Please need some advice. I'm already shooting HP with a Tikka T3 in 6.5x55 using it for STD/HTR. I'm looking for a STD gun that I can use at Ridgway for the 1000 yard game and also for my STD regular Silhouette gun.
I've considered a 6.5 x 284 and the 308 from Savage Arms. They weigh in at about 8.5 lbs and can probably make weight with rings and a scope.
Cost is about the same but the componants for the 308 are a lot cheaper. I've read good points about both calibers and on a componant cost stand point I'm favoring the 308.
Question: Is this the right choice or should I consider other calibers.
ppkny

A 308 barrel will far outlast the 6.5/284.

I'd think that both of those calibers are going to kick the hell out of you. I'm not an expert but low recoil is at the top of my requirements for a silhouette rifle.

Dustin

Trust me, shooting a .308 through a Silhouette match would leave a mark. Trying to do it again the next day would make you hate shooting.

I don't think there's a "one gun fits all", but the 260 would be my choice. It would run circles around the 308 in either game

I might be trying to ask too much for the one gun. The 600 to 1000 silhouette matches they are running at Ridgway are off the bench. I'm really happy with my 6.5x55 that I'm currently using for both HP Std/Htr in the 200/500 game. I thought if I bought a long range caliber I could shoot my 6.5 less and use it for Std as it would be a heavy gun.
I know the 308 and the 6.5x284 are noted long range guns. Any more opinions how a 260 would do out at 1000.
thanks, ppkny

ppkny,

Here's a bit of data to chew on concerning the 260 vs 308 for 1,000-yd work.

Bullets used for this analysis:

Berger 140, 6.5mm Match Hybrid Target BC = .618
Berger 185, 308 Match Hybrid Target BC = 0.569

Some of my current 260 HP Hunter ram loads:

Pharr 260 HP Hunter Ram Load: 26" barrel, 43.0 N160, 139 Scenar, MV = 2,825 fps, 1,000-yd vel = 1,468 fps; RL-17 42.0, MV = 2,905 fps; H4831 47.0, MV = 2,834 fps

As you can see, my ram load launching a 139 Scenar with 43.0 grains of N160 to 2,825 fps is still going about 1,468 fps at 1,000-yds. For good 1,000-yd accuracy one's bullet should be kept above the middle of the transonic region, 1,350 fps down to 900 fps. In the past the Service Rifle shooters were trying to keep their heavy 308 bullets above 1,250 fps at the target when fired from the 1,000-yd line.

The 6.5mm x 284m, long-range shooters (Palma & F-Class) are typically launching 139 Scenar or 140 Berger or 142 SMK bullets to 2,900 fps plus/minus 50 fps. A properly loaded 260 can do all that needs to be done from the 1,000-yd line with considerably less recoil than a 308. Here are some recoil comparisons.

Both 260 and 308 rifles weigh 10 lbs for this analysis.

260: 140-gr Berger, 43.0 N160, MV = 2,825 fps, recoil = 11.3 ft-lbs
308: 185-gr Berger, 44.0 VarGet, MV = 2,620 fps, recoil = 15.2 ft-lbs

So, the 308 load produces about 34% more recoil.

As far as how much the wind will deflect both bullets is concerned, a quick analysis shows that in a 10 mph, 9 o'clock wind the 6.5mm bullet is deflected about 67.8". The 308 bullet will be deflected about 84.9". That means the 308 bullet is deflected about 25% more than the much lower recoiling 6.5mm bullet.

DanDeMan, Thanks for the helpful info. I'm not much for the techno stuff that's why I asked the question. You have been a great help with explaining the differences. I kinda knew the 308 was going to kick but I thought I needed it to get out to 1000. I'm going to research some 260 guns and see what I come up with.
Thnaks again,
ppkny

ppkny,

If looking for an inexpensive, off-the-shelf 260 that sports an 8-twist barrel, look no further than these bad boys. Tikka rifles are known for their superb accuracy and great price. They can do it all from 100 to 1,000-yards, no problem.

http://www.tikka.fi/t3rifles.php

This one will make Hunter weight, no worries. One would probably want to add some weight to the stock to bring it up to 9 lbs.

http://www.tikka.fi/pdf/specs/Hunter_Stainless.pdf

DanDeMan, You don't have to sell me on a Tikka. I'm currently shooting a Tikka T3 in 6.5x55 for HP-Std/Htr. I'll check out their 260's
Thanks, ppkny

I used to shoot a 700 heavy barrel in 308, Silhouette rifle class. You can do it with 150 gr bullets. Rams with the 308 190's are needed for knock down. Way to much recoil. Went to 7mm08 and never regreted it. Next Hunter class rifle will be a 260. No real good reason to use a .308

Boats

ppkny wrote:DanDeMan, You don't have to sell me on a Tikka. I'm currently shooting a Tikka T3 in 6.5x55 for HP-Std/Htr. I'll check out their 260's
Thanks, ppkny

If you find more than one for you could you let me know?
I have been looking for some time for one in .260

thanks

Yes, The Tikka looks like it might be a hard find. I'm also considering a Savage Model 10 Pred Htr in 260. It has a 8 twist fluted barrel.
ppkny

ppkny wrote:Yes, The Tikka looks like it might be a hard find. I'm also considering a Savage Model 10 Pred Htr in 260. It has a 8 twist fluted barrel.
ppkny

I just picked up a Savage mod11 Trophy Hunter in .260 for hunter class, to early to tell how good it shoots, has 1 in 8 twist std barrel i was told.
I have only shot a few rounds trough it so far, in the winter I like to stay inside

It seems that in the 1000 yard game (for score and/or group) the .284 Winchester is now the new darling. Recoil and muzzle blast are about the same as the 6.5/284 but barrel life and accuracy are improved. The key to 1000 yard is that the projectile has a) buck wind and b) stay supersonic passed 900 ...otherwise the groups open up unacceptably.
Having used a 308 for years in silhouette before going to that 'new' cartridge the 7-08..recoil was only a problem with 190's (they were needed to reliable take the ram). The 308 with 155gr Palma's is in the hunt for 1000 yard and it won't hurt you. And it's just fine for chick through turkey......but you will need the 190 for Mr Ram...then again I was never very recoil sensitive...in fact I've been told by a whole bunch of folks that I ain't sensitive atall!
Now the issue becomes 284 win or 308 for 1000yard AND silhouette......less powder and blast from the 308 better 1000yard with the 284 (long throated)