Author Topic: 6.5mm-08 - rate of twist/barrel length question - 260Rem (Read 585 times)

steve_77 · « **on:** November 10, 2004, 12:46:54 PM »

Should the 6.5mm-08 (260 rem) be 1 in 8" twist or 1 in 9 twist? If 1 in 9 is the defacto standard I take it that the 1 in 8 would tend to shoot the heavier bullets a bit better is this true? If so - what would be the lightest bullet weight one should use in the 1 in 8" twist barrel assuming a barrel length of lets say 24"? Also while we are at topic of barrel length - would 26" offer any advantages over 24" barrel - guess im wondering if anyone can shed some light on the optimum barrel length for a 6.5mm-08 (260 Rem) - for hunting (85gn-140gn loads) - not benchrest or benchrest hunting. I was thinking somewhere between 24 and 26 inches, for the 260rem as a pack rifle, so dont want it too heavy. was thinking instead to chance the barrel contour (taper) to about .7" or .725" - to lighten it up. Would greatly appreciate any feedback - cheers - Steve_77

Buffalogun · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2004, 12:57:38 PM »

Steve,

My 6.5 is the 6.5x55, which is very close to the .260 Rem. From the 22" barrel of my rifle, 129g Hornady's fly to just over 2,900 fps. and 140g Hornady's are spijning along at around 2,750 fps.

The rate of twist on my rifle is 1 in 7.87".

Buffalogun

steve_77 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2004, 02:13:14 PM »

hmm, I thought the standard twist for this guy was one in nine? hmm..

Coal River Rat · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2004, 07:54:14 PM »

1 in 9= bullets up to 130gr. 1 in 8=bullets over 130gr. This is what Shilen Barrels has on the 6.5 bullets on their Twist Chart. I'm sure we all can think of exceptions to barrel twist rates on different charts with different bullets, but that's what Shilen suggests.

steve_77 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2004, 08:38:35 AM »

Hmm I guess it would seem then that a 26" barrel of twist 1 in 8.5 " or 1 in 9" would be good and offer more versatility as far as loads are concerned. I suppose the average weight of the lads I would use is 120gn, but would like the ability to load like 85-142gn bullets for a bit extra versatility, I understand this might not be possible - ill ty contacting shilen and hart and see what they say - didnt even think about that. Just want a wide variety of loads available.

Mirage · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2004, 01:18:05 PM »

I have a .260 in 15". I do recall seeing an article on optimum bbl. length in a magazine. it lumped classes of cartridges, if i remember the likes of the .308 based case lass fell into the 22' range.

If your comfortable go with the 8.5 twist if your concerned about heavier bullets.

Mirage