Author Topic: 260 vs 6.5x55 (Read 3671 times)

superdown · « **on:** January 29, 2009, 07:18:31 AM »

which one is better ? maybe i should ask which you like better and why ?

Axehandle · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2009, 07:48:41 AM »

I think the 260 has died a slow quiet death..... The 6.5x55 has been and will continue to be..
That said, I like the 6.5 bore and own a 260 and a 6.5x55. I like them both...

onesonek · « **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2009, 08:04:39 AM »

The 6.5/.264 has never been extremely popular here in USA. Albeit, .260 Rem. and the 6.5 Swede are nearly identicle in performance when loaded to equal pressures. Beyond that, I feel it's a matter of personal choice.

Dave

AtlLaw · « **Reply #3 on:** January 29, 2009, 08:29:28 AM »

That's like askin which sister out ova set of identical twins you like best when they both do what you want equally well!

enjoy 'em both!

Rite now I got me two 260's and 2 Swede's (not counting the M96 in military dress). Eventually I'll end up with one of each and shoot 120 gr. bullets out of the 260 and 160 gr. out of the 6.5x55. No real reason, just what I want to do...

Probably the same reason I make my wife keep up an extensive collection of wigs... $:-\$

davem270win · « **Reply #4 on:** January 29, 2009, 09:32:14 AM »

I've hunted and reloaded both. In a modern rifle, you can squeeze a few more FPS from the 6.5x55, because of the larger capacity. But the 264 bore isn't particularly popular with American shooters. Looks like most are going to the 7mm-08 if they don't want a 30.
IMO, the 260 is much superior to the 243 for deer, using either 120 or 140 gr bullets. I have a Ruger compact in 260 that's a joy to carry and shoots pretty well. The 260 will hang around, but it's always going to be a step-sister.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #5 on:** January 29, 2009, 09:40:11 AM »

Quote from: davem270win on January 29, 2009, 09:32:14 AM

IMO, the 260 is much superior to the 243 for deer,

I LIKE the way you think boy!

ThunderStick · « **Reply #6 on:** January 29, 2009, 02:44:46 PM »

Got my new .260 CDL SF yesterday. Haven't shot it yet. I got it to replace my .243 of 23 years. I figured it would give me more punch at longer ranges. I also wanted a new deer rifle!

james · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2009, 11:08:30 AM »

I'm a Swede fan myself but if I run across a Remington short action receiver, I'll put a .260 barrel on it in a heartbeat. If you're rebarreling, it takes a long (or medium) action for the 6.5 x 55.

Lone Star · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2009, 03:23:36 PM »

Quote

I think the 260 has died a slow quiet death.....

Perhaps so, but you wouldn't know it from tracking die sales (one of the few methods we have to gauge cartridge popularity) It was #37 in 2004 and #37 in 2007. It is ahead of the 7.62x39, the 7x57, the 6mm Remington, etc. The .280 Remington and .220 Swift are right above it at #35 and #36.

It is currently chambered by Remington and Ruger. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but cartridges are usually not considered dead if two of the three largest rifle makers in the US still chamber for them.....

.

rfletcher · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2009, 04:31:30 PM »

I went to four different places yesterday looking for .280 ammo. None of the four I went to stocked it but they all had .260 cartridges on the shelf so I am not sure that non-availability of ammo is a valid argument against it. Personally I don't think you can spit for the difference in these two rounds and at least around here .260 is readily available and the 6.5 Swede isn't. My preference is the Swede but that is for nostalgia reasons. I reload so availability is not a factor.

bilmac · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2009, 01:54:47 AM »

I'm not going to run out and get my reloading books, but isn't the Swede and oddball case, a little larger dia than the American standard 06 ,308. That would be my reason for choosing the 260 over the Swede, there is a whole world of brass that can be converted to 260.

ThunderStick · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2009, 02:50:25 AM »

Can't you just run .243 brass through a .260 die and get .260 Rem.?

The main reason I choose the .260 is that it is on a short action and uses the very common head diameter of the 30-06, 308 Win.. I also don't know of any round built on the 308 and a short action that doesn't shoot well, or can't be easily coaxed into shooting well. I plan on using 120 for white tail, but can always use a heavier bullet with superior SD if the opportunity to hunt larger game where to present it's self.

I think for hunting here in TN the .260 Rem. makes much more sense than all the magnums combined! Easy on powder, brass, and barrels, is another reason to like this round.

ratherbefishin · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2009, 04:46:44 AM »

I've hunted with a 65x55 swede for about 30 years ,and killed as many blacktails,a moose and a couple of black bears,nothing went far-all with cheap Century factory ammunition too.I haven't shot a 260-but from what I hear they are virtually identical.Here in Canada we have ''Tradeex'' who imports Husky's-I picked up another very fine swede in 6.5x55,excellent barrel, nice wood,altered bolt and weaver bases-all for $230,and thats about the best value you can get for an all round hunting rifle.Fact is when anything lasts 100 years[the 6.5x55] is proof they got it right the first time.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2009, 05:11:54 AM »

Quote from: ThunderStick on February 02, 2009, 02:50:25 AM

Can't you just run .243 brass through a .260 die and get .260 Rem.?

