260 vs 243, 6.5x284, and 6x47l

[Dennis]

I was at the range today and looked at all the above. My 243 cartidge almost looks like a 260 cartrige! They say the 260 is the way to go and is more accurate! The same opinion applies to the other two guns!

Is the 260 that much more consistant even out to 1000yds?

[82boy]

My 243 cartidge almost looks like my 243!

I would hope so.

IMO the 260 has nothing on the 6.5 x47 Lapua, and the 243 has nothing on the 6x47 Lapua.
The Lapua is just more efficient, using less powder to get the same velocity's. The Lapua has a thicker web , and you can really stand on it. I can use the same charges as the 243 and get over 200 fps more speed. (Same thing goes with the 6.5x47 over the 260.) the 260 is starting to gain in popularity, but according to Sierra the 260 goes back to 1962, if it has not caught on yet there is a reason.

My last argument is look through the IBS match results go to the equipment list and look at the 2009 season. Remember these people are super competitive, and if they think something will give them even the slightest edge the will use it. http://internationalbenchrest.com/ Many shooters are shooting 6x47 Lapua, 6br, and about every other caliber, but one thing I saw not a single person shot a 260 rem, and only one mention of a 243. I think that says it all.

[Dennis]

Patrick: As always I value your opinion and read very carefully every one your posts!

SEVERAL TYPO's on my first post, it was late, should have proof read the statement. It's corrected.

My 243 cartidge almost looks like a 260 cartrige!

My 243 cartidge almost looks like my 243!

"CORRECTED"

However, my point was sitting side by side, it's hard to tell a 243 from a 260!

Patrick: As stated in another post, I used you load data on my VLP 9.25 twist 243 using SMK 107. I put four shots almost in the same hole! THANKS, I might add I loaded several with some .010 to .030 off the lands. The ones I loaded on the lands are the ones that shot perfectly!

I also like shooting 70gr NBT's in my 243, and I am getting close to a load for it. I know Federal 70gr loads are very accurate out of my 243, I wish I knew what powder and charge they use!

I know McGowen has 6x47L barrels in stock for a Savage ready to go: http://www.mcgowenbarrel.com/SavageExcess.pdf

I assume the 6.5x47L is the barrel I want? What is your thoughts on McGowen Barrels?

[82boy]

Dennis,
A 243 and a 260 are going to look close, because they both have the same parent cartridge, the 308. The only difference between the two (or three) is the neck size, One is 243 (or 6mm) the other is 260. (Actually .264 or 6.5mm) (and 308 or 7.62)

The 6x47 Lapua is a great round the only problem with it is, it is such a new round there is little load data for it. It is now much better now, when I built my gun there was almost no data. I would go with a 8 twist in it as well.

On your 243 with 70 gr bullets try 33.8 gr of H322, This was a great load with mine with a 70gr Sierra HPBT matchking. I won a few 100 yard matchs with that load, with many 5 shot groups in the low .3 area. Them I loaded on the lands as well.

Good luck

[Dennis]

Thanks again!

;D

[Dennis]

The 6x47 Lapua is a great round the only problem with it is, it is such a new round there is little load data for it. It is now much better now, when I built my gun there was almost no data. I would go with a 8 twist in it as well.

Patrick, you have me sold on the 6x47L!!!!!

I have a 22-250 savage heavy barrel. Can I put the 6x47L barrel on this gun? Or what others would make a donor rifle for this barrel?

[pa hog]

I was having thoughts of a 6-47L or 6.5-47L until I priced brass 100.00-109.00 for 100qty, giving how good my last .260 shot I'll be doing another or another 6BR.

[82boy]

Hey PA hog check them prices again that have come down. Cabala's has it on sale right now for $89.99, and if you spend $100 bucks they will give you $20 back.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...233&hasJS=true
I just bought a box plus a box of 220 Russian, it is also on sale. With my Christmas gift cards and the extra $20 bucks I got it all for $20 bucks out of my pocket. Look at Graff and sons, and other places it is coming down in price a bit.

[82boy]

The 6x47 Lapua is a great round the only problem with it is, it is such a new round there is little load data for it. It is now much better now, when I built my gun there was almost no data. I would go with a 8 twist in it as well.

Patrick, you have me sold on the 6x47L!!!!!

I have a 22-250 savage heavy barrel. Can I put the 6x47L barrel on this gun? Or what others would make a donor rifle for this barrel?

A 22/250 would be a perfect donor rifle because the case dimensions are very similar between the two. (22/250 and 6x47L) You will think the 22/250 and the 6x47L look a lot alike.

[kslefty]

Dennis, the main difference between the 260 and the 243 can be summed up like this. The 243 loads factory available range from 55 to 100 grain. The 260 uses 95gr v-max up tp 140gr, granted there are heavier available for either caliber but essentially the 260 starts right where the 243 dies off in bullet weight.

