Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles 260 Rem or 7-08 Rem....Why would you pick one over the other?

Just as the title states.....Why would you pick one over the other?

OR

...If you have both which one is your favorite or preferred caliber of the two? Why, please?

Use would be hunting here in South Texas.

I am trying to decide to move up away from a .243 Win and have been curious as to which one to push into.

I do reload and have plenty of powder and primers .......Both as I understand, now can be had in Small Rifle primer cases. I would just need 100-200.

Your answers are very much appreciated.

Best
HeavyDove[u][/u]

Of the 2. 7-08 because it's what I have. I like it much in a Montana. I doubt I'd feel much difference in a 260 on the same platform but the ability to go heavy on bullets, should I want is nice in the 284 offering.

If I was to do it over tho - 6.5 Creedmoor. Ultimate easy button when comparing/looking at/working with a S/A, medium game killer where high BC bullets (or not) can be used (or not).

This^^^^ 7-08 is my all time favorite.

Never had a .260. Have a Creed and a 7-08.

Between the two, more likely to pick up the 7-08. A lot of that is the individual gun, both will do what needs doing.

My 7-08 really likes the Sierra 140 HPBT over Varget. It’s one of my most accurate loads. Second is the 120 NBT over Big Game. The latter is faster, almost as accurate. Both kill.

DF

7mm-08 its a nice accurate ,low recoil ,easy to find ammo if your not a handloader.

Same for the Creed. Maybe even more accurate off the counter ammo.

DF

I'll be the odd man out and say I would pick the .260 for no particular reason, I just like 6.5 mm stuff. I don't have either, probably never will. I do have 6.5 X 55 and 7 X 57 Which fit very well in the same performance envelope as those two and don't really see any real advantage one has over the other.

This is the dilemma I have read of in making a choice between the two. The edge it seems, in a small way runs to the 7-08 in ammo selection that is available off the shelf.
But now add in the Creed ....BUT keeping it to the 260 Rem. and well its a fun decision to try to make.

Thanks and keep the suggestions and opinions coming.

Best
HeavyDove

I have both, and for general light to medium game, either is fine. I think if I were in your shoes, with a .243 in hand, I'd step on up to the 7-08 to give me broader range to pick from.
Good luck.

Any particular reason for considering the 260 but not the 6.5?

I have a 260, a 7mm08, and a 6.5 Creedmoor. I enjoy shooting all three. My 260 and my 6.5Creedmoor are more accurate than my 7-08. Therefore I tend to shoot them more. My 7-08 will shoot moa, and that's fine. It's a different platform, a TC encore with a mgm barrel. The 260 and the 6.5 Creed are bolt guns. If you are gonna hunt anything bigger than WT Deer I would probably go with the 7-08. If not, the 6.5 Creed is the easy button because of good factory ammo readily available. I have killed deer and pigs with all three and can not tell any difference between them. I'm sure the animal can't tell either. Put the bullet in the right spot and they all drop. Comes down to personal preferance.

Bullets matter wayyyyyyyyy more than headstamps. Hint.

I shoot 260 and 260AI,7-08 and 7-08AI. Given the info thus far fronted,I'd want a 6.5 Kreed. Why?!? You reap a Factory 8" RPM and Factory .697 BC ala 147. Hint.

The 260 is odd man out,due RPM,COAL and Throat Geometry. Hint.

Just sayin'.................

Deer hunting under 500, forced to choose from those two, I'd take the 260. But both suck compared to the 6.5CM. It's a better mousetrap. And I've killed a truckload of deer with my old 260 Montana.

This in spades.

My Rem 700 Ti in 7-08 is a genuine bug hole rifle & when handloaded to it's potential runs neck & neck with the Creed to sane hunting ranges.

My 6.5 Creed in a Kimber is equally as good with plenty of OTC ammo everywhere. Hornady got it right vs the 260.

MM

My first hunting rifle was a Tikka T3 in 7MM08, if I had to start over from scratch today, the only short action cartridge I would have is a 6.5Creedmoor

7MM08 factory ammo isn’t as available and there isn’t a spit of difference between the 6.5Creedmoor and the 7MM08

X2, I've got a safe full of 7MM-08s so I guess I like em:)

For factory ammo only, good case for the Creed.

DF

If you're buying a factory rifle, 7-08. If you're building, 260 (you can twist it right). My own answer, having had both, is neither. Buy or build a 6.5CM unless you're just wedded to cases built on the 308.

