260 Remington Rifle Choices

[hseII]

I am currently in the same boat.



I am talking to a local rifle builder about a rifle in either 260Rem, 6.5C, or possibly 243. I'm looking for a relatively flat shooing bullet that will help me beat a buddy of mine at 300 with the possibility of further if I can find the time to drive out to PA at some point. If I do a 6.5mm I am then between the Tikka Tac and having a rifle built. This thread has been helpful as I am just betwixt and between all of them.



C

Creedmoor brass is a bit difficult to get: Terry Cross' advice made my decision to go with the .260 Regular.

I thought I wanted a 260AI, but all things being equal, (pressure), there's not that much difference between the 2.

I'm shooting for the moon on velocity: my goal is 2900fps with 140 Bergers: 2800-2850fps isn't something to sneeze at though, according to Ballistic AE.

700 LH SA trued and blued
26" Hawk Hill 4 groove barrel.
Badger Ordnance Bottom Metal- fingers crossed on COAL.

 

[Philo in AZ]

Something to consider about the CTR

I have a Tikka CTR stainless in .260 Rem. It is an outstanding rifle. Smoother out of the box than any other bolt action i've owned and shot a .49 group with factory Federal ammo on the second 3 round group during rifle break in. Still working on loads but they are already sub-moa. Had to replace a broken chrono and a scale that died which has slowed my progress. One consideration that I didn't see mentioned here is that the CTR uses Sako factory TRG-22 mags and there are no aftermarket manufacturers that I know of. These mags are very, very good, but cost $180 a piece and up. If you can find one, a standard T3 with a threaded barrel using the poly mags might be a better choice. There are several makers of bottom metal aven more that make stocks to fit these rifles and upgrade them to double column if that is important to you. The other thing is that no one makes an aftermarket stock for the CTR yet except KRG. I have talked to Jason at Mountain Tactical (tikkashooters.com) and he is waiting to get his ordered CTR shop rifles in so he can prototype some new stocks to fit the action and bottom metal. The factory stock is serviceable but only a half step above in quality than the Remington plastic stocks everyone complains about. The fact that Beretta doesn't import many of them is set back as aftermarket manufacturers don't like prototyping for a small population of rifles. Just a couple considerations to think about before you buy. I don't regret mine a bit but just wish the depth was out there.
Phil

 

[MrBorland]

The other thing is that no one makes an aftermarket stock for the CTR yet except KRG

KRG, Manners, McMillan, McCrees, XLR, and Eliseo all make stocks/chassis for the Tikka T3.

Phil - which KRG chassis is specifically designed for the CTR's bottom metal & mag? I wasn't aware anyone made a chassis specifically for the CTR (i.e. CTR bottom metal and TRG mag-compatible). If an aftermarket stock is foreseen, I agree it'd probably be easiest to just buy a standard Tikka.

 

[Philo in AZ]

KRG chassis

The KRG chassis has integrated bottom metal so the factory CTR setup is a non issue. You're just dropping in a T-3 barreled action into a chassis (as far as my limited knowledge understands the difference between the T-3s). Yes, the KRG chassis is AI specific so you's have to switch mag types. I know you have a lot more experience with this rifle so please correct me if I am wrong. I hate putting out bum dope.
Phil

 

[Philo in AZ]

Ok, I see were you were going with your post. Yes if you swap bottom metal "formats" to AI specific you can go to an aftermarket stock. My point of all my rambling is that a regular T-3 costs $600 and the CTR cost $875 and up. If you're going to swap anyway, you might want to consider the standard T-3 and save yourself some money.

 

[Philo in AZ]

I had considered the Sporter in .260R but then found out the muzzle threading was euro specific (m18x 1mm) and would be a pain to deal with as AAC doesn't make brake or flash hider adapter to work with my suppressor for that thread.

 

[hseII]

creedmoor brass is a bit difficult to get: Terry cross' advice made my decision to go with the .260 regular.

I thought i wanted a 260ai, but all things being equal, (pressure), there's not that much difference between the 2.

I'm shooting for the moon on velocity: My goal is 2900fps with 140 bergers: 2800-2850fps isn't something to sneeze at though, according to ballistic ae.

700 lh sa trued and blued
26" hawk hill 4 groove barrel.
Badger ordnance bottom metal- fingers crossed on coal.

 

[ZGunner]

Thank you, Philo. I've sort of settled on the CTR. I like the short, heavy barrel and the "Tactical" look of it. I had read the mags were super pricey but wasn't bothered too much. I don't have spare mags for a single bolt action now. Plus I'm really enjoying my two current Tikkas, smoothest rifles I've ever handled.

It'll be a while until I can swing it, plus I'll need a good price of glass at the same time. That's a while other thread but I'm thinking something in the Vortex family. Until then I'll just keep shooting this handy little Ruger (got it dialed in to be hitting 6" steel at 300 yds, cold bore). Lot of fun loading for this thing.

 

[Tophernj]

Creedmoor brass is a bit difficult to get: Terry Cross' advice made my decision to go with the .260 Regular.

