What makes more sense ?
 

I have a heavy barrel varmint rifle in .223 and standard rifles in 25-06 and 30-06. I would like to add to my collection a short action lightweight rifle in .243 or 260….which one would make more sense in my battery ?
:confused0024:

Seems like you have the bases covered so you're simply looking to lighten you're load. What do you mean by light weight?

Definitions vary. For example I think a 7lb rifle is light. Some guys are looking to shave a lb off that. So if you were looking to get into the 6lb range it may start to really depend. Recoil could be an issue.

Tom

Do you reload? If not the 260 is limiting OTC. Just some food for thought but have you considered a 7mm 08. Another possibility if you want SA and don't mind the thought of WSM and little more recoil in a light rig - 270wsm? Either would give you a little seperation from what you have already & can be found in lighter frames.

With a .223 and 2506 in your cabinet the .243 seem redundant to me! I like a little more spacing, that's all.

I also think a .270 cal. ot 7mm may work out well for you. Good luck.

of the 243 and 260 I would go with the 243... But a 7mm08 in a Model 7 would fit nicely in there also.

7-08 Tikka T-3. Mine is around 6.4 lbs. with a nikon 2x7 monarch and talley's.

you've already got bolt guns - get a Marlin 336!

Any cartridge that you purchase below a 30-06 is only going to be duplicating the performance of what you already have but in a slightly different package.

So, assuming that you aren't really looking for some performance advantage from the cartridge itself but rather just want a light weight rifle. I would look at the Remington model seven, Winchester model 70 feather weightor ultimate shadow, Tikka T3, Browning X-bolt, etc...

Ya gotta try a .243, lots of bullet selection and you can hunt deer sized game down to gophers.

Of the .243 or .260 I'd go with the .243, but I do like the idea of the levergun. You already have the bases covered, another bolt action won't add to your capabilities. 95% of all game is shot within range of the lever action and you have the option of the standard 30-30 or 35 Rem, the .308 or .338 Marlin express, a bunch of pistol calibers, or one of the big bore .444 or 45-70. The Hornady leverevolution ammo turns the 30-30 into a 250 yard rifle. I have the Marlin 336 stainless steel in 30-30 and I love it, it's light weight and smooth handling.

.243win

I would think the 7mm-08 would be more popular than the .260, seems like its all I hear about these days, so a better option might be the .243 vs. 7mm-08.

I'd still say .243win, that's exactly what I have, a .243 in a lightweight setup mostly for antelope and the occasional coyote.

The .260 has found a home in the long distance shooting arena. I believe it's one of the best calibers. It has limited recoil and can send a bullet down range quite a bit with good accuracy. It's my favorite deer cartridge.

Good luck deciding. I just can't see you being upset with deciding to get a .260.

iSnipe