7mm-08 - has 140 gr. PPU factory ammo available for a very good (current) price.

Much better than the Criedmore stuff.




GR

LOL

I’ve got both, both in Kimber Montana platform. 7mm-08 is factory original, 260 Rem has a pacnor factory dupe barrel on it. Running 150 scenars in the 7mm-08, and 123 and 139 scenars in the 260. 6 of 1, half dozen of the other, but I primarily grab the 7mm-08, simply because the b&c reticle in the 3.5-10 Leupold lines up nearly perfectly out to 500.

If I had a whole bunch of 7mm bullets on the shelf, and a set of 7mm-08 dies, I would pick the 7mm-08. If I had a whole bunch of 6.5 bullets on the shelf, and 260 dies, I would pick the 260. GD

I have a soft spot for the .260 Rem. Mine is a 9 twist Remington Mountain that is my favorite rifle.


I have two 708’s, one Remington LVSF and one T3x. Both are very accurate and versatile.



If starting over I’d have a T3x stainless cut down to 22” in 6.5 Creedmoor.

I have or had 7TCU, 7 International, 7-08, 7x57, 280, 7mm RM. Some of these I have several. I have 7mm bullets on the shelf, molds for cast. I’ve used 7mm’s on different game including pronghorn, whitetail and elk. With cast bullets smaller game. I have used the 7TCU and the 7 International on silhouette.

I had a 264 - the only 6.5 I’ve ever owned. I sold that about 1973 or 1974.

It only made sense to me to go 7-08.

If I were to start from scratch I think I’d still go 7-08. But either would be good. What are you going to use your rifle on?

I wouldn't pick either of them today and would opt for the 6.5 Creedmoor instead.

I have owned a lot of rifles plus a couple of XP-100s chambered in 260, still have 22 260s, and think that it a good cartridge, but the 6.5 Creedmoor offers the same performance in a better short action package. 6.5 Creedmoor factory built rifles come with a faster ROT, the shorter COAL makes it a better fit in most short action magazines, factory ammo is far more easily/widely available, less expensive, and generally more accurate.

The only 7mm cartridges that I've ever warmed up to are the 7x57, 284, and 7mm SAUM. Since I had multiple rifles in both 7x57 and 284 when the 7mm-08 was introduced owning one or more of them seemed superfluous to me at the time. I have come to think that the 7mm-08 and 7mm-08 Improved are better fits in a short action magazine than the 55mm long case of the 284, but those with a need to squeeze a few more fps out of a rifle seem to prefer the 284.

There was a time when I felt a need to go with less common cartridges, but in my old age I prefer to take the easier path, rather than one less travels.

7mm-08

My stockpile of .284 bullets came from a hunting partner who passed and was a serious 7mm magnum guy with Weatherbys, Remington 7mm Mags, SAUMS, 280s, AIs in the mix. The bullets were there already there, so an old wildcat from '55 was a logical choice, for me anyway.

I own five different bolt action models with varying barrel lengths from 18 1/2 -24" for different hunting conditions. Mostly shoot 120 or 139/140 grain projectiles and all easily shoot under MOA.

The .260 inclines me to want to pursue the 6.5x55.

7mm-08, no question about it.

I got soured on 7-08 by an 18" model 7 that shot 140's about as fast as I could throw them. Sure hard to argue with success of lots of other shooters but I like the S/A 6.5's and L/A .284's

Neither….they’ll just bounce off…you need a 25 Durham. 😂

I've never had a 7-08 shorter than 14" and it was a fhuqking HAMMER(XP-100). Hint.

The Kreed is tough to whoop. Hint.

Just sayin'............

Mathman,
as to why the 260 over the 6.5 creed, My thinking was that there is a small amount increased powder capacity.

And YES, I did find some 7-08 for $24.99 today online from PPU.....attractive but its not small rifle primed...

That said its not a big deciding factory just something to consider.

The Creed is ready from the gun box to the factory box of ammo to the range.....super easy button.
BUT I like to tinker a bit so the 260 has its appeal and hell, all those 7mm bullets for the 7-08......Being a reloader has its Demons that smile.

A question came up about use.....hunting would be the use. I do not compete but against myself which is tough at times...LoL.

Best
HeavyDove.

