The 260 Remington is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 60,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 9.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 260 Remington with the 6.5 Creedmoor on the same basis.
260 Remington ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 120 gr | 2,880 fps | 2,210 ft-lb |
| 130 gr | 2,830 fps | 2,311 ft-lb |
| 140 gr | 2,725 fps | 2,308 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 3 reference bullet weights for the 260 Remington, from 120 to 140 grains. The lightest, 120 grains, is listed at 2,880 fps, which computes to 2,210 ft-lb. The heaviest, 140 grains, is listed at 2,725 fps, or 2,308 ft-lb. The most energetic reference load is the 130-grain at 2,830 fps: 2,311 ft-lb computed.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 260 Remington ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 260 Remington is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 9.00 in, with a .264 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 60,000 psi. Fire 260 Remington ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
260 Remington vs 6.5 Creedmoor: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 260 Remington | 6.5 Creedmoor |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 60,000 psi | 62,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 9.00 in | 1 turn in 8.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .264 in | .264 in |
| Lightest reference load | 120 gr — 2,880 fps / 2,210 ft-lb | 95 gr — 3,300 fps / 2,297 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 140 gr — 2,725 fps / 2,308 ft-lb | 140 gr — 2,690 fps / 2,249 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 260 Remington at 60,000 psi and the 6.5 Creedmoor at 62,000 psi, so the 260 Remington runs 2,000 psi lower. At 140 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 260 Remington reference load is 2,725 fps and 2,308 ft-lb computed, against 2,690 fps and 2,249 ft-lb for the 6.5 Creedmoor. On that row the 260 Remington carries the more energy. Their standard test barrels differ (24.000 in, 1 turn in 9.00 in for the 260 Remington; 24.000 in, 1 turn in 8.00 in for the 6.5 Creedmoor), so compare the reference rows with that in mind.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 6.5 Creedmoor ammo.
260 Remington ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 260 Remington?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 260 Remington at 60,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 260 Remington?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 260 Remington is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 9.00 in. Your own rifle may differ, and a twist slower than a long, heavy bullet needs will not stabilise it.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 260 Remington?
SAAMI lists 3 reference weights, from 120 to 140 grains: 120, 130 and 140.
Is the 260 Remington more powerful than the 6.5 Creedmoor?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 140 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 260 Remington reference load is 2,725 fps and 2,308 ft-lb computed, against 2,690 fps and 2,249 ft-lb for the 6.5 Creedmoor.
How much does the 260 Remington drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
What is the effective range of the 260 Remington?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 260 Remington ammunition from Nosler, Barnes, Fort Scott Munitions, Hornady, Swift High Grade Dangerous Game Hunting and Berger Match Grade. Browse the full 260 Remington ammo range.