[Senderofan]

I was having thoughts of a 6-47L or 6.5-47L until I priced brass 100.00-109.00 for 100qty, giving how good my last .260 shot I'll be doing another or another 6BR.

Wow....I just got some 6 BR brass...Lapua for $63 / 100. Might be another option...I think my new Dasher will be in the ballpark as far as velocity with the 6x47...but using a little less powder. Just a thought?

Wayne

[Freepistol]

I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the .260 as a long range competition round. Army SPC Sherri Gallagher won the NRA National High Power Long Range Championship at Camp Perry this year with the .260. She shot 1245-62X; John Whidden was second with 1239-61X.
Ben

[desertdog]

? what kind barrel length and what kind of velocity are you getting?

[Dennis]

A 22/250 would be a perfect donor rifle because the case dimensions are very similar between the two. (22/250 and 6x47L) You will think the 22/250 and the 6x47L look a lot alike.

Tried to contact SSS to see if they would convert my 22-250, they sent an email stating they are about 140 orders behind.

Any other suggestions?

[82boy]

? what kind barrel length and what kind of velocity are you getting?

My 6x47L has a 29 inch long Shilen ratchet twist barrel. I have only chronographed 107, 108 gr bullets out of it. I found this barrel don't like speed, and shoots its best groups at 2900-2950. I have had it past 3100, with no pressure signs at all, but the groups opened up bad. I have used H4350, IMR 4350, Reloader 17, and Hodgdon's hybrid 100 v, with IMR 4350 working the best. Someday I will try 4007. and maybe 4831, I have been told people have had good luck with them.

[Dennis]

Here is a nice article on the 6.5x47L

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek072.html

[rinodods]

Here is a pretty decent read if you are looking for a comparison on some of the 6.5's.

http://demigodllc.com/articles/6.5-s...6.5-creedmoor/

[Dennis]

I like this . . . . Now I need to find a completed gun or find a good donor and get to work!

[BobT]

I know McGowen has 6x47L barrels in stock for a Savage ready to go: http://www.mcgowenbarrel.com/SavageExcess.pdf

I assume the 6.5x47L is the barrel I want? What is your thoughts on McGowen Barrels?

My last argument is look through the IBS match results go to the equipment list and look at the 2009 season. Remember these people are super competitive, and if they think something will give them even the slightest edge the will use it. http://internationalbenchrest.com/

I don't think you will find any McGowen barrels on this list!

Tried to contact SSS to see if they would convert my 22-250, they sent an email stating they are about 140 orders behind.
Any other suggestions?

Do it yourself, it's easy and fun plus you have the satisfaction of shooting tiny little groups with something you built.

Bob

[Dennis]

That's why I asked about McGowen! I happen to know the person who owns the company! He offered to build me one. But, my gun is like my wife, I will choose which (?) I want!!!!!!!!

However, when I build a rifle I want a proven barrel/action for my gun.

Suggestons will be appreciated.

[Quackaddict]

I doubt you will be able to outshoot a Mcgowan built right, I have sene plenty of picture son here of tiny groups from members. Maybe not "benchrest" quality but who cares? So much time is spend chasing 1/8 and 1/4 minute groups. Go shoot and have fun!

[Dennis]

Go shoot and have fun!

This is priority number "ONE"

[BobT]

Maybe not "benchrest" quality but who cares?

I do!

If I am shooting larger groups than I should be I'm not having as much fun as I should.

With the price McGowan is asking I'll go with Shilen for less money every time. You can pick up a Shilen from Northlander, a Douglas from SSS, and Sinman has Brux barrels that are making a name for themselves in the matches. All of them are top notch barrels, if you want to go one step higher grab a Kreiger Lilja or Broughton and have a top benchrest gunsmith thread and chamber it for you.

Bob

[skoger]

I know this isnt part of the original question, but ever consider the 6.5 swede? It can outrun the .260, less chamber pressure, every bit as accurate as the other calibers mentioned, does need a long action. In modern actions, such as savage, you can load to the max with no problems, good brass is available, nearlly twice the barrel life of the .260. I have built rifles for over 20 years, including .260's. and have yet to see any advantage to it, other than the short action, and that may not be an advantage just compact! I am talking target and real world hunting in the field, not on paper.

[spaniel]

I've done heavy research into the 6mm options. First, I think it's a little misleading to look at contest results as those people tend to be progressive and trendy and will always try the latest things. The 243, 243AI and 260 have all been around, the 6X47L is new and trendy (and good). I don't think this shows it's inherently superior. Same with the 300WM migrating from favor for long range despite its solid record of...well...records.

The only concerns I have with the 6X47L is brass cost/availability and ammo. I've been looking at the 243AI for a long time and it's good to know I can salvage a hunt with 243 ammo if needed. I'm not a benchrest shooter, and I can afford a few extra grains of powder to match the performance. I've heard rumors that there is longer barrel life with the 6X47L but the sources I've heard that from are also quoting lower velocities than I typically see for the 243AI for the same weight bullets.