long range killing power of 260 rem, 6.5x55 swede...???

[muleythumper]

I was just reading information pages on the 260 rem. and the 6.5x55 swede, on the ballistic studies (Terminal Ballistics Research) website. I am reading as much as I can about these two cartridges, since I am seriously contemplating either of these rounds for a long-range pronghorn, whitetail/muley rifle. In the articles I read, regarding each round, the author (name was not given) stated that each of these 6.5 rounds gave poor killing power beyond 200-250 yards. He actually stated that their "killing power" was much closer to that of the 30-30, instead of the 270 win., for which they are often compared to.

All I have read regarding these two rounds, up to this point, indicates that the 260, the swede, and the other 6.5s are deadly out to 600 yards (and beyond) within proper situations.

My question is...........what am I supposed to believe? I have just become confused!!

Help!

 

[WildRose]

I was just reading information pages on the 260 rem. and the 6.5x55 swede, on the ballistic studies (Terminal Ballistics Research) website. I am reading as much as I can about these two cartridges, since I am seriously contemplating either of these rounds for a long-range pronghorn, whitetail/muley rifle. In the articles I read, regarding each round, the author (name was not given) stated that each of these 6.5 rounds gave poor killing power beyond 200-250 yards. He actually stated that their "killing power" was much closer to that of the 30-30, instead of the 270 win., for which they are often compared to.

All I have read regarding these two rounds, up to this point, indicates that the 260, the swede, and the other 6.5s are deadly out to 600 yards (and beyond) within proper situations.

My question is...........what am I supposed to believe? I have just become confused!!

Help!

Considering the swede has been killing elk and moose sized game along with European Wild Boar since it was first invented I wouldn't put a hell of a lot of stock in the articles that declare these two as lacking killing power.

I probably won't be shooting any big hogs at very long ranges with the .260 but out to 600yds I won't hesitate.

Shot placement and bullet selection I think are far more important factors than massive amounts of energy.

You need enough energy for the shot to pass through the body. As long as you have that, with the proper bullet and placement of same you have a dead animal.

 

[Sully2]

Considering the swede has been killing elk and moose sized game along with European Wild Boar since it was first invented I wouldn't put a hell of a lot of stock in the articles that declare these two as lacking killing power.

I probably won't be shooting any big hogs at very long ranges with the .260 but out to 600yds I won't hesitate.

Shot placement and bullet selection I think are far more important factors than massive amounts of energy.

You need enough energy for the shot to pass through the body. As long as you have that, with the proper bullet and placement of same you have a dead animal.

I agree completely!

 

[Sully2]

muleythumper: I cant speak for the 6.5 Swede round because I dont have one and havent shot one in close to 40 years...but I do have a .260 and wouldnt be afraid of cutting into a deer at 500-600 yards if I knew I could have a clean shot.

 

[liltank]

With either round I would be afraid to take deer to 800yds. Depending on elevation you could probably go farther. I was really intrigued with the 6.5x55 AI version. It's petty impressive.

Tank

 

[Sully2]

With either round I would be afraid to take deer to 800yds. Depending on elevation you could probably go farther. I was really intrigued with the 6.5x55 AI version. It's petty impressive.

Tank

WOULD...or WOULD NOT..???

 

[liltank]

WOULD...or WOULD NOT..???

Good catch! I wouldn't be afraid to shoot to 800yds on a deer. I plan to do it with my .308 if I have too. My limit with my .308 I've determined due to drop to around 830yds. Can't wait. Hope a deer offers me the opportunity. 6.5 is a deadly round to a lot farther than most people are willing to give them credit for.

I should add, who ever wrote the article may have been using older factory ammo. Due to the old actions that are still in circulation, ammunition companies have loaded down the ammo really handicapping its ability to be truly good ammo. With new actions you can load much better bullets at high charge weights that work and perform far better than the old ammo in circulation. Most of that stuff is old military surplus. I know with Lapua brass in 6.5x55, you could make a deadly round to 1000yds. Realistically, the 6.5x55 Swede can be loaded faster with heavier rounds than the 260.

Tank

 

[mnhntr]

Whoever wrote the article you read has obviously not reloaded for either cartridge. The .260 handloads I put together with 140gr Berger VLDs have the same downrange energy at 1000yds as a Federal Premium 165gr .300 win mag. I wonder where these experts get their knowledge sometimes.

 

[Sully2]

I wondered about that...I do it all the time...thats why I got it.

I wish I could shoot 1000 yards. The club I belong to has a 600 yd range but everyone cant shoot it until they have been approved. You have to shoot over a road.....( Im serious) and they shut the traffic off while meets are going on. So..until I can get "approved" my best distance will be the 400 yrd mark....*sigh*

I had my 243 heavy with me yesterday and decided at the last minute to take my 243 walking varminter with me. Had the heavy barrel walking and talking...and that light weight 243 just beat the living crap out of me??? Dont know what I was doing wrong...and i THINK I got it zero'd OK..??? but I'll go next week and make sure and take one of my 22-250's along. At least all they do is BARK!!....

 

[Sully2]

Whoever wrote the article you read has obviously not reloaded for either cartridge. The .260 handloads I put together with 140gr Berger VLDs have the same downrange energy at 1000yds as a Federal Premium 165gr .300 win mag. I wonder where these experts get their knowledge sometimes.

I agree. All a guy has to do ( if he has the right info) is run it thru one of the BC Calculators available on the internet and it spits is all out. Who knows??

 

[liltank]

Had the heavy barrel walking and talking...and that light weight 243 just beat the living crap out of me??? Dont know what I was doing wrong...and i THINK I got it zero'd OK..??? but I'll go next week and make sure and take one of my 22-250's along. At least all they do is BARK!!....

You didn't have to do anything wrong. My brother use to own a Mod 20 Ultra Light Weight in a 243. That rifle kicked as hard or harder than my Ruger #1 in 338WM. It was ridiculous. Killed a lot of deer though.

Tank

 

[Can260]

Check this out.

http://www.millettsights.com/downloads/ConsiderTerminalBallistics.pdf

 

[MontanaRifleman]

You need enough energy for the shot to pass through the body. As long as you have that, with the proper bullet and placement of same you have a dead animal.

That's pretty much the bottom line.

I agree. All a guy has to do ( if he has the right info) is run it thru one of the BC Calculators available on the internet and it spits is all out. Who knows??

And that's how you can tell the effective killing range for your particular rifle and load. Put in the BC and MV and it will tell you what your bullet is doing as it goes down range. For deer size game, a 130-140 gr bullet @ 1900 fps or more should get the job done if placed well, assuming the bullet has an opening velocity of about 1800 fps. That should be way more than 250 yds.

 

[angus-5024]

I have read a couple of articles from Ballistics research too and found them to be very inaccurate.
650 yards is a good range for the 260rem (and thats with a bit of cushion) and would be a bit more with the swede.
i feell OK shooting deer to 400 with my .243 (not my first choice, but would do it), and the 6.5's have a fair bit more steam on them.