I have read several posts here by very knowledgeable members regarding the 264WM being difficult to get shoot the way they wanted them to. I didn't want to hijack the other threads so I started this to ask: What makes this particular round so hard to get to shoot?
I have a rifle that I decided to re-barrel in 264WM. This was before I started reading about the problems getting them to shoot. Now I am unsure about my decision.
Any comments welcome.
GK
The design of the cartridge dates back to a stepped-bullet style - ergo the throat is a bit short when compared to other rounds. The .264 seems to have a less-than-normal array of bullet weights to work with. Most have found that the .264 favors weights from 120-140 gr. As to throat, that can be lengthened easily during a re-barrel.
Part of the 'finicky' issue though, comes from owners who seem to insist on hot-rodding this round to the max.. I've heard tales of 140 gr bullets nearing 3400 fps - and
many times the best accuracy from any round is when it's loaded to max or LESS, according to the books. Last, and this is important for all rifles but especially 'magnum' chamberings - do NOT let that barrel get hot.. Warm, ok - hot, NO-NO..
FWIW, the .264WM is my favorite round to use - and it's my go-to rifle on deer hunts; first one outta the safe.. I've built a couple for members here and IIRC they've been very happy with the results..