New project 25-06 28" changed to 260 Rem

[Ultra25-06]

Hello all been a member on GB for a while now but I usually hang out on the H&R page. My other favorite make is Savage already have one its a .325wsm euro classic. Anyway I picked up a LA reciver for $200. I sold the stock, barrel and scope that was on it for $100. So I am only $280 into the project at this point, with the scope and reciver. Now to start my project. It will be a 25-06 with a 28" 1" barrel, a Bushnell Elite 3200 10x that I already have, blue thumbhole stock from SSS and colored/fluted bolt work done from SSS. I will post a pic later today to show start to finish. I hope to have it finished by spring for rock chucks.

[Escalante]

A quick question If I may. Whose barrel are you going to put on this project rifle?
Rich.

[Ultra25-06]

I am looking at a Shilen or Douglas just trying to decide. Feel free to give info on why you would choose one over the other.

[243dave]

Wow !!  28 inches and 1 inch diameter is gonna be heavy.

[Ultra25-06]

Yup very heavy

[nomosendero]

It will be quite the Rockchuck bomb.

[Ultra25-06]

Well I decided I wanted to try somthing new and went with the 26" 260 rem barrel from shilen with 1 in 8" twist. It may get the AI treatment but havent decided yet. I was also able to pick up 100 rounds of 260 rem psp 140 grain factory loads for $80 because no one has bought them. If nothing else I figured that they would make good forming loads if I do AI version.

[chutesnreloads]

Ultra...since it's a long action...why not go up to a 6.5-06?

[Squib]

Ultra...since it's a long action...why not go up to a 6.5-06?

I was thinking about getting a 116 FHSAK in .270 and changing the barrel/rechambering to 6.5-06 myself.  I don't know that increased penetration would make any difference on thin-skinned game (deer and smaller) but the bullet selection and exterior ballistic stats on the heavier weights are great for 6.5 and the -06 case will be easy to get brass for and interchangeable between the .270 and 6.5 with minimal work.  my real question though, is: IS IT ENOUGH OF A DIFFERENCE TO JUSTIFY THE EXPENSE?  just my opinion on the logistics though, I haven't actually done it yet.

ps- if you DO go that route, the custom barrel in 6.5 is gonna need to be fast twist to get the 160-175gr bullets to stabilize because they're really long.... I'm not sure exactly what would be optimum for that versus what would work and ALSO work with stuff down in the 90gr range too???  let me know if you already do.

[Ultra25-06]

Good question. I had thought about it and the 6.5-284 long and hard. I decided against them for multiple reasons. First I load for a 25-06 so even being a precautious person I dont want the chance of interchanging rounds (not a issue if I had chosen the 6.5-284). Second I like to really seat them long so a short cartridge built on a long action allows for that with out the possability of having to load single shot (already checked with 4 dummy rounds of 260 on the long action for feeding, it feeds smooth) . Third some load examples from Hogdon 2009 manual. These are max do not use without prior work up using h4350...260 rem 142 grain sie hpbt 44.5 grains=2735fps @ 58,000 psi...6.5-06 142 grain sie hpbt 46 grains=2768fps @ 62,900psi. Now using h4831 same bullet... 260 48grains (C) 2747 58,700psi and the 6.5-06 50.3 grains=2795fps @ 62,900psi. So using H4831 the 260 at 1000 yds is -281.4 with 740 ft lbs. The 6.5-06 is -269.7 with 772 ft lbs. This data is from a 24" tube on both guns. As you can see there is not a lot of performance gain in relation to the pressure gain. On that same note when seating bullets long you gain pressure, a side note from what I have found 260rem avg psi 60k, 6.5-06 avg psi 63k. One of the reason I looked into this is I want to try and squeeze as much performance with the least amount of powder or pressure in attempt to prolong barrel life. Being able to shoot factory ammo in a pinch if needed was also a requierment. Yes the 6.5-06 has been standardized by the A-Square Company but try to find that at any local store. I was able to pick up 100 rounds of 260 just the other day for $80. I cant even buy 100 rounds of 6.5-284 brass that cheap. Moving on, the barrel twist is 1 in 8" and is 26" varmit contour. From what I have reasearched that is the optimal twist for 130 grain and up, below that is 1 in 9" which is also what you will find on the factory producton 260's. I do have a question where did you find the 160-175 grain bullets in 6.5? I have only found a 155 grain. Not a big deal as I plan on using 142smk's or 140 a-max. Feel free to post any info or tips you all may have.

[Ultra25-06]

I have also decided to stay with the standard 260 and not do the AI for feed reasons.

[Ultra25-06]

Other info I have found and used for those that may be interested. Lyman 48th edition, Hogdon 2009 mannual and website, cartridges of the world 11th edition multiple web sites. http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/PerCaliber2Guide/Rifle/Standarddata(Rifle)/264Cal(6.5mm)/260%20Remington%20%20pages%20224%20to%20226.pdf   http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/PerCaliber2Guide/Rifle/Standarddata(Rifle)/264Cal(6.5mm)/6.5%2006%20Page%20232.pdf   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.260_Remington     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.5-284    http://www.6mmbr.com/index.html

[Squib]

sierra has really heavy bullets for most calibers... new stuff in the last year or two I think.  I can't tell you anything other than what the site will