts: 3976 | Location: Oklahoma,USA | Registered: 27 February 2004
Quote: Which one would you use for hunting whitetail in the east and south and antelope, etc. in the west? Thanks.
recoilpad, they are damn near identical with the edge going to the 6.5X55. and that can be debated. jmo. i love the 260 have been shooting and loading for it since it was a wildcat. if you buy a u.s. manufactured gun you will be best served with 120grn to 130 grn bullets for deer. u.s. usualy use 1/9 twist barrels euro 1/8. the 1/9 shieln target barrel on my gun shoots 140's ok at 100 but at 200 you can see that it is keyholing and accuracy suffers. but just my experience with my gun. i'm sure others will have different experiences with different guns. but i vote for the 260 you pick the manufaturer.
arky65
Posts: 245 | Location: arkansas/louisiana | Registered: 31 March 2004
Just give Remington time. They probably will make the CDL in .260Rem. They are the ones who introduced the cartridge so it's in their best interest to chamber it in as many rifle models as possible.
I'm a big fan of the 6.5x55 but honestly see no difference in performance between it and the .260Rem. You might be surprised at how hard these 6.5s hit with the 160gr. bullets. They are hell on moose. I found that out last year. Best wishes.
Minus the difference in case dimensions, they are pretty much interchangeable for performance capabilites.
If you lean toward the 160 grain bullets, or like to seat 140 grain bullets WAY out then the long actions the Swede are built on is the better way to go.
I myself prefer that, but it does not mean my 260s are sitting on the auction block.
I've just started playing w/ the .260ai & really like this little cart. My rifle is a 27" hvy. M700 for target & varmints but now I'm thinking an ultra light M7 or M700TI in .260ai would be a great walk&climballday rig.
Posts: 7752 | Location: kalif.,usa | Registered: 08 March 2001
These two cartridges are ballistic peas in a pod. I own three .260s and two 6.5x55s, and I cannot perceive a difference, except that the swede seems to accept the 160 grain bullets more easily. However, the heaviest bullets are not really necessary, just use a premium bullet loaded to factory specs and enjoy. Took an Axis doe last month with the .260 Rem M-7 with factory 120 grain loads, perfect performance too. In this choice I believe that the option is which rifle fits you best, including your pocket book.
LLS
Posts: 996 | Location: Texas | Registered: 14 October 2004
I took my moose last year in Ontario using a 6.5x55, 160gr. Sierra SPSP. That combination really plays merry olde hell in the animals boiler room. If you want great accuracy try the Finnish reloading components; the Lapua bullets and Vihtavouri powders. They are excellent. I do better with the semi-pointed and round nose bullets in the heavier weights. Best wishes.
