Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 264 Win Mag and 160 Matrix load advice

I am itching to try these Matrix 160 VLD's in an 1-8 twist 26" barrel.
But trying to find any hints on load data has proven very challenging.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

I'd suggest US869 starting at 70.0 grains. Fed 215's without a doubt.

77.0 is max in my rifle with 139-142 grainers. I have not actually used anything heavier than 142 gr.

Thanks!!

I have been shooting the 156 gr Oryx and 155 gr Mega bullet in my 264 WM lately using Hodgdon's data for the 160 gr Hornady and Retumbo. I'm getting a bit more speed from both of them than they did with the 160's which would be expected with a slightly lighter bullet, my gun has a 24" barrel but speed seems just fine. I would start low with data for the 160 gr Hornady and work up slowly using a chronograph and of course some common sense I thought about trying the 160 gr Matrix but may opt for the 150 gr version instead. I hope you keep us up to date on how things work out for you.

FWIW, Magnum and Retumbo haven't stood out yet with the Mega bullet so I also plan to try IMR 7828 and IMR 7977. Retumbo and the 156 gr Oryx shoots well so that load is done.

Thank you and yes I sure will keep this updated.

How fast are those 142 gr loads running and how is the accuracy.

Range report

So for starters I loaded up a ladder test with Retumbo powder.
Charges were from 59.0-66.0 in full grain increments.
Bullet is seated 15/1000ths off the lands.
Target was at 200 yards.

I did notice slight pressure signs at 65.0, and then at 66.0.
Also a slight accuracy node right in the middle to upper end of the test.
But other then that everything seemed to shoot fine.
I did not chronograph this yet.

Moving forward to the next step.
I loaded up 3 round sets starting at 62.0 and going to work towards 64.5.

After I have shot this I'll report again.

Thanks for the update. Even though the 160 gr Matrix is quite a bit different in shape to the bullets I used mentioned earlier it is interesting to note that 64 gr of Retumbo was pretty much max in my gun and 65 gr really didn't gain me anything. Looks like you are finding the same, it will be neat to see what your longer tube comes up with for speed using that sleek bullet.