Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Im new to .264 win mag, your pet loads please!

Hi guys, Im 5 shots into my new, old 59' .264 win mag mod 70 Westerner, I was able to pick up 2 boxes of Win SuperX 140 to tune up and save brass.
I had rather learn from you guys and save myself time and money. I am leaning toward 130 gr accubonds but am open to any and all, powders,primersand bullets. As stated I will be using once fired winchester brass.
Thanks in advance, very best

55 gr of MR-3100 (Old accurate bulk powder) behind 120-140 gr bullets have worked well for me for at least a couple decades, that combo has killed many truck loads of Antelope and Mule deer in southern WY, back when you could buy a General Lope tag over the counter and as many Limited Quota doe/fawn tags as you wanted.

The same amount(55 gr)is a good starting point with 4831. RL-22 or IMR 7828 like about 60 gr. IMR 4350 with similar charges will do the same thing as the 270 with similar bullet weights. A "pet load" I like to shoot is 30-35 gr of 4227 underneath a 87-100 grain bullet. If an SP this makes a great deer load out to 150 or more yds for "younglings" and the HP is great for varmints of the canine variety.

My two current favorite loads are 62.5 gr H4831 behind a 125 gr Nosler partition and 68 gr of Ramshot magnum behind a 120 gr ttsx. I partially resize my cases so where I get a slight resistance when closing the bolt, I use Winchester mag primers. I also have a Pre 64 westerner with a stainless steel barrel, don't know if they all came that way or not. I purchased mine in 1975 for $325.00, came with a 6X Redfield wide view, been wanting to get a 3x9 but can't bring myself to do it because that scope and rifle have been togeather so long.

Try WC-872
US-869
RL-33 with the 140's

Slow burning powder is best in the .264

like Freddy above,I started with 125 nosler & H4831, also used
mag-pro with the 140 gr,since the 130gr accu-bond came out Ive
stayed with that and retumbo with 250 primers,this combo really delivers the mail.

WC 872 160 gr woodleigh

Retumbo and 140 gr VLD's.

125gr Partitions and 7828: 3300+ fps. Great open country deer load.

winchesterpoor,

My first .264 was a Westerner, and after considerable experimentation I ended up using Ramshot Magnum with 140's at around 3225 fps and very good accuracy.

My present .264 has a 24" barrel with a 1-8 twist, and I've experimented with it even more. Magnum is most accurate with 125-130-grain bullets at around 3250-3300, but Reloder 25 is most accurate with 140's at 3100-3150. Retumbo also shows promise, but I haven't had the chance to experiment with it as much as I'd like.

68 gr retumbo and 140 Bergers. Has shot well in 3 rifles.

If I had a .264, I'd be trying the very slow powders. I picked up a can of RL-33 and may try it in a good bud's .264 WM.

DF

130 gr Accubond and 68.0 gr Ramshot Magnum
or
120 gr Ballistic tip and 62.0 gr of H4831sc

Thanks guys, what primers do you like the best, I realize I may have to use whats on the shelf at local GS.
win mod 70 are you running the 140 VLD's and Retumbo in a std; mod 70 Westerner? I like what Ive seen on the VLD's once you get length tuned in. very best

rl 25 and retumbo.

I am looking for the 129 LR AB's

I use Winchester mag primers with all my 264 loads.

Found this load to work in my Mod. 70 sporter 26" -

RL-33 - 74 gr. 3.3 coal Rem 9 1/2M primers 3-shot group of .531 @ 100.

Started at 70 grains and worked my way up. Hard bolt lift starting at 70 but got progressively easier as the load warmed up. No pressure signs (no case bulge, split cases, extractor marks, cratered or backed out primers. Primer pockets still good and tight.

I'll load some more up and try it at longer ranges and see how they hold up. Provided the winds don't get too bad.

75.o to 76.o gr US-869 with the 139 Scenar and Fed 215. This in a 9" twister.

Just wondering what you will be hunting with the 264? There is bullets and powder to shoot everything from ground hogs to moose. The Model 70 I had liked the Sierra 100gr HP at around 3600fps. It was very accurate.

are you shooting at elk?

Update on my 264 load with RL 33 - Found a 'better' load 1 grain more! 75 gr RL 33, 142 gr ABLR, Nosler case, Rem 9 1/2M primer. Magnetospeed showed average fps of 3080 or so. 5 shot group = .395.

That's interesting.

I'm shooting the 139 Scenar with 72 grains of RL-33 in a 26" barrel.

Velocity and drops true out at 3400 fps.

3400 fps from 140s in .264 is kind of a red flag.

just sayin'

I am currently using 63 grains retumbo with 140 grain accubonds with a winchester mod 70 26" barrel groups are half inch or less if i do my part at 100 yards. pro chrony says average vel is 3062, but drop test at 500 and 750 put trajectory validation at 3238 ft per sec. this is 1/2 grain below max on hodgens load data but in my rifle it is MAX load.

What could go wrong with a load 200 fps faster then the fastest safe 264 WM loads

I used 63.5 gr Retumbo with 140 gr Partitions for 3070 fps from a 24" barrel. Now that the throat has eroded it is much slower so it's going to get a new barrel in the near future.

toad,



Some barrels are slow and some are fast. This is probably not the first load he's worked up.

