Looking at getting a new rifle for my wife. She currentley has a 243 model 70 XTR which is really a heavy rifle. Looked at some Remington model seven youth rifles today that she liked. Not sure which would be the best caliber, 260 or 7-08. I have several 6.5 caliber guns and know the recoil from them, as well as the 243. I'm not sure about a 7-08, only 7mm I have had was a 7 mag. How does the recoil compare between the 243, 260, and the 7-08?

7mm-08

the 708 will recoil more thats a given,
but its also one super round,i'd say go 260 because its for your wife and you have 6.5 bullets already.
regards

No flies on the 7mm08 but since you run other 6.5s I recommend the 260. A handloader can match or better the 243 with 100s, the 257 Roberts with 125s or the 7mm08 with 140s.

Kind of what I was thinking, I already have 6.5 bullets, and the 243, 260, and 7mm-08 are all based on the 308 so other than the heavier weights for the 7mm-08 things should be rather equal at deer bullet weight.

Either are fine calibers.. I'd go with the 260 since you load for the bore diameter in other calibers...

I carry a 260 myself normally in the field.. although I do have some 7 x 57s that also see some action...

Either one will give an upgrade in performance over the 243...which isn't a bad cartridge in its own right...

7mm-08

Tikka T3 Stainless in 6.5x55.

Otherwise, I'd choose a 7-08 and start her off with light loads.

the 7-08 doesn't kick all that hard but it does kick harder than the 260 but not by much so my vote would go for the 7-08 but that is just me

I started my daughter (@12 yrs old) on the classic 7x57 Mauser. She shot that gun well killing everything in sight. That gun is a lot of fun and is similar to the 7-08.

Let us know what you decide.

I like the 7x57 so a 7-08 would be my choice, except that you already have 6.5 bullets.

Since you reload, either one would be fine. I have both and PERHAPS the .260 has slightly less recoil but they are in different rifles so its hard to say. Neither are going to tax a person. By any road, they are both vastly superior to the .243. That said, I am partial to the 7-08.
The model 7, especially with, say, a nice 1.5x5 or a compact 2x7 is one nimble, light piece. Wife may have to buy her own gun safe.

Smitty Could you perhaps give us a little more information. What is your wife hoping to shoot with her new rifle? Is it strictly a deer rifle or will she be using it on an elk or moose hunt?? Can she handle the recoil of any other calibres larger than her 243? If the largest game she will take is going to be deer the 260 is a fine choice. However if there is a chance on hunting something larger such as elk the nod would go to the 7mm-08.

The rifle would be for mostly deer, with a chance that we would go on a elk hunt. She also uses a model 70 liteweigh in 30.06 but she is uncomfortable with this one. I will have to admit it kicks the heck out of me as well. The 30.06 is not cut down, that is part of the issue. She is 5' and I am 6' with long arms so what fits me does not fit her. The model seven youth is just about prefect for LOP and weighs much less than her current model 70 XTR is 243. She knows that a lighter rifle will kick more.

Without a doubt go with the 7mm-08. Start her off with 130 gr speer bullets or 139-140 gr to keep recoil down. When you go for elk move up to a 150 -160 gr.

I own and shoot both .260 Remingtons and 7mm-08s, and have a lot of faith in either one. I also believe that the .260 Rem is The Best basic White tail round available. I've done five splat-downs with the .260 on Texas Deer, while another friend has done 7-8 in Cali and North Dakota. Those 6.5mm slugs will not be denied. Have only done two Axis Deer with the 7mm-08, but both were also splat-down kills.
The big difference between the two rounds is recoil, and we all know that the less the shooter fears recoil, the better he or she will shoot.
The .243 is the weakest of the three rounds you mention, the 7mm-08 is the strongest. I'd buy a Remington M7 in either .260 or 7mm-08, however, unless you are confident that she'll be hunting Elk with this rifle, I would stand by the .260. My .260 M7 (MS) has become my "go to" rifle for deer.

LLS

I like both equally so I'd have to flip a coin. Lou

Come on guys. Put your thinking caps on.

