.260 vs 6.5x47L

Slug870

Slug870

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
168   0   0
Location
ON
Ok, so I have narrowed the field down to a choice between these two calibers for my build. The rifle will be used primarily for PRS, but as well as some longer range hunting (300-700m). Without going into a long drawn out description of parts, build, etc., I'd like to hear some feedback on the advantages/disadvantages of either of these two cartridges (as negligible as they may be) from those with a lot more knowledge than I have.

With respect to all, I would ask that we stay on topic, meaning please don't bother mentioning other calibers/cartridges etc (ie, I don't care about 6.5 Creedmoor, so please don't bother posting about it).

Thank you in advance for your input, insight, knowledge.
 
There are no significant differences between the two cartridges. Only real difference is the x47 only comes in Lapua flavour brass, while you can source different small and large rifle varieties of the 260
Ballistically, they are essentially identical. The x47 uses a little bit less powder, but higher pressure.
 
Vote for the 260 here both my PRS rifles are in this cal an couldnt be happier with that choice.
When in a bind the 260 is a lil easier to source for.
My 3 cents anyways lol
Cheers
Buckaroo
 
I'm biased. I shoot the 6.5x47.

I built a custom a couple years ago and was back and forth between the two calibers as well.

I chose 6.5x47 because of how easy it was to find a load, and how consistent/forgiving it is. Brass has never been a problem, between my rifle and my buddies I've ordered 700 pieces and it's always been in stock and on my doorstep within days. Not to mention, 20+ reloads on 300 or 400 pieces of brass... you won't need to look for brass too often.

Back to load... while doing development and stepping charge weights, it will shoot .4s with 5 rounds with charge weights varying up to 1.5grs or more.. basically find the middle of your node, and as long as your powder is +/- a half a grain it's a half minute gun (proper build of course)..

I still send 140s 2780fps in my middle node with no signs of pressure. Have a 2830fps load with 140s that shoots well too but harder on the barrel than I need to be.

Can't really go wrong with either caliber, but if you're taking votes mines with the x47.
 
I have shot the 260 for years now, never owned or tried a X47. I have found the 260 to be an easy cartridge to develop a load for, I use Lapua brass and bullets, H4831SC and Federal GMM primers. Aim for 2775-2825fps and you should have a winner. I use the Scenar 136 and I can reach 1000 metres at about 9-9.5 mils of elevation on the scope, and generally well under a mil for wind unless it is really howling out. A little reading will tell you the X47 should be similar or the same, so I guess it is a toss up what you want. They are both going to send the same bullets at pretty much the same velocity, so the cartridge name doesn't really matter.

Have fun with your build!
 
Ballistics are a wash, but the x47L is more consistent and you can chase the lands for longer before you run out of mag. Many top PRS shooters have moved back to it because of it's consistency. None of the guys who made it to the finale in 2017 shot a 260. The only reason to shoot one is if you already have one and have all of the reloading stuff already. If you're buying everything new, why go with something that's clearly on it's way out?
 
The only real advantage of .260 is case capacity, and therefore speed.

6.5x47 is super easy to load for and tune, and inherently accurate. It is considered the benchrest cartridge in 6.5mm, because of how easy it is to get to shoot great.

I will take consistency over speed any day of the week. Speed doesn't win PRS matches, but consistency in your ammo is part of the recipe to success. It's not a race.

.260 is a dying cartridge in PRS - it doesn't really do anything better than the other 6.5's. I don't understand the popularity of .260 in Canada (or what I presume to be popular based off of CGN), however, Canada seems to be 10+ years behind the USA when it comes to precision rifles.

If you reload, go 6.5x57L. If you don't reload, or want the ability to buy off the shelf ammo from time to time, buy 6.5 creedmoor.
 
I shoot a .260 Rem. and am very happy with it.
I also looked at the 6.5 X 47L, but my shooting partner already had a .260 and it makes things so much easier when you both shoot the same cartridge.

Lapua brass is readily available for the .260.
You can also neck down 7mm-08 brass, or neck up .243 Win. brass.

I have 139 gr. Lapua Scenars going 2930 fps with H4350 and no pressure signs and it id giving me great accuracy and consistency.

My partner and I won the BCRA Precision Rifle Championship Open Division and Over all Team with our .260s....... ;)
 
Ask your self these questions:

What fits better in the mags you want to use?

What feeds smoother and faster in the action you choose?

Which gives less recoil for the given velocity.. ie amount of powder per FPS?

What is more efficient/effective for the bullet weight you want to use?

If this is primarily for positional shooting at "mid range", decide on what lets you get more rds downrange faster.... The deer will not care either way.

Jerry
 
kombayotch said:
Ballistics are a wash, but the x47L is more consistent and you can chase the lands for longer before you run out of mag. Many top PRS shooters have moved back to it because of it's consistency. None of the guys who made it to the finale in 2017 shot a 260. The only reason to shoot one is if you already have one and have all of the reloading stuff already. If you're buying everything new, why go with something that's clearly on it's way out?
Click to expand...

What happened to the 6 Dasher????

Jerry
 
Mystic Precision said:
What happened to the 6 Dasher????

Jerry
Click to expand...

Still a lot of people moving to it. Some of us had issues with it and moved to other things. I went back to 6x47L, many went to 6.5x47L. 6XC is really taking off with the new Alpha SP brass. A number of people are just going straight 6mmBR and there is growing interest in 6 BRA as an alternative to Dasher since you don't need to jam the bullet into the lands to form it. It's just an Ackley'd 6mmBR.
 
marcoman said:
The latest verse of his Bible (PRS Blog) must be pushing 6.5's again.
Click to expand...

I've been in those stats for the last two years and will be again this year (The lone Premier scope was mine... it's been replaced with a Kahles). The trends are known long before he publishes them to those attending the matches that qualify for the points race.
 
marcoman said:
The latest verse of his Bible (PRS Blog) must be pushing 6.5's again.
Click to expand...

People who actually shoot PRS matches know what works, why, and what the trends are in the sport. Some of us get our information from the real world, not just the internet.

But don't just take my word for it, go shoot some matches. Or just keep talking sh*t on the internet.
 
6.5x47 gets my vote. Crazy wide nodes to tune. Have built lots of the 260 and 6.5x47 and with out question the 47 is easier to tune. Both are extremely accurate but the ease to get the 47 to hammer stuff just comes easier.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom