260 Rem- 6.5x55- 7mm-08

[tmvikings]

Going to get one of these in a Tikka but need help deciding. Every time I have my mind made up I read something that makes me rethink my choice. I have a 300wsm for larger game so this new caliber will be used for deer on down. Not a huge concern with long action or short action just need a good flat accurate round for out west.

Thanks for the help

 

[jeffraines]

I'd go 260 or or swede. I have one in 260, shoots lights out with 140 bergers.

 

[mtmuley]

Keep shooting the .300. mtmuley

 

[Doublecluck]

7-08 rules all around here. Several guys here have taken triceratops at 900 + yards with 140gr accubonds and 42-43 grs varget..

But really I am a fan of the 7-08.. favorite gun to shoot for fun, and we have taken quite a few game with it, including bowwinkle..

 

[ShootsManyBullets]

Like if you'e not like shooting the 7mm-HT or the 6.5 creedmore you're like sooo lame.

 

[efw]

Long or short action doesn't actually matter here; Tikka T3 is always a long action. Short action cartridges like the 260 or 7-08 have a short action magazine and differently placed bolt stop from the long action Swede. Their actions are the same length regardless.

I have a 7-08 T3 Lite and a custom Mauser in Swede. They're both fantastic cartridges well suited to what you're looking for. I'd not be too terribly concerned over which one you decide on they'll all do well.

I can't really imagine a deer alive who'd notice the difference between a 120 NBT from one and the same bullet from the other.

You can't make a bad decision here!

 

[sbhooper]

All will suit you fine.

Since it is for deer, the bullet is not as critical, either. I chose a .260 mainly because I have unlimited access to Hornady Match .308 brass. I have 7 mags for elk and so this rifle is pretty much a designated deer killer. I chose the 129-grain, Hornady Interlock as my go-to bullet and I have been totally pleased with the four kills so far. It shoots 1/2 moa to 550 yards (that is how long my range is here at the house). The Swede may handle the longer 140-grain bullets a bit better, due to action length. I, personally, think the 130-range of bullets is made-to-order for the 6.5 cartridges, but that is just my take.

The 7-08 is the Cinderella here on this forum and deservedly so, but it really has nothing on the 6.5s for killing deer.

You did not say if you hand-load. If you are looking at factory ammo only, then the 7-08 will probably be a bit easier to find ammo for, but more stuff is becoming available for the .260, also.

Mt Muley, the guy wants a new rifle. Quit being rational!

 

[MJE2083]

Agreed, if you're looking for factory ammo and you are at all worried about finding it the 7mm-08 is the way to go. I'm sort of in the same boat as I have a 7mm WSM that I use now for most everything. For me it would be a toss up between the 260 and 6.5x55. Since action length isn't a concern I would probably lean towards the 6.5x55.

 

[Southwind]

I also believe any of them would serve you well. My personal preference would probably be the 6.5x55 because the action length isn't an issue the swede gives me a little more case capacity to play with.

Having said that one of the few rifles I own that I don't load for is a Tikka because it shoots so well with factory ammo, the bullet I like and velocity that there is no need to load for it.

 

[noharleyyet]

We need a 7-08 forum. ; )

 

[MJE2083]

I mean how cool is the 6.5x55? Over 120 years old and still holding its own among some of the newer cartridges in it's class

 

[NoWiser]

I was going through the same decision as you. I finally chose the Swede. Right before I pulled the trigger on it, I made a last minute decision to throw a custom stock on my current rifle instead of buying a new gun. I still wish I had the Swede and if, after shooting some this spring I decide the stock isn't for me, I'll sell it and buy one.

 

[ShootsManyBullets]

I mean how cool is the 6.5x55? Over 120 years old and still holding its own among some of the newer cartridges in it's class

It just putters along over in the slow lane yodeling away wile the magnums, short mags, short action ultra mags, ultra mags, and turbo powder-hog macho mags blast by in the passing lane.

