.260 Rem.

The .260 Remington cartridge, introduced by Remington in 1997, has its roots in the popular .308 Winchester case. By necking the .308 case down to accept 6.5mm (.264-inch) diameter bullets, Remington sought to offer North American shooters a highly accurate and efficient round built on a readily available parent case. The .260 Remington came into the market at a time when interest in 6.5mm projectiles was on the rise, partly due to their reputation for high ballistic coefficients and excellent sectional density. Initially marketed as both a hunting and target cartridge, the .260 Remington earned a loyal following among competitive shooters and hunters alike, especially those who appreciated its flat trajectory, light recoil, and proven long-range capabilities.

For reloaders, the .260 Remington offers versatility in a variety of shooting applications. It is commonly used for competitive disciplines such as High Power, F-Class, and Precision Rifle Series (PRS), where its mild recoil and outstanding long-range accuracy are significant advantages. Many shooters find that it performs exceptionally well with modern high BC (ballistic coefficient) bullets, allowing precise hits at distances well beyond 1,000 yards. In the hunting arena, the .260 Remington is celebrated for its versatility, being suitable for medium-sized game such as deer and antelope, as well as for varmint control when lighter bullets are selected. Its efficient case design and moderate powder charges also make it an economical option for high-volume shooters and reloaders looking to extend barrel life without sacrificing downrange performance.

When it comes to target species, the .260 Remington shines as a superb choice for North American whitetail deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and even hogs or coyotes with proper projectile selection. Its ability to use a wide variety of 6.5mm bullets—in both hunting and match-grade types—means reloaders have ample flexibility to tailor loads for specific game or competitive situations. While it can technically be used for elk, most hunters reserve larger calibers for that application, but with proper, well-constructed bullets and precise shot placement, the .260 Remington is capable of ethical elk harvests at moderate distances.

Reloaders will find the .260 Remington supports a broad range of bullet weights, typically from 85 grains up to 160 grains. The most popular choices tend to be in the 120-143-grain range, where modern high BC match and hunting bullets maximize the caliber’s potential for both accuracy and terminal performance. Optimal powder choices often include medium-burning rifle powders, with the cartridge offering excellent case efficiency and manageable recoil, making it pleasant to shoot in both short-action bolt guns and AR-10 platforms. The .260 Remington boasts a balanced combination of velocity, accuracy, and downrange energy, making it an outstanding all-around 6.5mm choice for handloaders seeking performance that rivals newer options like the 6.5 Creedmoor, but often in more traditional or readily available rifle actions.