Another vote (from a fud) for the 6.5 CM. But only with Bullets 0.4 or less.! 😉

I had a similar situation when I was in the market to rebarrel a 308 a few years ago and was looking at doing a 260 or 7-08. My gunsmith (and most people on the 'fire) talked me into a Creed. Haven't regretted it at all.

I bought three 243s one fall, sold two, still have one.

I have four 260s. Two typical 260s in Ruger mk II. And two Remingtons with AICS mag boxes and 8 inch twist.

If you can find the Rem 700 in 260 in the 5R or Magpul configuration, it gives up nothing to the 6.5 Creed.

And I have two 7-08s in the safe. A model 7 and a 700 bdl.

For hunting, I would never load a 160 or 175 in the 7-08. They just eat too much powder capacity.

That leaves the 260 w/ 120, 130, 140, or the heavier VLD 6.5MM bulets, if you find the right Remington rifle, or have one built.

Vs the 7-08 w/ 140s or 150s.

Personally, I would go with the 260. I am just starting to work with Hornady 143 eld x and 140 eld m in my Remingtons.

I have a .260 in a MRC 1999 X2 and one for my daughter in a Tikka T3x stainless laminate. Great round for deer and pigs, but factory ammo can be more difficult to find. I'm just starting to reload for ours, using accumulated factory ammo brass.

I've always been a big fan of the Barnes 120gr. TTSX ammo and will try to copy the same with my handloads.

If it was solely based on available factory ammo, I'd pick the 7-08. Otherwise, a sexy .260

Of course, you could go full gay and buy a 6.5CM too.

For my uses, the smaller 6.5's & 7mm's ballistic/bullet capabilities would have little effect on my use.

I would go with the 7mm-08. I like 7mm's, there is already one 7mm-08 in the house along with a 7x57 & 7mm Remington mag. I have a fair on-hand supply of bullets and brass for the 7mm-08. I have been a fan of the 7mm-08 from when it was popular in the metallic silhouette shoots.

I have .260s just to pi$$ of the Creedmore fans.

May add a 7-08 after I retire if I need to kill time.

Ruger ftw Hawkeye with 24” barrel and 1/8 twist in 260 for me. I’ve had it maybe 5 years now. Factory ammo is scarce but I’m a reloader. 140 grain cup and core bullets are great on whitetail.

Negligible for practical purposes.

So, TDS and CDS.

Have owned both, I'd give the 7mm-08 the nod as it is available with heavier bullets, for the most part, a sold cartridge all the way around. Interesting how the 260 has just kind of lingered and the 6.5CM took off like a California wildfire! The 260 is a good little cartridge but I remember it being marketed as a good fit for "women and young shooters", just a swing and miss with marketing and twist. Ammo seems to becoming less available where the 7mm-08 is readily available. I have a CM and like it but there's certainly nothing magical about it.

These days, the availability and affordability of factory fodder goes a long way in my decision making process. I have loading gear but don't us it much, even if I did, being able to buy ammo on the road in an emergency counts for something. One of the reasons I like my 308s so much!

TFF ! Have both but don't care what others choose. The factory ammo availability issue is big in my eyes and I do load for both.

I have a 260, got it last Jan. Had to re-bed the barrel channel but shot it in my old Rem factory stock and wow! Got the wood stock re-bedded last week but been to cold to go shoot lately! Never had a 7mm-08 but have had a couple 7x57's. pretty close to equal. These days I'm a 6.5 freek so I'd pull for the 260. Fact of the matter is pretty much what one can do, so can the other! I suppose the 7mm-08 has a heavy bullet advantage but the 308 and 30-06 have the same advantage over the 7mm-08. If I wanted to shoot bullet's heavier than 160grs or there about, I'd get a 30 cal rifle. Not so sure that's needed though. have killed three elk with my 6.5x06 with three shots and same with 30-06, 6.5 bullet was 140gr Hornady SP and 180gr Hornady SP in 30-06. I'd pretty much be willing to bet the farm that the 260 with it's 140gr Speer HC can do the same thing. Loving my little 260! Oh I also have the 6.5x06 and a 6.5x55. All pretty much as effective as the next!

I hear good things about the 7mm-08.




P

Get one of each, problem solved.

For general big-game use I like the ability to use bullets around 160gr or so when needed. Plus, I'm a 7 guy, so I'd go 7mm-08.

Otherwise, if I wanted a 6.5 it would be the Creedmoor for all of the reasons we already know.