If you put a 140 grain bullet in a 260 and a 140 grain bullet in a 7mm-08, the recoil is virtually the same. Check the physics. By my calculator, depending on which powders you use, you will get 14.9 lbs recoil in the '08 and 14.4 lbs recoil in the 260. When you factor that there will be slightly more muzzle blast on the 260 because you are funneling the powder and bullet down a smaller bore, you will be absolutely unable to distinguish the recoil between the two.

NOW, however, if you use smaller bullets in the 260, there will be a difference (of course, the 260 bore is made famous with the use of heavy for caliber bullets, but you can use what you want). In the 260, a 125 grain Nosler Partition will recoil 13.8 lbs with 47 grains of RL19 pushing 2980 fps. (this is out of Noslers Reloading Manual 5th edition) Big recoil savings, huh? Once again, muzzle blast will go up with this load. (the more powder you put down a smaller tube, the blast goes up).

I wish I had a 260. But I won't buy one to save recoil over a 7mm-08. It won't happen. But there are other good reasons to own one.

Guess I didn't get through talking with that last post.

Any difference in killing effect on these two cartridges will be imaginary also. The difference in the size and weight of the bullets, as well as their speed, is extremely minimal. Either one tearing through the lungs of a whitetail is going to do the same damage. They are going to "tear up jack".

I've not purchased a 260 because of poor and growing poorer bullet choices, and a fear that it would be discontinued. The fewer rifles available, though, the more I wish I had one. I can't believe that Remington is abandoning this round the way they are.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeG50:
I can't believe that Remington is abandoning this round(.260)the way they are.

Smart move in my book. Next the 7-08 roger

quote:

Originally posted by snowman:
Without a doubt go with the 7mm-08. Start her off with 130 gr speer bullets or 139-140 gr to keep recoil down. When you go for elk move up to a 150 -160 gr.

Like snowman said, 708!

If a fellow reloads, he has little to fear about a cartridge being discontinued. Buy a couple of hundred cases (.260s are also easily made from .243s and 7-08s) and a thousand 140gr Core Lokt bullets or whatever bullet scratches his fancy and he's good to go. Actually, with all the 6.5 Swedes floating around, I doubt the supply of 6.5 bullets will ever dry up.

quote:

...If you put a 140 grain bullet in a 260 and a 140 grain bullet in a 7mm-08, the recoil is virtually the same....

Thats all we need, someone who comes along with sound logic and down to earth undeniable common(scientific)sense.

I agree with above, but think when someone is contemplating splitting hairs, their thoughts might be often with comparing the 120gr 260 loads with 140/708's as they are more similar in BC/SD IIRC.

I think it is a valid question as I notice a difference in recoil, but I was shooting lighter bullets in 260 or 6.5/308 at the time, so that was the issue. You can load and shoot 100gr, 110, 115, 120, 130 up to 175 or so if you desire in the 708, the lighter ones cut recoil and are great for paper and varmints, and are very accurate, but that said, the 120 or 130 should be more a minimum for deer in the 708, for penetration.

Since you have 6.5's now, it's natural to load 260 but I would want it in a 22-24" bbl preferably, 20 a minimum, and the longer bbls will have less blast and allow someone less 'shock' to their ears which affects shooting as we know.

Ballistically VERY similar looking at bullets of like BC/SD.

The very best reason to buy a 260 is that it has "panache". It's different, classy, unusual, you know it's effective because of the history of the 6.5.

You'll probably be the only one in camp to have one. You've probably never owned one before. It looks cool (provided you look at your cartridges really, really close).

It's the smallest cartridge you can buy and get a full-blown, meaty, substantial, no-need-to-worry 140 grain deer bullet. Or more.

You may be in trouble if you buy one for your wife. You are going to want to use it yourself.

I just acquired a 6.5X55 this year. My first taste of small caliber. I love it. A 260 is definitely in the future. Probably for the wife since she shoots 7mm-08s. (yeah, right! She's too practical - says the 7 is just great - so maybe she won't use the 260 - someone will have to use it)

I say we should all go out and buy several and resurrect it from the near-dead! We are on a MISSION! It's a job that somebody's got to do!

