I'm considering a new barrel - .257 or 6.5

[cajuntec]

I've wanted both for a while, and I'm just not finding what I'm looking for online. So I'll probably order a new Encore barrel from MGM or EABCO.

I'm actually contemplating three - .257 Roberts, 6.5 Creedmoor, or .260 Remington. I figured the .260 I'd be able to find in a factory barrel, but no luck so far.

Opinions and reason you would go one way or another?

I reload / dabble in wildcats, so brass being scarce for one or another doesn't really bother me that bad - I'm used to it with my .357 Max.

All the best,
Glenn

[chrisk]

.257 Roberts would be cool just because I don't know to many people that have one in an Encore.

[Slick8]

What's your intended range? If it's 300 yards or less, both will do a great job. Beyond that, the 6.5 ballistics will shine over the 257...imo.

Why not make it a little more fun and build a 260ai....?

[cajuntec]

Thank you for the responses.

chrisk - That was my thought as well. I had a .25-06 and liked it, but I've always wanted a .257 Rob. I've only known two people that owned them in the Encore platform.

Slick8 - All of my hunting shots over the past 30+ years have been no more than 150 yards. I doubt if that will change anytime soon, considering the area I hunt. However, if the opportunity presents itself, it would be nice to be prepared. I had not thought of doing a 260AI. Just looked into average velocity and muzzle energy between the 260 and 260AI. Hmmm.... You just threw another chambering into the mix.

This isn't really a "need". It's more of a "want" than anything.

All the best,
Glenn

[TCB]

Gotta vote for the Creedmoor. I like it so much I'm considering getting another one.

[Horitexan]

6.5CM or .260 - either one will do. I have both and they're virtually the same. I guess I'd lean towards the 6.5CM simply because the factory ammo is as plentiful as the .260 but there are more and more offerings coming down the pike, with the caliber's incredible popularity.

If, like you said, you're not shooting past 200yds there's not much reason to sweat the ballistics; or reload, for that matter. If you were building a long range precision rifle it'd be a different story.


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[Slick8]

I still vote 260 rem after your second response and agree that you nor the deer would not know the difference between it or the creed.

As for ammo availability, everyone raves about the creed and I simply don't get it. I went to Midway and there was 10 offerings, 8 of which was from Hornady. I searched the 260 on MW and found 7 different companies with 18 offerings. Plus it's 308 based so brass will be here as long as were shooting bullets and smokeless powder.

Given the range you're shooting, any modern bottle necked cartridge from .243 up will work.

You say you dabble, perhaps the 6XC...I'm joking but it is an amazing performer.

[Zen Archery]

New Barrel for what...
Hunting
Target shooting
Long range shooting

[Mike D]

I still vote 260 rem after your second response and agree that you nor the deer would not know the difference between it or the creed.



As for ammo availability, everyone raves about the creed and I simply don't get it. I went to Midway and there was 10 offerings, 8 of which was from Hornady. I searched the 260 on MW and found 7 different companies with 18 offerings. Plus it's 308 based so brass will be here as long as were shooting bullets and smokeless powder.



Given the range you're shooting, any modern bottle necked cartridge from .243 up will work.



You say you dabble, perhaps the 6XC...I'm joking but it is an amazing performer.

The reasons above is exactly why I still prefer the 260 over the Creedmoor. Better reloading components, more selection of hunting ammo, 308 parent case.


"An honest government has no fear of an armed population".

[cajuntec]

New Barrel for what...
Hunting
Target shooting
Long range shooting

Yep
Yep
Nope

Please also factor in = Because I'm bored and want something new to reload for / play with.

I currently shoot / reload in centerfire rifle cartridges:

.223 / 5.56
.22-250
.243
6.8 SPC
.270
7 TCU
7mm-08
.30 Herrett
.30-30
.308
.38 SPC
.357 Mag
.357 Max

I perceived a "gap" somewhere that just needed to be filled with something .257 or 6.5mm. Whether that gap is purely in my imagination or not is yet to be determined.

All the best,
Glenn

[cajuntec]

The reasons above is exactly why I still prefer the 260 over the Creedmoor. Better reloading components, more selection of hunting ammo, 308 parent case.
"An honest government has no fear of an armed population".

I've been leaning that direction, and this thread is helping to push me over the line and into that cartridge. I have a ton of .308 brass, so if I need to form my own, I can do that if the .260 brass becomes hard to find.

All the best,
Glenn

[Slick8]

The reasons above is exactly why I still prefer the 260 over the Creedmoor. Better reloading components, more selection of hunting ammo, 308 parent case.


"An honest government has no fear of an armed population".

The Marketing Force is strong with this one...IMO the biggest reason many a cartridge has succeeded or failed.

Just a few that come to mind....

243 win / 6mm rem
222 / 223
220 swift / 22-250
280 rem / 7RM

Where would the 270 be were it not for Jack O'Conner....?