trailer

I’m having a very hard time deciding for my next rifle between these 2 cartridges. I want something that’s pleasant to shoot with low recoil in a short action. I’ve been doing ALLOT of reading on both and they both have good points. They both have bullets with good ballistic coefficient but the 260 has better sectional density for better penetration from what I have read. The 7mm-08 has a larger selection of bullets. They are both flat shooting.

This rifle will have a 20” or 22” barrel and is light in weight no more then 7 lbs.(rifle only) and will be used mainly for deer hunting at distance no more then 300 yards. Any thoughts on anything that I might have missed or is it just a flip of a coin?

Superpig

I truly think it's a flip of the coin. These are both excellent cartridges. The 260 should have a little less recoil. If it were me I would base my decision on ammo availability. This is only if you don't handload. Most sporting goods stores in my area carry at least the Remington Core-Lokts for the 7MM-08 but I rarely see any loads for the 260. I don't know about your area. If you choose the 260 I would use 120-125 gr bullets and in the 7MM-08 I would use 139-145 gr. bullets. Both cartridges will cleanly take deer effectively.

Roskoe

This, as you mentioned, is really close. I think I would lean toward the .260 for deer - it shoots a tad flatter and seems to have a little milder recoil. If there was elk or bear in the possibility, the 7MM would obviously be a little better. Also there is the issue of ammunition availability - are you going to handload?

trailer

Thanks guys, for the fast response. This is a tough call on either one because I will be reloading. There is some thing about the 260 I like but I like the selection of bullets on the 7mm-08. What to do?

frizzellr

I really like the 7mm-08 Rem. As far as the 260 Rem being flatter, only if you compare the 120 grain 6.5 mm bullet to a 140 grain 7mm bullet. Its nit picking either way. They are so close together it ain't even funny. I wouldn't hesitate on either cartridge. I think it may boil down to which cartridge is available in a rifle you like.

SWAMPMAN

trailer,
I agree with Frizzellr, I really like the 7mm08. One of the most accurate rifles I have ever owned is a Remington Model 7 Stainless Synthetic. It will take 140 grain cartridges and cloverleaf 5 shots at 100yds. It did this right out of the box and is still doing it 8 years later. I highly recommend it.

Virginia7

Trailer,
I can't help you with choice of cartridge as I don't use either one you're looking at, but
there's a heck of a rifle chambered for both. It's the Remington 700 LSS Mountain rifle
(stainless with laminated stock). Mine's a 270Win., but they make it in 260Rem. and
7mm-08, and also in 30-06.
Link: http://www.remington.com/firearms/ce...e/700mtnls.htm

CapDog

It's already been said that they are both to close to call. I am a 6.5 fan though. If you handload and want a low recoiling cartridge the 260 is tuff to beat. High sectional density and B.C., I really like the 129gr Hornady's in my 6.5 Sweede. They would probably be a good choice in the 260 Rem as well.

popeye

Since you're reloading I would think it's a toss up. You may not have as many choices with a 6.5mm when compared to a 7mm bullet. There is a wide selection available from regular pointed soft points, different varieties of BT's , bonded cores and Partition type bullets. It shouldn't be too difficult to find something that shoots well.

Personally I like the 7mm-08 but the 260 when load with those long sleek 6.5mm bullets does have a lethal look.

sam 444

I went through the same thing a couple of years ago.. I bought the ruger alweather in 260 rem.I am very happy with the gun and cartridge.
Capdog, I shoot the hornady 129 gr sp in my 260.It's very accurate and worked well on the buck i shot.