Tikka T3...260 or 7mm-08?

[John Browning]

I already have plenty of bolt guns that can do all these things, but I don't have a Tikka. I really want to get a .260 to play with, but the 7mm-08 is about $150 cheaper. I can't decide and currently don't load either cartridge, but load plenty of 6.5 and 7mm rounds so components are a wash. Either way, I'll be using it for:

1. Steel out to 700 at Washoe County with lots of wind
2. Hunting hogs, blacktail, whitetail, and mule deer. I have a .280 Remington that I use currently for most open western country hunts. This would probably be used where shots are under 400 yards and I'm not hunting anything larger than mulies.

What should I get? .260 or 7mm-08 and another $150 worth of glass or components?

[scotty99]

Hunting under 400 yards is a wash with either one, targets at 700 in the wind favors the .260. 7mm-08 doesn't seem to like the heavier bullets, so if you're going to be shooting 140s in either gun, the advantage goes to the .260.

However, factory 7mm-08 ammo is way easier to find, and right now it looks like the Creedmore is winning the 6.5mm fight. 260 Rem may not be around forever (if that matters to you).


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[Sutcliffe]

not a whole lot of difference 'tween the two

The .260 is harder to find ammo for.

[Flouncer]

If you have to ask you will never know. Sorry, I am no help at all. Just don't try and get a Tikka in 8x57.

[TMB 1]

The Tikka I'd want would be in 6.5x55.

[ElvenSoul]

Tikka 6.5x55 if you mail order ammo

Is cheaper than .260rem

If you reload .260rem is the clear winner.

7mm-08 is a girls .308...not enough to launch the 175gr .284 like 7x57 or .284Win.

The 7mm-08 is a good hunting round.

Then there is 6.5x55 just enough to launch the legendary 160gr round nose or the modern 158gr oryx that deep nasty holes in all game. Seen a 160gr round nose go through a moose.

[ElvenSoul]

Check the Savage 11 Light Hunter in 6.5CM if you want a very nice multi game hunting rifle. Especially for CA thanks to Hornady Lead Free 6.5CM ammo being fairly inexpensive.

[Divernhunter]

The 260 is a great cartridge.
I have a Tikka in 7mm-08 and another in 6.5X55 Since I already had a Mil Surplus Mauser in 6.5X55 I got the Tikka in 6.5X55 instead of 260Rem.

You will be happy with either but my guess would be happier with a 260 or 6.5X55.

[John Browning]

The 260 is a great cartridge.
I have a Tikka in 7mm-08 and another in 6.5X55 Since I already had a Mil Surplus Mauser in 6.5X55 I got the Tikka in 6.5X55 instead of 260Rem.

You will be happy with either but my guess would be happier with a 260 or 6.5X55.

...and so I bought a 6.5x55. You win.

[ElvenSoul]

What model?

[John Browning]

T3 Hunter. It's my first Tikka, but if it goes well I am already thinking of a CTR and a Lite in .300 WSM.

[ElvenSoul]

I think after you shoot some 6.5x55 156gr Oryx you will find you don't need a 300wsm.

[John Browning]

Only upgrade I have planned for this rifle is a steel recoil lug and a Sightron SII and then it is off to hunt. I really look forward to seeing what it can do in the field. I want to try some Accubonds and Swift A-Frames, but in this craphole state it will be E-Tips and TTSXs.

Is the 6.5 really able to do what a .300 WSM can? That would be unexpected but awesome. I know from experience that the WSM is capable of anything on hooves at 400+. I am really excited to give the ole Swede a run. I have heard nothing but good things about how it performs.

[ElvenSoul]

The only animal in North America that would notice the difference is the grizzly bear.

But then the .300wsm is not the right medicine for him either.

In CA the 140gr TTSX should be plenty

[ElvenSoul]

Wait I'm sorry Barnes tops out at 130gr but Hornady makes a 6.5 140gr lead free