260 Remington for Elk? Opinions Please fellas

brts28

brts28

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I recently purchased a Tikka T3 in 260 Rem for a new deer rifle for myself. I am going elk hunting this fall and bringing my 14yr old daughter along. Ive never had a 260 before but really liked the high BC bullets and the low recoil. and viola one appeared in my safe. anyway I was going to let my kid use the 260 for ELK. was wondering what everybody's experience with the caliber was like? I reload and have some 120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips, Hornady GMX 120 Gr, Berger 140 Gr VLD, Barnes 127 Gr X-Bullets. anybody with any experience with these? I am a little worried she might be a bit under gunned. anyhoo whats eveybodys thoughts?
 
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Really depends on what you mean by hunting with you. If she is right there beside you, a good shot, and your not trying a outrageous long shot...it should be fine. If its about her getting one, then there is nothing stopping her from using your rifle in that situation. One does not feel recoil when shooting at game. If you are sending her out on her own, which she would have to be pretty experienced, then the 260 isn't enough gun.

What rifle would you be using??
 
The .260 will be fine. From the above listed bullets, I would use the Barnes without question. A 140 grain Nosler Partition would also be a fine choice.
There is a gentleman on here who did an extensive review of .264" bullets - I believe it is listed in the reloading section. It is worth a look.
 
I leave for Elk Camp on the 14th and my 6.5X55 is coming with me. I'll be using my 130g Nosler Accubonds and have zero concerns. My shots will be under 300 yards ( likely 100 or closer) and I have no intentions of taking anything other then a decent shot angle. I shot a 6x6 bull years ago with a 140 partition and he dropped in his tracks, that shot was 260 yards.

Use a quality bullet, hunt smart, and don't let her take anything but a good shot ( based on her capabilities) and you'll be fine
 
mossyhorns said:
Use a quality bullet, hunt smart, and don't let her take anything but a good shot ( based on her capabilities) and you'll be fine
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Can't argue with this advise. I've been really impressed with the way TSX bullets work, if they shoot ok, that's what I'd pick.
 
The 260 will be fine, just throw out the 120 Ballistic Tips and the Berger VLDs. [They are not suitable "elk" bullets, IMHO.]

Other than that, you have it covered. As was suggested, other suitable bullets are the 130 Accubond, the 130 Scirocco II, the 140 Partition.

Keep the range sane, shoot for high percentage heart-lung area, and it will be meat in the pot!!

FWIW, I shot an elk with the 6.5x55 and the 140 Partition at a lasered 288 yards......One shot, elk went 3 steps and tipped over on his nose.

Regards, Dave
 
Not a lot of experience but I dumped a cow elk with a .260 120tsx factory load before, I was a little un sure of what would happen at the shot but all was good, hole both sides little over 250 yards.
Wife has a tag this year and will be 130 accubonds as just started reloading and working up a load for it, have the 127 lrx as well but that's for another one later :) . Get the Barnes to 2850 or so and feel good to 300yrds no worries.
 
Stiffen the Bullet up an Aim, breathe , Press, Reload Go git ya Elk horns!!!

Keep ranges reasonable so you/your daughter can make sure the bullet is going in the right spot and that .260 T3 will be the new Fave!

BTW- I like Accubonds personally, but Partitions would be a stronger bullet with good opening up skills, unlike IMO TSX.

WL

(of course, im an aussie- this is my opinion only... although id have no problem using a .260 for Sambar, if it weren't for the Rules +.277)
 
As already mentioned use a little more stoutly constructed bullet (Partion, TSX, GMX etc) and she should have no trouble stopping an elk. Use a lightly constructed bullet that will open up before it gets into the vitals and you could have some problems.
 
nowarningshot said:
Really depends on what you mean by hunting with you. If she is right there beside you, a good shot, and your not trying a outrageous long shot...it should be fine. If its about her getting one, then there is nothing stopping her from using your rifle in that situation. One does not feel recoil when shooting at game. If you are sending her out on her own, which she would have to be pretty experienced, then the 260 isn't enough gun.

What rifle would you be using??
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She will be standing right beside me, I run a 300 mag
 
Another vote for the 140 grain Nosler Partition. These are long bullets and will penetrate well. A shot to the boiler room and the steaks are on the BBQ.
 
brts28 said:
I recently purchased a Tikka T3 in 260 Rem for a new deer rifle for myself. I am going elk hunting this fall and bringing my 14yr old daughter along. Ive never had a 260 before but really liked the high BC bullets and the low recoil. and viola one appeared in my safe. anyway I was going to let my kid use the 260 for ELK. was wondering what everybody's experience with the caliber was like? I reload and have some 120 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips, Hornady GMX 120 Gr, Berger 140 Gr VLD, Barnes 127 Gr X-Bullets. anybody with any experience with these? I am a little worried she might be a bit under gunned. anyhoo whats eveybodys thoughts?
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I think that the 260 Remington is a great choice for your daughter. My advice, use a 140 grain Nosler partition bullet, don't let her exceed the scope of her capabilities, have a great rest and place the crosshairs tight behind the front leg. Good Luck to both of you!
 
.140gr. All the way... I like woodleigh bullets in both my 6.5x55 and my .260 rem IF you want a 160 gr. bullet works as well but suffers a bit in B.C. But is a great bullet out to 300 or so. Next choice would be a partition, never had any luck getting the mono bullets to shoot out of my rifles.
 
Eagleye said:
The 260 will be fine, just throw out the 120 Ballistic Tips and the Berger VLDs. [They are not suitable "elk" bullets, IMHO.]

Other than that, you have it covered. As was suggested, other suitable bullets are the 130 Accubond, the 130 Scirocco II, the 140 Partition.

Keep the range sane, shoot for high percentage heart-lung area, and it will be meat in the pot!!

FWIW, I shot an elk with the 6.5x55 and the 140 Partition at a lasered 288 yards......One shot, elk went 3 steps and tipped over on his nose.

Regards, Dave
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Good advise , I did the same thing ( only at about 150 yards ) with the same cartridge and bullet combo . With this loading , you'll have no problem taking Elk
 
I have two 260s. Although the old school choice of 140s or bigger bullets would work my choice would be 120 grain ttsx bullets for elk. I would not think twice about taking out a shoulder or two :)
 
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