I thought I wanted a 260AI, but all things being equal, (pressure), there's not that much difference between the 2.

I'm shooting for the moon on velocity: my goal is 2900fps with 140 Bergers: 2800-2850fps isn't something to sneeze at though, according to Ballistic AE.

700 LH SA trued and blued
26" Hawk Hill 4 groove barrel.
Badger Ordnance Bottom Metal- fingers crossed on COAL.

Thank you all for this thread, especially the OP. At this time, I think I may invest in some good glass and go with a Remington 700 SPS in 260, cut the barrel back a bit and add a brake. I'll shoot that for a bit until I can build off the action.

All the best to the OP on his/her quest.

C

 

[Electron]

I have an itch for a 6.5 myself and have settled on the 260 when I finally pull the trigger. It'll be for my grandson someday and he's only 4 years old now so time is on my side. My typical habit is to watch the auction sites for something that appeals and is priced "right". Failing that ordering from E.R. Shaw sounds like a fun option and something lve never tried. Always an of f the shelf kind of budget guy. Full discloser...this is my first post I decided to come out of the shadows on this topic!

 

[eastbank]

two of my .260,s, a browning low wall and remington xp-100R. they sure are a delight to shoot. eastbank.

 

[hseII]

2.884 on the 140 Berger Hybrid Target

2.872 on the 142 Accubond LR

Clearing the mag with the spacer still in place.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Two thoughts;
1. Re-barrel Ruger w/longer or heavier barrel (I'd keep it as is, much better hunting rifle). My .260 is a Rem. Mod-7. 20"bbl.
2. Get a CZ in 6.5x55 for best of all worlds options. Perhaps as accurate as custom gun or barrel and just as cheap. Slightly more potential than .260.

 

[hseII]

Thank you all for this thread, especially the OP. At this time, I think I may invest in some good glass and go with a Remington 700 SPS in 260, cut the barrel back a bit and add a brake. I'll shoot that for a bit until I can build off the action.



All the best to the OP on his/her quest.



C

Consider this:

Typically, Summer Time brings basement prices for rifles.

Scout your local gun shops and pawn shops for an older SA 700.

Watch this forum and others, even gunbroker for HS take off stocks: a bargain for the budget minded.

That's what's on mine for the foreseeable future, or until someone post a 700LH High dollar stock for a deal.

Pick a retable smith, locally if possible, tell him what you'd like .

 

[ZGunner]

Two thoughts;
1. Re-barrel Ruger w/longer or heavier barrel (I'd keep it as is, much better hunting rifle). My .260 is a Rem. Mod-7. 20"bbl.
2. Get a CZ in 6.5x55 for best of all worlds options. Perhaps as accurate as custom gun or barrel and just as cheap. Slightly more potential than .260.

The thought of rebarreling this little guy just makes me sad. I've really fallen in love with it over the last couple weeks. I love it FOR its short barrel. It's been my truck gun since I just traded my Mustang in, and I think that's where it will stay for a while.

I've looked into the 6.5x55 and really like how it looks on paper and has a great following. I'd love to have a Mauser or like you said CZ. However, for the .260 I like the ability to share ammo, brass is easy to find (I use .243), and I'm a big fan of short actions. But one day I will have a 6.5 Swede. Like a lot of folks on here I don't need much justification to get another firearm other than the fact that I don't already have one(or four).

 

[hseII]

Thank you all for this thread, especially the OP. At this time, I think I may invest in some good glass and go with a Remington 700 SPS in 260, cut the barrel back a bit and add a brake. I'll shoot that for a bit until I can build off the action.



All the best to the OP on his/her quest.



C

What is the twist on an 260 SPS?

 

[ZGunner]

What is the twist on an 260 SPS?

1:8 in a 24" barrel.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

The thought of rebarreling this little guy just makes me sad. I've really fallen in love with it over the last couple weeks. I love it FOR its short barrel. It's been my truck gun since I just traded my Mustang in, and I think that's where it will stay for a while.

If your longest shot is 500yd, the short barrel really shouldn't be a problem. All you're losing is a bit of velocity, but with the high BC of the 6.5mm bullets it will hold that velocity well.

Many would argue that the shorter barrel is stiffer and that you will actually gain precision for that.

 

[Tophernj]

Consider this:

Typically, Summer Time brings basement prices for rifles.

Scout your local gun shops and pawn shops for an older SA 700.

Watch this forum and others, even gunbroker for HS take off stocks: a bargain for the budget minded.

That's what's on mine for the foreseeable future, or until someone post a 700LH High dollar stock for a deal.

Pick a retable smith, locally if possible, tell him what you'd like .

I've got the Smith. The problem I'm running into is that no one in my neck of the woods is giving up their rifles at this time. I do have my eyes peeled, however.

C

 

[ZGunner]

Many would argue that the shorter barrel is stiffer and that you will actually gain precision for that.

I don't think this rifle qualifies for that. The barrel is thin. This picture actually makes it look longer and more stout than it really is, keep in mind 16" barrel.