Can Stihl MS260 handle 3/8 .050 chain on 16" bar?

[Dave12]

I have an 18" bar with .325 .050 chain on my MS260 now.  I'd like to put a 16" bar on it because I already have an 18" bar on my MS341 and a 20" and 25" bar for my MS361.  I'd like all my saws to use the same chain.  Can the MS260 handle 3/8 .050 chain on a 16" bar?

Thanks

Dave

[sawguy21]

Yes it can as long as the chain is properly sharpened and not forced into the cut.

[joe_indi]

You want to run 3/8 " chain on your  260? 
Go right ahead, but, create a pocket rocket by using 63 PS chain, Picco Super, full chisel. And you can use and you don't need to reduce bar length, with 63PS the 260 can handle 18" with ease. 
You will need to change the rim sprocket

[ButchC]

 "Handle" is  subjective. Is it going to kill the saw when it touches wood? Of course not. The 3/8 chain cuts a wider kerf, its moving more chips, it will be slower. While I understand the mind set behind common chain specs (I have 10 saws) I have never warmed up sacrificing performance to accomplish it. The question none can answer fir you is will YOU be happy with it? , that you will have to find out for yourself. As with Joe  I went the other way and changed my 50CC and under saws over to 63PS which is Stihl's  3/8 low pro chisel chain. About 15 minutes of handle time with that combo will make one forget about full sized 3/8 on a 260.

[Dave12]

Thanks for the advice guys.  I've decided to stick with the .325 for the MS260.  Rather than spending the money on a new bar/chain/drive ring I bought a Stihl 2 in 1 sharpener for it.  That sharpener is a game changer for me.

[Mad Professor]

You want to run 3/8 " chain on your  260?
Go right ahead, but, create a pocket rocket by using 63 PS chain, Picco Super, full chisel. And you can use and you don't need to reduce bar length, with 63PS the 260 can handle 18" with ease.
You will need to change the rim sprocket

That would call for a 3/8 picco bar too. Picco 3/8 is same pitch but chain chassis is different than 3/8.  The drive and bar sprockets, and chain drivers get mucked up with a mismatch