Let’s see, I have 7-08, 6.5 CM, and .260 Rem. The .260 is a Savage and is a finicky SOB, the Tikka T3X is Superlite and not far behind it. The 7-08, is a T3x Lite Stainless and the easiest of all to load for. So, I’d go 7-08, but I’m a .284 fan.

When I purchased my 6.5 CM and had her dialed in and blooded....I sold my 260 and my 7m-08. Have not looked back. I'm keeping my 243 for sentimental reasons, but the others went down the road.

7-08, but i gotta luv the 7x57.

I quit reloading years ago. Factory 260 ammo is all but non existent on any shelves today. I still really like shooting my Sako 85 in 260. For any other non reloaders out there that have a 260, check out

https://coppercreekcartridgeco.com/product-category/ammunition/260rem/


The 139 secnar and the 142 smk shoot bugholes in my sako. I have been very happy with this ammo.

The 139 Skinner is solid ground and the SMK an easy pass. Hint.

That being said,none of it is in the realm of 147 Kreed' Factory Fodder. You gotta go 180 ELD in 7-08,to whoop it. Hint.

Just sayin'.................

I always go bigger bullet...

Always go BETTER bullet,as "bigger" is meaningless. Hint.............

I vowed about a decade ago that I was going to buy one more 30-06 and then explore the realm of smaller calibers for the rest of my life. I already had a 25-06. When it came time to decide on a next choice, I picked 7mm-08. My reasons:

1) I'd heard all sorts of good reports on 7mm-08 over the years regarding its use on whitetail.
2) It seemed to be a near-twin of 7mm Mauser, so the track record was longer than the '06
3) I liked the idea I could make brass from 308 WIN
4) My target load included a 139 grain bullet which was neatly between the 117 grain 25-06 and 150 grain 30-06.
5) I've never taken an animal at distances further than 200 yards. Inside 200 yards, the 7mm has more to offer than the others, at least by my read.

I have owned both. I loaded for both, hunted whitetails and pigs with both. My preference is for the 7mm/08. For the game around here, it is a wash. My preference is based on the availability of factory ammunition at this point. My handloading equipment is in storage where it has been for the last 6 or 7 years. Also, if I wanted to shoot a 6.5 mm bullet, I would be doing it from a Creedmoor case. With all that said, if I found a rifle that I really liked, and it was chambered for the 260 Remington, I'd not let that keep me from the purchase.

1) You are a Dumb Fhuqk
2) You are a Dumb Fhuqk
3) You are a Dumb Fhuqk
4) You are a Dumb Fhuqk
5) You are a Dumb Fhuqk

Bless your heart for trying.

Hint.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!............

The advice from all the Heavy Hitters on the Fire has helped alot and helped me see things a little more clear than before.

Kinda leaning 260 ala 6.5 on this so far.

Found an 8 twist barrel in 260.

Even though I reload for 7 Rem Mag and have bullets and such. It would be my first step ever into .264 territory...Just wanting something a little different.

7mm-08 of the two. Buy some Hammer bullets and you’ll more then likely achieve even better velocity.

If going 6.5 mm, there's no mechanical reason not to go 6.5 CM. The only reasons to go .260 Rem are that you already have a bunch of brass and dies, or that you simply want to.

I have owned both and still have the 7/08. Had a .260, 6.5x55, 6.5x.225 and always thought I had the field covered. After assisting folks at our gun club and being exposed to may 30 6.5 CM's, I still have the 7/08 and 2 6.5CM's The .260 is a fine cartridge but you are handy capping your self in todays world.

In 2024, if you want the easy-button, go 6.5 Creedmoor. I like the .260 Remington and was shooting it before there was a 6.5 Creedmoor and its a great round, but it is to be lost to the ages. I'm sitting on dies and about 600 pieces of brass I'll probably never use less another falls into my lap.

The 7-08 is probably more versatile.
When I was shooping for a rifle for my boy. It was that or the 6.5 creed in a tikka.
Went with the creed due to ammo cost and availability.... even though I reload.
When I was shopping, the creed ammo was as low as $9.99 for S&B 140FMJ and 10.99 for 140 PSP vs $25 for cheapest 7-08.

Hard to disagree, 6.5 CM is simply too easy all the way around to find brass and ammo...not to mention a lot more options as far as rifle availability.

ok.

no problem scrap the 260 idea....and well the creedmoor, .....after going upstairs into my reloading heaven I pulled out the packing crate that had ALL of my 7mm mag stuff including bullets

Lets just say its going to be a 7mm08. The amount of bullets I had forgotten I had is fooking embarrassing. I had to put my foot and leg up on the wall to drag it out.

