A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 260 REMINGTON AMMO
Introduced in 1997, the .260 Remington was designed to offer a flat-shooting, low-recoil cartridge built for both hunting and precision shooting. Formed by necking down the .308 Winchester case to accept 6.5mm (.264 caliber) bullets, the 260 Remington benefits from a wide selection of high-ballistic-coefficient projectiles, making it exceptionally accurate at extended ranges. It has earned a reputation for long-range consistency, whether on the hunt or in the precision rifle world.
Most 260 Remington ammo is loaded with bullet weights between 120 and 140 grains, offering shooters flexibility across various use cases. Lighter 120-grain bullets provide faster muzzle velocities and flatter trajectories, while heavier 140-grain bullets maintain energy and resist wind drift, making them a favorite among long-range competitors and backcountry hunters.
A common comparison is between the .260 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor, as both share similar ballistic characteristics. While the 260 Rem can offer slightly higher velocities due to its larger case capacity, the 6.5 Creedmoor is often preferred for its shorter case length, which allows it to accommodate longer, high-BC bullets in standard-length magazines. Still, many shooters appreciate the traditional design and proven performance of the 260 Remington, especially when reloading or hunting in rugged terrain.
For factory ammunition, Hornady Precision Hunter, loaded with ELD-X bullets, is a top-tier option for hunters targeting deer, antelope, and other medium-sized game. These bullets offer excellent ballistic performance and reliable terminal expansion. On the competition side, Federal Premium loads featuring Sierra MatchKing bullets are prized for their accuracy, making them a go-to for shooters demanding consistency shot after shot.
Whether you’re working with a custom 260 Remington rifle or stocking up for your next long-range session, .260 Remington ammo offers a powerful blend of accuracy, versatility, and shootability.
TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 260 REMINGTON AMMO
Choosing the right 260 Remington ammo depends on your shooting discipline, whether you're hunting, target shooting, or dialing in for long-range competitions. Understanding how bullet types, weights, and rifle specs influence performance will help you get the most from your .260 Remington rifle.
Purpose: Match your load to your mission. For hunting, select bullets that deliver controlled expansion and deep penetration, such as polymer-tipped or soft-point designs. These are ideal for medium-sized game like deer, antelope, and hogs. If you're shooting competitively or at extended ranges, opt for match-grade bullets like Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT) or Open Tip Match (OTM), engineered for superior stability, accuracy, and ballistic consistency.
Bullet Weight: Most .260 ammo falls between 120 and 140 grains. Lighter bullets (~120 grains) offer higher muzzle velocity and flatter trajectories, making them great for small game or long-distance shots in mild wind. Heavier bullets (139–142 grains) retain energy better at distance and resist wind drift, ideal for larger game or windy, open-country conditions.
Choosing a Manufacturer: Stick with industry leaders known for producing consistent, high-quality 260 Remington ammunition. Hornady is a top choice with its Precision Hunter line (ELD-X bullets) offering excellent hunting ballistics. Federal Premium provides precision loads like Sierra MatchKing HPBT, trusted by long-range competitors. Nosler offers a balance of hunting and match-ready cartridges with premium bonded and solid-base options.
Consider Barrel Twist Rate: Your rifle’s barrel twist rate plays a key role in stabilizing different bullet weights. A faster twist rate (e.g., 1:8") is optimal for heavier bullets (140+ grains), while a slower twist (e.g., 1:9") may perform better with lighter loads. Most 260 Remington rifles are designed with versatile twist rates, but knowing your specific rifle’s specs helps you choose ammo that maximizes accuracy and stability.
260 REMINGTON AMMO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Is .260 Remington suitable for hunting big game?
- Yes, the .260 Remington is highly effective for deer, hogs, antelope, and even elk with proper shot placement and bullet selection. Using controlled-expansion bullets like Nosler Partition or Hornady ELD-X ensures deep penetration and ethical results on medium to large game at extended distances.
- How does .260 Remington compare to 6.5 Creedmoor?
- Both the 260 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor fire 6.5mm (.264 caliber) bullets with excellent ballistic coefficients. The .260 Rem offers slightly higher velocities due to a larger case capacity, but the 6.5 Creedmoor was designed for modern magazine compatibility with long, high-BC bullets. Availability and factory load variety often favor the 6.5 Creedmoor, but the .260 ammo remains a top performer for reloaders and traditionalists.
- Can I use .260 Remington ammunition in a 6.5 Creedmoor rifle?