Looks like it will be a 7mm08, no stock on the model seven in 260. I tend to collect odd calibers, 20 years ago folks thought I was crazy for buying a Sako Hunter in 6.5X55 also have a Steyr Pro Hunter in 6.5X57 that is a caliber one rarely if ever sees. Basically the same thing but if pushed will get about 100fps faster than the 6.5X55.

The velocity loss for the short barrel will be slightly (marginal difference) less with the 7mm08.

7mm08 loads in the manuals tend to use faster powder which helps reduce muzzle blast

There are a host of standard 120gr 7mm bullets plus the 120gr Barnes TSX for big game.

I love my 6.5x55 but am building a short barreled rifle for dedicated use with a sound moderator - calibre chosen? 7mm08! I will attempt to run 120gr TSX with 40ish grains of H4895 at 2,800fps from a 19" barrel.

Is she satisfied with the performance of her current .243? If so, perhaps you should just get her another .243 and keep it feed with good quality bullets.

quote:

Originally posted by drunkintoaster:
the 7-08 doesn't kick all that hard but it does kick harder than the 260 but not by much so my vote would go for the 7-08 but that is just me

I concur. My Remington Seven in 7-08 would make the perfect ladies' rifle!

quote:

Originally posted by 1894mk2:
The velocity loss for the short barrel will be slightly (marginal difference) less with the 7mm08.

7mm08 loads in the manuals tend to use faster powder which helps reduce muzzle blast

There are a host of standard 120gr 7mm bullets plus the 120gr Barnes TSX for big game.

I love my 6.5x55 but am building a short barreled rifle for dedicated use with a sound moderator - calibre chosen? 7mm08! I will attempt to run 120gr TSX with 40ish grains of H4895 at 2,800fps from a 19" barrel.

FYI, my 708s with 21" bbls have both chrono'd at 3050 w/Varget and 120 Sierras. You may see 2900-2975 I would guess. Efficient, yes and in short bbls.

I don't think that you could go wrong with either one.

I like both over the 243 for deer size game. If it were deer & antelope only, I would lean to the 260. If I thought she may want to tackle elk, then I would lean 7-08 for the heavier bullets (although no flys on the 160gr 6.5).

with those two choices, i'd say .260.

if you were to look outside those parameters, i would suggest the 7x57.

it worked for jack o'connor and his wife!

Well I ordered a Remington Model Seven youth in 7mm-08 today. Picked up a 3X9 Nikon scope and ordered talley rings. Be about two weeks until I can get it to the range. Then off deer hunting. Will report back.

Thanks to all,

Ron

smith,

I guess I'm too late, but I just wanted to say I agree with 6.5BR on the Model 7's shorter barrel having a lot of muzzle blast. My dad started my brother using one and I carried his rifle a few times before I got my own rifle- I have to say I prefer something with a longer barrel on it. It doesn't affect my shooting, especially with a mild cartridge, but it's enough that I prefer to stay away from those short barrels. Other than that, I think you made the best choice (best because there was no wrong one) between the 2 you had. Good luck to both of you!

The model 7 now has a 20.5" barrel on it. Mine is the old 18.5" model (in 7-08) and I don't have a problem with muzzle blast. I think Smith is gonna be getting hot coffee in bed in the morning and sugar at night.

Blast is subjective I am sure, there was a difference from my 23" custom 6.5/308 (i.e. pre-260 rem) and a 20" and 18.5 model 7. I think ballistics are fine to 300 yds field shooting with shorter bbls but 20-21 would be my limit in 6.5. Cut a '96 Swede to 21, velocity was only 2820 IIRC with 120's. My 21" custom 7mm BR shoots 120 at 2875 avg. The 6.5x55 was loaded with 4831 or 4350, perhaps other powders would have helped and a slower twist (7.5 mil surp twisted) would have allowed higher speeds.

Deer won't check velocity to determine if they want to die quickly or not, shot placement will rule the day.

Like shorter bbls when they perform with cartridge in hand, larger bores same case will burn more powder sooner, so a say 358 winchester is fine in a 19-20" where a 264 bore needs more length, for space in bore to allow powder to more fully burn IMHO.

For a hunting rifle blast is less an issue, but if you want to sit at the range and burn a few rounds practicing, it seems cumulative, but I have tinitis (sp?) already and try preserving what hearing is left!