7mm-08 vs 6.5x55 vs 260Rem For Competition Shooting

[Quinny]

Which of these calibres would be best for competition target shooting (including benchrest, f-class, metallic silhouette etc)? How do they compare for performance, accuracy, barrel life, availability of competition-grade components etc?

[AlanF]

Quinny,

For F-Class at long range, I think the 6.5x55 Swede would be the pick of them. With a 30" barrel on a 6.5x55, you can drive a 140gn VLD for example at up to 2900 fps. Whereas the 7mm 08 would struggle to push a 168 VLD (similar BC) at the same speed. If barrel life is critical, then the 7 would probably last better.

Alan

[Quinny]

Thanks for that. I was considering the 7mm-08 because it should get longer life, and the 162gr Hornady A-Max (.625 BC) will get around 2650fps from a 24" barrel, and is supposed to be a great long range bullet.

There is no doubting the ability of the Swede though, a mate has one, and is very accurate. But I have also been reading alot of praise for the 260Rem. No doubt that they are all good, I am just interested to see how they compare and if anyone has any opinions about one over another.

As for barrel life, I don't want something that will only last 1000 rounds like a 6.5-284.

The reason for my question is that I am thinking of adding another Tikka to the safe, I already have a 308, so looking at something a bit better suited to long range competition.

[Dave P]

Currently running a 260AI and run it hard but get 3155fps out of a 28 inch barrel with 123 Lapua's. This is a very accurate load shooting 5 shot groups of 2 inches at 500M & 4-5 inches at 1000yds.
Barrel life is expected to be somewhere between 1400 & 2000 rds which is a lot of matches.

[RDavies]

I also think the 6.5x55 would be the great alrounder. Good ballistsics, managable recoil, decent barrel life. 6.5x55 Improveds are all the rage in my area and all the ones I have seen have shot very well for the new shooters who own them. They are shooting 142gn bullets at 2950 fps.

[BATattack]

lapua has just started making .260 brass and would be deffinatly worth a look.

[Chopper]

G,day Rod, what cal, cals were you using when you kicked my arse at ACT Queens , I used a 6x47 only ,and dont think i could put up that score again sorry to get off the track , I still havnt got over it but it might help answer the question, as the scores were the best ive seen,and groups ,Chop.

[RDavies]

Chop, I used a 6 Dasher and a 284. It is probably the last time I will use that 284 as it is just about shot and I have 2x 6.5 barrels coming to turn into 6.5WSSMs, ballistic equivalents to a 260IMP.