That's what I do. I use a tapered expander and never had a problem.

When I first got into Swedes the difference in head measurement had me worried. But I checked a lot of 6.5x55 brass made by American companies, and as I remember they all had a head measurement of .473. Never caused me any problem in my Swedes. Now it's kind of a non-issue to me.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2009, 02:18:07 PM »

i tried to size .243 in mine and it broke the necks every time...big rip down the side.

are you annealing? i think i am going to size 7-08 DOWN, not .243 UP.

-Matt

AtlLaw · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2009, 02:31:13 PM »

Quote from: mjbgalt on February 02, 2009, 02:18:07 PM

are you annealing?

No, but like I said, I got a tapered expander button for the sizing die. I just lubed the inside of the neck real well and ran them through the press. Used once fired and maybe even some that had been fired more then once. Haven't lost one... yet!

Quote

i think i am going to size 7-08 DOWN, not .243 UP.

I don't have the supply of 7/08 brass like I do 243 and 308, but I probably wouldn't neck down anyway. I'd worry about the necks getting to thick and having to turn them. Necking up the 243 I don't have anything to worry about. Well, the necks are a little short but no big thing!

ThunderStick · « **Reply #16 on:** February 07, 2009, 12:39:11 AM »

I received my .260 Rem. dies and bullets, so I thought I would put togather a few rounds for breaking in the new gun. I used new Remington brass and everything went togather perfect. Just for coursity, I grabbed a .243 that had been fired at least twice, lubbed it, and ran it throught the die. Presto! .260 with no split neck. This is with the standary RCBS die set.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #17 on:** February 07, 2009, 02:39:21 AM »

Quote from: ThunderStick on February 07, 2009, 12:39:11 AM

I grabbed a .243 that had been fired at least twice, lubbed it, and ran it throught the die. Presto! .260 with no split neck. This is with the standary RCBS die set.

I figured you may be okay without the tapered ball, it's only .020 +/-. I wouldn't try it necking up my .30 cal brass to .35 though. But then my 358 Win and 35 Whelen dies came with tapered buttons.

I really can't understand why mjbgalt had such a bad time. $:-\$

bilmac · « **Reply #18 on:** February 07, 2009, 08:02:55 AM »

I used to make all my 35 Whelens out of 06. That was before it was a factory cartridge and was the only way to have cases. Can't remember a lot of problems.

mogwai · « **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2009, 08:14:35 AM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on February 07, 2009, 02:39:21 AM

Quote from: ThunderStick on February 07, 2009, 12:39:11 AM
I grabbed a .243 that had been fired at least twice, lubbed it, and ran it throught the die. Presto! .260 with no split neck. This is with the standary RCBS die set.

I figured you may be okay without the tapered ball, it's only .020 +/-. I wouldn't try it necking up my .30 cal brass to .35 though. But then my 358 Win and 35 Whelen dies came with tapered buttons.

I really can't understand why mjbgalt had such a bad time. $:-\$

I have never bought 35 whelen brass. Have always run 30-06 brass through a RCBS die. Lose one now and then, but not many. I have also tried to neck up 308 brass to 358 with Lee dies and always fail. I think that tapered expander makes a big difference

mjbgalt · « **Reply #20 on:** February 10, 2009, 01:13:03 AM »

i can't figure it out either. i lubed them and they have only been fired maybe 4 or 5 times.

i have sized them to .257" in my .25-06 die to see what happens then, and they are fine.

can't figure out why it's different in the swede die. maybe it's a bigger diameter and the brass isn't exactly centered?

-Matt

gldprimr · « **Reply #21 on:** February 18, 2009, 03:16:26 PM »

The tapered expander does make a big difference. When necking up, I also lube the inside of the case neck lightly with Imperial Sizing Die wax just like I use for sizing. Have not lost any new cases when doing it that way, though I lost a few before going to that.

My meager experience, FWIW

equinoxbuilders · « **Reply #22 on:** March 01, 2009, 05:05:54 PM »

This post is awesome. I've been looking into the 6.5 Swede now for about a year. Here is why:
12 yr old daughter, is well under 100lbs. Loves hunting with me. I want to build her a really good longer range rifle for cut-downs. I have her a .45 cal Muzzleloader loaded with 158 grn keithnose .357 over 75gr triple7 for tree stand hunting in open hardwoods. Looking for flat shooting and low recoil rifle now.
The .243 in my opinion is too unforgiving and from what I've heard ruins too much meat that is blood shot. I do hear the Barnes bullets do well though.
I started looking into the 6.5 Swede as very interesting. Flat shooting, Low Recoil (lower than 7-08) and deadly on Whitetail size game from 50-300+ yrds.
I don't reload, so I then started looking into the .260.
The big questions I have is comparing the 6.5 Swede and .260 in regards to Barrel length, Rate of twist, and Recoil ft. lbs.
I know my daughter can handle a youth/featherweight in .243 but have concerns about a shortened/shorter barrel with either of the .264 rounds.
How do these handle in a shorter 16.5 to 18" barrel? I don't believe anything that short is available in 6.5x55. I do see there is for the .260, but does anyone have any experience with the shorter rifles. Also any info on Recoil ft. lbs.
Not sure of the load, but the .243 typically is in the 13 ft lb range for measured recoil. I believe a modified/tamed 6.5 can get below that in a 7 1/2 lb rifle.
Again, I'm not looking to sqeeze every last bit out of either round, but instead create a very deadly 'Cream Puff'.