- No. The .260 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor are not interchangeable. They have different case lengths, shoulder angles, and chamber specs. Always use ammunition that matches the exact caliber stamped on your rifle’s barrel to ensure safety and function.
- What is the effective range of the .260 Remington?
- With the right rifle and match-grade ammunition, the .260 Remington is capable of sub-MOA accuracy out to 1,000 yards and beyond. Its flat trajectory and low wind drift make it a favorite among long-range hunters and precision shooters alike.
- Is .260 Remington good for beginners?
- Yes. The .260 Remington offers moderate recoil, excellent accuracy, and flexible application, making it an outstanding option for beginners entering the world of long-range shooting or hunting. Its shootability makes it easy to learn with and grow into more advanced marksmanship.
- Can I reload .260 Remington ammo?
- Absolutely. The .260 Remington is popular among reloaders thanks to its .308 Winchester parent case and wide bullet availability. Reloading allows for precise tuning of loads to match specific rifles, shooting goals, or game types. Just ensure your brass and bullet combinations meet SAAMI standards.
- What barrel twist rate is ideal for .260 Remington?
- Most 260 Remington rifles come with a 1:8" or 1:9" twist rate, which are both well-suited for bullet weights between 120 and 140 grains. A 1:8" twist is better for stabilizing heavier bullets (139–142 grains), especially at longer ranges.
- What are popular factory loads for .260 Remington?
- Top factory loads include Hornady Precision Hunter (143gr ELD-X), Federal Premium Gold Medal (142gr Sierra MatchKing), and Nosler Trophy Grade (129gr AccuBond). These options cover everything from hunting elk to long-range competition.
- Is .260 Remington good for suppressor use?
- Yes. The moderate powder charge and smaller caliber make it very suppressor-friendly, with manageable blast and effective sound reduction. Pairing it with subsonic handloads or heavier bullets can further enhance performance in suppressed applications.
- Is .260 Remington ammo hard to find?
- While not as common as 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Remington ammo for sale is still regularly available from brands like Hornady, Federal, and Nosler. Stocking up when available, especially in bulk 260 Remington ammo, is smart for regular shooters and hunters.
OUR TOP 260 REMINGTON AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS
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Hornady Match 260 Remington Ammunition 130 Grain Extremely Low Drag Match - 8553: This cartridge features a Heat Shield tip that resists aerodynamic heating, maintaining its shape and ensuring a high ballistic coefficient of .506 (G1) throughout flight. With a muzzle velocity of 2,840 feet per second and energy of 2,328 foot-pounds, this ammunition delivers flat trajectories and minimal wind drift, essential for competitive shooting scenarios.
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Remington Core-Lokt 260 Remington Ammunition 140 Grain Pointed Soft Point - R260R1: This ammunition is engineered for hunters seeking reliable performance and precision. Utilizing the original controlled expansion bullet design, this round ensures deep penetration and high weight retention, making it ideal for big game hunting. With a muzzle velocity of 2,750 feet per second and energy of 2,351 foot-pounds, this ammunition delivers the necessary power for ethical and effective hunting.
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Hornady Superformance 260 Remington Ammunition 129 Grain Super Shock Tip - 8552: Utilizing Hornady's proprietary Superformance propellant technology, this cartridge achieves muzzle velocities up to 100 fps faster than conventional loads without increasing chamber pressure or recoil.
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Use Cases for 260 Remington Ammunition
- Hunting
- Long-Range Target Shooting
- Precision Rifle Competitions
- Varied Game Hunting (Medium to Large Game)
- Practice and Training
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Popular 260 Remington Ammo Brands
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Common 260 Remington Ammo Caliber Name Variations
THE 260 REMINGTON AMMO "ROUND UP"
Whether you're dialing in at a long-range competition or heading out on a backcountry hunt, our selection of 260 Remington ammo is built to perform. Renowned for its flat trajectory, mild recoil, and impressive downrange accuracy, the .260 Remington remains a trusted choice for hunters, precision shooters, and reloaders alike.
At Target Sports USA, we stock top-performing .260 Remington ammunition from brands like Hornady, Federal, and Nosler, with options tailored for both the field and the firing line. Whether you're shooting a custom rig or a factory 260 Remington rifle, you'll find the rounds you need to hit your mark with confidence. Explore our full lineup, including bulk .260 ammo and precision match loads, and gear up with ammunition engineered to exceed expectations.