Thread: Short 6.5 / 260 setup

Some may recall a post I started a wee while ago asking about short 6.5s. For some context, when the time and right opportunity comes up I want to get one (don't tell my wife). The right time may be a wee while away now with another child on the way but that cant stop my interest haha.

None the less, setup intentions will likely be 18" barrel and suppressed ideally running the 140 - 143gr pills and maybe step down to 130s or lighter. I see people have good results with the 260 in this from and the creedmoor has some good reports too. I'm guessing the 260 goes best in a tikka type action where you can make use of mag length for those 140gr pills. This got me thinking, if I wanted to run a short action then 6.5 CM would be a go I am guessing due to being slightly shorter.

So, are there any short actions that will restrict a 6.5CM when seating those 140 - 143gr pills or is it pretty universal being that touch bit shorter? Vice versa what actions go ok with the 260? I have zero interest in single feeding and like to have the seating depth options to get the load right.

If you were picking a factory rifle for the above what would you choose?

Wait for Tikka to put out a 6.5 PRC would be easy and cheapest option

Any factory 6.5CM should load up to 147g from the magazine without issue - there are heavier pills about as well, less common with the exception of the A Tips up to 153g (target). Berger do a 156g that is supposed to shoot ok, probably better out of a PRC though

Originally Posted by Echo

Wait for Tikka to put out a 6.5 PRC would be easy and cheapest option

Not really interested in the PRC. Looking more at the smaller capacity softer shooting chamberings for this as something a step below my 7mils.

Being that you already have a couple of Tikka rifles I would go that way and run a long mag and bolt stop.
Either the Creedmoor or the .260 my son-in-law has an 18" tikka.260 and mine was 20" there is only 50fps difference between them using 143 ELDX.
They are so easy to get them shooting well.
You do know you won't need the .284 once you get a .260 shooting 143 at 2810fps.
I've got heaps of load data when you get one. My 20" Creedmoor would shoot the 143 at about 2775fps

Sent from my CPH1903 using Tapatalk

Rebarrel your 284. Can run same suppressor and everything just get a tikka barrel

im in the same position of wanting a 6.5
Im on the look out for a kimber hunter in creed to fill this role
ill still probably run into length issues as they are tiny for 308 based cases but thats where im heading

The Tikka T3x 6.5 CM rifles come with a M+ magazine so no problems there. They also tend to have a longer throat so you can seat the 140g plus bullets well out for extra powder capacity and still fit them in the mag.

Depends on your budget, you can get a Model 7 in 6.5CM, so a true short action but able to fit the long stuff, dropbox mag, 20" tube and a HS stock for 2k. It would probably be close to the same length as a 18" Tikka.

Editl yeah a 20" model 7 is shorter overall than a 18" Tikka (Full length from factory - 996mm OAL V 1083mm OAL)

I ran a Model 7 260 with 19 inch barrel for a few years. Deer at upto 600yds in the right conditional. 140-143gn projectile as it was a 1:9 twist.

Howa Alpine in 6.5 Creedmoor could be a possibility. I'm looking at getting one myself.

I use a Ruger American Predator (22" barrel) for hunting - shoots 1/2moa consistently and can be had for $1k (stock is flimsy). They are available with a heavier contour 20" barrel in a Magpul hunter stock as well - Ruger American Hunter i think they're called - cost more for the stock, also heavier. The finish on these is not as clean as a TX3 etc but they are one of the most accurate rifles in the price range.

@stagstalker let me know if you decide to move the 284 on....��

Originally Posted by Hunty1

@stagstalker let me know if you decide to move the 284 on....��

@Hunty1 Don’t think I could give that one up but i’ll keep it in the back pocket haha

@stagstalker Fair enough. Think we have similar tastes in rifles!