Thanks for the info.

FLNT4EVR · « **Reply #23 on:** March 02, 2009, 01:36:24 PM »

I don't know what all the argueing is about. I have a 260 Remington and I love it.It will do anything I ask of it. I think the 6.5mm is a great do all calibre ,and will not say anything against it. However I will not choose 1 over the other either.The 6.5 swede or the 260 Rem are so close they could be brothers. Choose the one you like best and enjoy the hell out of it. And thats all I have to say about that.

equinoxbuilders · « **Reply #24 on:** March 03, 2009, 04:22:19 PM »

Ok, I've been doing a fair amount of research over the past few days.
For my daughters needs, I believe the best rifle would be a Remington Model 7 Youth chambered in .260Rem. 18" barrel with 9:1 twist.
It appears the Ruger Hawkeye/Compact with 16 1/2" barrel and 8:1 twist is too finicky, and may shoot a varmint load, but not a moose load well, or vice versa.
I also see that probably the best commercially available setup would be a Remington 700 with a 22" barrel. Tends to shoot best with the widest range of .260 loads. Although I'd get myself a 6.5 Swede or .260 with a 22" or longer barrel, I need to keep it short for my little girl. She's under 5'
If anyone has a working knowledge of any carbine or compact that they'd suggest, I'm more than happy to hear about it.

Scott

AtlLaw · « **Reply #25 on:** March 03, 2009, 04:34:40 PM »

Quote from: equinoxbuilders on March 03, 2009, 04:22:19 PM

For my daughters needs, I believe the best rifle would be a Remington Model 7 Youth chambered in .260Rem. 18" barrel with 9:1 twist.

Hey Scott! I agree whole heartedly! That's the exact rifle I picked up to use as the basis for a long desired 250 Savage. Got it real cheap used.

But my middle girl, who is right at 5 feet, wants to try deer hunting, and I've got my oldest grandson turning 8 soon so my 250 may have to wait.

I tried it with 120 gr. Rem PSPCL's at around 2650 fps and it has virtually no recoil and the 12.5 in. LOP seems fine for little folk!

equinoxbuilders · « **Reply #26 on:** March 03, 2009, 04:52:06 PM »

With all the reading/research I've done on these rounds, I love em.... And I don't even own one yet. I can't wait to pick one up. I know where I can get a Rem. M7 Youth in 7-08 at a very good price new(very good), but I'm holding out for the 260.
Thanks to the moderator and members for the valuable info.

Mikey · « **Reply #27 on:** March 04, 2009, 01:47:30 AM »

260 vs 6.5x55, 7mm-08 vs 7x57, 30-06 vs 308. Same arguements every time. Same classs of cartridge capability with the longer cases being able to handle longer heavier slugs a bit better.

Just depends on what you want to carry through the woods. If a 8 lb Mauser in either 6.5x55 or 7x57 or a long action 06 is a bit too much for you after hours of bustin' the boonies then the shorter cartridges in shorter, lighter weight actions might be more to your liking.

I have been sold on the 6.5mm bore for years. The first '260' I ever shot was actually a 6.5 Mannlichter Carcano and it worked very well on medium to mil/large game animals with complete pass throughs with the 160 gn 6.5mm slug. As I recall, the 120s and 140 gn slugs also worked very well.

I like my Swede - Husky made M38 that has been sporterized with scope and stock, and trigger - almost too purdy to go draggin' around inna woods but that's what it was made for. Even though sporterized and a bit lighter in weight than in its mil-spec form, the recoil is almost negligible. I s'pose that if I came across a nice 260 in just the right package I could not pass it up, and I know that, but so far it hasn't happened. Now, I'm not askin' fer die-rec-shuns to the nearest 260 store, but it could happen....I think..

FLNT4EVR · « **Reply #28 on:** March 04, 2009, 02:21:51 AM »

My .260 is the Rem Model 7 CDL.It is the kind of rifel you can carry all day in any terrain.The only advice I have is take your time when you sight it in.The small diameter light weight barrel heats up pretty fast so some time should be taken between groups.

superdown · « **Reply #29 on:** March 05, 2009, 07:10:37 AM »

Thanks for all the replies it seems the 6.5x55 is a little more popular but i am still curious about wich one will have a higher velocity with like bullets when handloaded . I am considering a Tikka so the action length is all the same for short or long cartriges.