How does 260 Remington’s trajectory compare to .270 Winchester?

Ballistic Comparison

When comparing the 260 Remington and the .270 Winchester, it’s essential to look at their ballistics. The 260 Remington is a shorter case length than the .270 Winchester, but it can produce higher velocities. A typical 120-grain bullet fired from a 260 Remington at 2,900 feet per second (fps) will have a ballistic coefficient (BC) of 0.485, while the same bullet fired from a .270 Winchester at 2,900 fps will have a BC of 0.460. The higher BC of the 260 Remington means it will drop less for the same range and have less wind drift.

Real-World Performance

In reality, the performance difference between the 260 Remington and the .270 Winchester is relatively small, and both are excellent choices for hunting deer at long ranges. For example, at 500 yards, a 120-grain bullet from a 260 Remington will drop 12.1 inches, while the same bullet from a .270 Winchester will drop 13.4 inches. At 600 yards, the 260 Remington bullet will drop 36.3 inches, while the .270 Winchester will drop 40.2 inches. These differences are relatively minor and can be mitigated with the use of a good scope and a stable shooting system.

Practical Considerations

When choosing between the 260 Remington and the .270 Winchester, it’s essential to consider the specific hunting situation and the shooter’s experience level. The .270 Winchester is often considered a more forgiving cartridge, with less wind drift and a more forgiving zero. The 260 Remington, on the other hand, may be a better choice for experienced shooters who want a slightly flatter trajectory. Ultimately, the choice between these cartridges will depend on individual preferences and hunting needs.