I really want to get into 260 rem. I have just started reloading so not worried about factory ammo availability or costs. I would love to keep it simple and inexpensive. Definitely needs to be bolt action. My initial thought was to start from a factory Remington 700 in a Magpul Hunter stock and see how I like the caliber. Or start with a factory Tikka T3. I have a Rem 700 and Sako so I'm already familiar with the two actions. Plus I know FiremanFG likes to build off Tikka actions and he kinda knows his stuff.

From there I'd like to upgrade the barrel to more of a target/bull barrel, upgrade stock, upgrade bottom metal, upgrade trigger. Any thoughts on where to get a barrel and a good gunsmith that could get the pieces put together? Thoughts?

Being a gunsmith, I won't discourage you from supporting my trade.

Personally though, I would look around for something already put together. There are a number of outfits that do that, and though the initial outlay is greater, in the long run you'll save money that way and wind up with something that is every bit as good, maybe better.

The 260 Remington is a good cartridge. I think you are right to pick the cartridge, and then look for the gun.

I have facilitated multiple builds with the Tikka T3 rifles in 260 Rem and 6.5 Creedmoor. They are 1/2 moa or less shooters with good ammo and a good shooter. I highly recommend them. You can use a #4 contour barrel with an unmodified factory stock. If you go with a bigger barrel, you will need to upgrade the stock.

I would look at the Tikka CTR in .260; turn-key accurate rig for much less than a custom.

You know, I just came across that this morning. I thought Tikka only made the hunter version but I saw the CTR and thought that would probably be a shooter right out of the box. I'm not all that crazy about the stock but I suppose the barreled action could be swapped over to a Manners or McMillan.

I shoot a Ruger Mark II in .260 Remington. Only thing I have done to the stock gun is a trigger job and had the stock glass bedded and it shoots 1/2 moa with 39 grains of benchmark and 100 grain ballistic tips from Nosler. Absolutely love shooting this gun.

Below are a few pics of the Tikka 6.5 Creedmor I had Chad build for me. I have not even broken it in yet and below 5 shot group was made with factory Hornady 140 AMAX with only about 20 total rounds fired. It will do even better once I work up some reloads.

As others have mentioned, a factory Tikka heavy barrel is also a good starting point plus the trigger is very nice and will not need an upgrade saving some coin.

+1 for Tikka CTR.

Start with the Tikka.

The thin barrel can make the cold bore shot way far away as well as the heavy barrel. The heavy barrel holds up for the subsequent shots more than the thin barrel. You buy a Remington, you also buy a Timney trigger, you buy a Tikka, you run it as is. Both may need a stock later, so you might as well start with the better barreled action and trigger.

140 gr. A-max even with the lands (if it still fits in the mag)
H-4350 43.0 gr +
Will be +/- 2800 fps, same as a 25" 6.5 Creedmoor

.4
1.0
1.8
2.6
3.6
4.7
5.8

http://www.eurooptic.com/tikka-t3-sporter-24-barrel-260-rem-jrtn521.aspx


You could do a lot worse than this....

Ed

Tikka t3 love mine in 6.5x55 chopped my barrel to 16.25
Just picked up a new tikka t3 in 308 barrle at 17

Both shoot damn good

Took the 6.5x55 to jasons class and it dialed into 800 yards no prob with a 16.25 barrel