Seriously though it looks like it would be a fun cartridge to load for and shoot a lot. I can't imagine it recoiling much.

 

[tmvikings]

Please school me on this why not just a 270win?
Cartridge (Wb + type) V/E @ Muzzle V/E @ 100 yds V/E @ 200 yds V/E @ 300 yds
.260 Rem. (140 PSP) 2750/2351 2544/2011 2347/1712 2158/1448
6.5x55 SE (140 PSP) 2600/2100 2400/1795 2220/1525 2040/1285
7mm-08 Rem. (140 NP)2860/2542 2648/2180 2446/1860 2253/1577
Cartridge (Wb@MV) Bullet BC 100 yds. 200 yds. MRT@yds. MPBR (yds.)
.260 Rem. (140 Sp at 2750) .435 +2.7" +1.6" 3"@125 271
6.5x55 (140 Sp at 2645) .435 +2.7" +1.2" 3"@125 260
7mm-08 Rem. (140 BT at 2860) .485 +2.6" +1.9" 3"@140 285

 

[jeffraines]

Please school me on this why not just a 270win?
Cartridge (Wb + type) V/E @ Muzzle V/E @ 100 yds V/E @ 200 yds V/E @ 300 yds
.260 Rem. (140 PSP) 2750/2351 2544/2011 2347/1712 2158/1448
6.5x55 SE (140 PSP) 2600/2100 2400/1795 2220/1525 2040/1285
7mm-08 Rem. (140 NP)2860/2542 2648/2180 2446/1860 2253/1577
Cartridge (Wb@MV) Bullet BC 100 yds. 200 yds. MRT@yds. MPBR (yds.)
.260 Rem. (140 Sp at 2750) .435 +2.7" +1.6" 3"@125 271
6.5x55 (140 Sp at 2645) .435 +2.7" +1.2" 3"@125 260
7mm-08 Rem. (140 BT at 2860) .485 +2.6" +1.9" 3"@140 285

I don't think its rooted in logic as much as it just a 'want' for the OP.

 

[Gunner46]

Another vote for a 7mm HT forum. But, back to the question at hand. If it's strictly factory ammo, then hands down the 7/08. Handloads ? I'd still stay with the '08 case and then flip a coin.

 

[sbhooper]

Please school me on this why not just a 270win?
Cartridge (Wb + type) V/E @ Muzzle V/E @ 100 yds V/E @ 200 yds V/E @ 300 yds
.260 Rem. (140 PSP) 2750/2351 2544/2011 2347/1712 2158/1448
6.5x55 SE (140 PSP) 2600/2100 2400/1795 2220/1525 2040/1285
7mm-08 Rem. (140 NP)2860/2542 2648/2180 2446/1860 2253/1577
Cartridge (Wb@MV) Bullet BC 100 yds. 200 yds. MRT@yds. MPBR (yds.)
.260 Rem. (140 Sp at 2750) .435 +2.7" +1.6" 3"@125 271
6.5x55 (140 Sp at 2645) .435 +2.7" +1.2" 3"@125 260
7mm-08 Rem. (140 BT at 2860) .485 +2.6" +1.9" 3"@140 285

Because it sucks!

 

[Washington Hunter]

Please school me on this why not just a 270win?

That's a great question. 270 Win. would be a better choice than all three of those, especially if you're not a reloader.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Logic.....some people just don't get gun buying

I think they are all about a horse a piece on deer and smaller game. Pick the one you think is coolest and have fun. Of the three I would, and have, chosen the 260, but that swede is pretty cool too.

If you really want to get advanced, buy the 260 and have it reamed to 260 Ackley Improved!

 

[MJE2083]

That's a great question. 270 Win. would be a better choice than all three of those, especially if you're not a reloader.

Well the 300 WSM that he already owns is a "better choice" than all of the three mentioned and the 270 Win. Come on guys he asked about 3 specific calibers.