4,700 Speer 145 gr. bthp Match, 3,300 162 gr. ELD-X's, 2,600 130 gr. speer lead spire points , thats just the shiit stacked on top that I could get too.....and more........all the Midway seconds that I suspect are MORE 162 ELD-X's. ...along with everybody and their grandads 140 gr soft points...and 5 usps box's that are SPS 150 bt's from 5 years ago.......I broke a sweat getting the damn crate back in place.

Right on top of the mountain were 600 Sierra 120 grain Game Kings. A single box open and 500 still sealed. I'll start with that for now.

Under my shotgun reloading bench was ANOTHER 2 foot long and a foot deep, box wrapped in duck tape that just said "7mm speer " on it.....it was completely filled with Speer 145 gr. bt spts. In 500 round packs with shipping straps still in place........I laughed.

Now to look for and start with good brass in 7mm08. Dies are on their way.



I want to thank EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU for helping with advice and insight.......I love the fire.

best
HeavyDove

Dang! Might as well start shopping for your first replacement barrel while you’re at it! You’re going to love the 7mm08. I have one in a M70 EW that has become one of my favorite rifles.

This. And I love my 7mm08. Starting over 6.5 cm is how I would go.

I hope you're either young or have genes that will allow you to live for a long, long time!!

If I had one of each and liked them both I'd have a hard time choosing if one had to go.

If I had neither I'd choose neither and go with the 6.5CM. With custom rifles, barrels and handloads you can make the 260 do everything the 6.5 CM does with off the shelf rifles and ammo. Just easier to get there with handloads too.

The 264 Kreed will simply whistle a .697 BC at 2700fps+ and a pile of schit bullets,in a greater diameter,will never begin to match same. Hint.

Just sayin'...............

Well there you have it! The easy answer - it's a great elk round too.

As to brass, the no-brainer of the century is Lapua. Pricey? Yes. But if you anneal every four or five sizing's, and don't push it beyond sanity like some do, it will go 15 shots easily.

The 7-08 is a fantastic round...

HD,

Good choice. I would pick the 7-08 over a 260 or Creed.

260 for sure. 100 grain bullet and let it shine. Hint.

Bullets matter way more than fantasy numbers and fad cartridge names. Hint


Short stump will add some endless cut and paste of those he can't stop thinking about

Lapua is certainly a good option. I’d shop Alpha Munitions first though. It’s more consistent and the same or less money than Lapua.

https://alphamunitions.com/product/7mm-08-lrp-large-rifle-primer/

Looks like they have some in stock….

To practical hunting ranges, It’s like an argument over the fifth generation of the micro-filae of the paramecium.

Between the two choices you gave, I would pick the 7-08.

My reasoning is I have helped friends and/or relatives handload for 3 different 7-08’s and 2 260’s. All shot equally well (less than 1” for 5). However, the 7-08’s were less finicky and easier to find magic. I feel that the platform you choose would be more critical to your comfort and success. As both cartridges offer the same capabilities on game. You definitely have more bullet options in 7mm. I like the heavier bullet options. Brass is a wash.

Only way to make it easier is a 6.5CM. Only due to factory rifle ammo and rifle availability.

Have fun and good luck! Tom

Neither Physics or Math is "subjective",which tends to be a "bit" handy. Hint.

Less recoil,flatter trajectory and less wind deflection isn't an "argument",though it assuredly IS a fhuqking constant. Hint.

Now in "fairness",I've not shot out more than (5) 7-08 spouts,on a single receiver. That being said,the Kreed' simply offers mechanical advantages,less concession(s) and seldom do things get that sweet. Hint.

There's only been ONE Factory 7-08 constructed correctly(Barrett FC) and there has as of yet,to be a deficient Kreed' offered by the Masses. Hint.

Pardon my simply citing the constants found,in multiple dozens of spouts so chambered. The 7-08 is a distant second fiddle and you can cuss Physics and Math all you please,as you Hissy your Fit(s). Hint.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!................

Always wanted a 260

Kudos on your inability to connect a dot. Hint.

Fhuqking LAUGHING!...............

LOL

Throw ur guns in tha bushes and tangle ur hair piece findin them🤣🤣😂😂