260 vs 6.5x55
Does anyone handload for both these calibers ? Do you find the 260 shoots better with the 120gr. bullet and the 6.5 shoots better with the 140 gr bullet.
0
-
In my experience both calibers are accurate with both bullet weights. Most guns will have a preference for a certain weight however, and you should experiment to determine what your gun likes best and load accordingly. The 120s will usually shoot a very few inches flatter for about the first 300yds or so and the 140s are generally a little more accurate at very long ranges.........[8D] 0 -
I agree with Temblor. I shoot 160's from my Swede '96 and they tend to be much more stable in the wind than any of the other weights. It will not work too well with anything lighter than 120's though. I've found over the years that twist really seems to determine bullet weights for both of these rounds. My Swede 38 believe it or not really likes the old Sierra 87 grainers. 140's work well from her too but 160's won't hardly work at all as they will not stabilize. Faster the twist...heavier the bullet as a general rule of thumb. Have always gotten good results from IMR4895 but lately have taken a liking (extreme liking) to VitaVouri N140 as it is consistant and really clean. It is in my opinion a little hard to decide between the two rounds but I like the 6.5 a little more as it is chambered in both sporting and Mil. surplus guns so your choice is a little broader and the Swede guns can be cheap and fun to play with.
"When I cease learning...I'm dead"(Me)
"Power corrupts...Absolute power corrupts absolutely"(Descartes?)
"History is written by winners"(Patton)
"You get a lot farther with a kind word and a gun than you do with a kind word alone!"(?)
"There is nothing lower than the human race...except the French" (Samuel Clemens)0 -
A large majority of the 6.5x55 rifles were barreled with 1:8 twist tubes,..thus the reason they shoot the heavier pills so much better. The newer 260 has a slower twist,.hence it's propencity for the lighter pills.
They are close in performance when similar twist rates and barrel lengths are applied,..so the choice is simply a coin flip IMHO.
If you are a handloader,...I would say to chamber a 6.5x55 Improved. That little ditty will hump the 142gr SMK's over a 1:8 twist with impressive speed, great efficiency, and some super accuracy. Also,..Norma and lapua make 6.5x55 brass
why chase the game when the bullet can get em from here?....
Got Balistics?0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
3 comments