6.5 AR or 260 Bolt Planning for the future

[Savageman25]

I'm looking for some good solid wisdom here. I keep going back and forth between 260 rem and 6.5 cm. Here's the scenario. I have 3 ar 308 platforms (two will be either CM or 260 one for precision target and one for hunting) that I want to build that I have the receivers for, and I also have planned to build at least two bolt action guns in the future (one for target, and one for hunting). I do reload so keep that in mind.

I originally had thought 260 for bolt guns and 6.5 for the ar builds. I also am building a 6.5 grendel ar15 for varmint control and just plinking just a FYI.

I've heard 6.5 CM for ar do to shoulder angle and bullet seating depth, and the 260 for the bolt guns just for the added powder capacity. The more I think about it the more I wonder if I should just pick one and stay with it all the way to streamline things (mainly brass).

I like that 260 brass is offered by lapua. I like the idea that the CM is supposed to shoot better through the ar, but I have also read from people that they had no problems with the 260 and get just as good results as the CM in the ar, if this is true I would go with the 260 completely. So if someone has experienced problems or worse results with the 260 in an ar than the 6.5, please let me know.

I've also heard that there is basically no difference in accuracy and reach in the bolt gun between the CM and 260, if this is true I think I would go with the 6.5 completely. Same thing, if someone has experience with this could you let me know.

So basically I'm just unsure which way to go. Should I just stay with the original thought of 6.5 CM AR's and 260 rem for bolt guns. Or should I stay with one caliber for both, I'm just not good on compromising if I think one would be better than the other in either platform, or is the difference so minuscule that it doesn't matter.
I've also heard 260 is harder to reload for, if this is true, that might be a reason to stick with the CM.

Target shooting would be for 1k yards and more if possible. Any and all advice is appreciated and will be taken into deep consideration.

 

[chaser_2332]

go with the creedmoor, there isn't enough difference in the calibers ballistically to worry about and the creedmoor was a lot better in the ar platform.

 

[Txhillbilly]

I have a DPMS LR-260H AR10,and built a 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action off a Savage Varmint action.
Both calibers are great shooters,and I only handload for both. I make all my 260 brass from necked up 243 brass,and have started forming 22-250 brass into 6.5 Creedmoor.
The Hornady 6.5CM brass works OK,but I still have some problems with the primer pockets getting large after a few loadings.
I haven't spent enough time testing the longevity of the formed 22-250 brass to have an opinion on it yet,but so far,it's working great.

If I could've gotten the DPMS with the same style of barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor,that's what I would've bought. I use this rifle for hunting hogs,and didn't want a heavy target barrel on this rifle.
The Creedmoor will allow you to take advantage of the longer bullets like the Berger 140 gr VLD's,and still be under maximum OAL of the magazine. The 260 Remington will limit you in the AR10 with a maximum OAL of the magazine.

Either caliber will shoot excellent at 1k yards,and not have an advantage over the other.

 

[berettashotgun]

Target shooting would be for 1k yards and more if possible
I like that 260 brass is offered by lapua

What is the twist & length on the barrel? Should be considered.
6XC or 6x47 or was that the 6.5XC or 6.5x47 or the 6.5CM?
Waiting for the 6mm CM to show up.
Personally been thinking about this exact build, and I leaning towards 6mm something.
Lapua brass is pretty good.
Having been forced to use remington brass for my pet 7mm saum forever - I really enjoy the consistency of Lapua brass.

Currently owning a caliber ( 376 STEYR ) that has been all but abandoned by Hornady, I'd have reservations about getting under the their umbrella.
Never thought I be mainstream.

Longest bullet (highest B.C) seems to be the way to go on a "course" rifle; mag limits you somewhat with the 260.
Caliberwise, the 2 you are considering are a real toss up IMHO.

 

[Savageman25]

I'm probably leaning more toward the 6.5 CM just to try to limit any headaches with the AR platforms. As much as really want lapua brass this may just be the sacrifice I have to make on it. I can always hope for a miracle of lapua making 6.5 CM brass but I won't be holding my breath.
I was looking at the twist on the target rifle AR will be 1:8 22" from jp rifles. As far as the target bolt gun I'm planning on xlr chassis and savage 12 lrp in 6.5 CM as of recently. I originally planned to really go through a lot of money into a bolt action target gun build (surgeon action, Kreiger barrel, etc.) but after really researching, I've to come to what I think is a lot of added expense for not very much better if any in accuracy.

As far as twist on hunting ar and bolt, I'm not sure because these were going to be after I build the target ar and most likely the bolt gun. Besides I'm building the grendel for the more immediate time period of a hunting gun.