Barrel length

[mag41uk]

So I am looking for a new rifle more than likely in 260 rem if I can ever find one.
AI AE3 looking good at the moment.
Do I go for 20 or 24 inch barrel?
I will certainly be engaging targets to 1000m if not more.
Reloaded ammo using Lapua brass and either 123gn or 139gn scenars.
What does the panel think?
Tony

[waterford103]

So I am looking for a new rifle more than likely in 260 rem if I can ever find one.
AI AE3 looking good at the moment.
Do I go for 20 or 24 inch barrel?
I will certainly be engaging targets to 1000m if not more.
Reloaded ammo using Lapua brass and either 123gn or 139gn scenars.
What does the panel think?
Tony

I think 24" ,mine's 27" and it's spot on ,good velocity without max pressure !I only get 600yds here but it's superb !

[TJC]

Neither bud. For a .260 Rem out beyond 1k you should be looking at a 26" 1:8 IMHO.

[tackb]

My 260 with a 23" barrel and 140amax at 2800fps smashes 1k

[TJC]

Yes it may. I shoot a .308 18" to 1k but that doesn't make it ideal.

Have a look at the number of .260 / 6.5mm shooters there were in the snipershide cup and see how many used barrels 23" or below. There is a reason for that. The OP stated 1000m (not yards) so it sort of depends just how far he really wants to go. You need to be pushing a 139/140 faster than 2800 much beyond 1400-500-yrds ideally.

[tackb]

My 20" 308 can make 1000yds but its right on its limit and not reliable

My 23" 260 will go right back to the gate at Barton rd (1200yds) reliably , the loads are hot mind you !

Beyond that I use my 300rum which I had built specifically to shoot the mile so that's got a 28" barrel to launch the 208amax at 3250fps

A 260 will work at 1000m without a super long barrel.

[mag41uk]

Thanks very much for your wisdom chaps.

Tony