Tinstaafl*

I believe that's how they spelled it in the Speer manual

Nosler's max speed with their 26 Nosler is a hair over 3300 fps with 140's.

*Since someone will ask it means "there is no such thing as a free lunch"

I've finally settled on 130 NAB's over Re-33.

You've obviously never used RL-33 in the .264 ....

...or N-570 in the 26 Nosler------142 LR Accubonds at 3600 fps

Ringy, how many .264 WM loads have you worked up?

I've owned .264s since the '70s. current stable consists of four, three on their second barrels and one on it's third.

Krieger barrel



lilja barreled Laredo on the left



lilja barrel top, brux barrel lower.



some of my .264 brass.



my statement that 140s @ 3400 from a .264 Win. is kind of a red flag stands.

I know I don't have to, but I want you to feel better about the extra 150 fps


I have one lot of RL-33. In my last barrel, I was at 77 grains for 3250 fps. In that barrel I never got more than 3250 fps without pressure signs. I was shooting the 140 VLD.

That was what caused me to say that it was interesting that the dude who was loading 75 grains was only getting a bit over 3000.

When I started load development in my new barrel, I started at 72 grains, fired 3 shots up to 73 grains and hit pressure way too early for a test so I started over and lower at 69 grains. At 72.5 I had a faint ejector mark and at 73 as well with a bit of a sticky bolt lift. I realize that the old barrel's throat was worn and this was a new chamber causing the difference.

The entire ladder at 550 yards was a node. I simply picked the highest charge under the pressure signs, loaded 3 and shot them at 100. It grouped .3"

At this point I had no idea of the velocity until I shot it for drop data and used Ballistic AE to true it out.

Whoever said it is a "fast" barrel is right. I'm also shooting the 139 Scenar. The barrel and bullet dimensions might have bearing on the results, but some barrels are slower and some are faster. I thought it was interesting. This happens to be a "fast" and "accurate" barrel...

The last 5 shots of the Audette








[video:youtube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spnHDf0flJ0[/video]

toad,



How many .264's I or you worked on is irrelevant to this conversation. No informed loader will disagree with the idea some barrels are fast and some are slow.

I thought so...

I've been through a pile of .264 barrels and haven't found any magic ones that'll add 150-200 fps. that is a huge step.

I'm not sayin' it isn't possible, but I am sayin' IT IS KIND OF A RED FLAG. no informed reloader will disagree...

toad,



Apparently two do.

you calling yourself 'informed' is amusing...

Have you tried RL-33 in the .264?

Funny thing about loading for the .264 (which I'm sure you know) is that when you decide to have one in the stable, you've just signed up to be your own ballistician. (That is if you plan to get the performance the cartridge is capable of)

The reason you are your own ballistician is that there is very little load data published for the .264...... At least data with newer, modern propellants.

I've yet to see any with RL-33. I've tested a hell of a lot of powders in the .264 and nothing has come close in velocity to RL-33. I would think N-570 would work similarly from seeing what a friend has done with it in the 26 Nosler.

If a guy is loading 7828, US-869, 4831, or even Retumbo in the .264, he's stuck in the Dark Ages...

My pet load is 76gr of Rl-33 under 140 Hybrids @ 3190. That is in a 24" #3 Rock barrel. Zero pressure signs, just stopped cause the load is ridiculously accurate for a 7# gun. Consistent .3-.4's. I'm sure I could go higher just not seen the need. I may see what I can squeeze out of her later but for now gonna run her at where its at.

Roy

I do use RL33 in the .264. IMO, similar to but less bulky than RL50. I could get ~30-40 fps more from it (and RL50) than 7828. that gain put me in the 3220-3250 ballpark.

thing is, your load seems to be a mild load but yields 150+ fps more than what I am getting with quite a bit more RL33.

that is what I would be concerned about. wildly unexpected results might seem like a gift, but still raise the red flags.

do you have access to QL?

I had QL on a computer that died, so not now. I know of no published data for the .264 with RL -33. QL may be a good pretictor but I wouldn't rely on it as Gospel

Statements about using quite a few grains more (up to 5 grains on this thread) than my load of 72 and getting a lot less velocity is what I found interesting. I would think that would go to show that there is such a thing as "fast" barrels. I also think that a guy using 77 grains and achieving less than 3100 would signify that there are "slow barrels" (or a completely worn out throat)

Another possible point where error may exist is in everyone's statement of the velocity they think they are getting.

BTW, that is a chitload of .264 brass. Why do you have so much?

2 5-gallon buckets of brass? I'm guessing 5000 pieces?

i got a deal on it LOL. I do have ~5K, but some of it is in another partial bucket not pictured, and some is loaded ammo.

when I have a new barrel spun on, i work up a load and load 600-1K rounds, just for that rifle, and that rifle will usually get nothing but that load for the life of the barrel. easier for me to keep track of schitt that way.

Yep...that would definitely simplify things a little. Haha.

I'm putting 61.5 gr of RL22 under a 129gr LRAB running 3200 fps out of a 26" barrel. Less than 1/4" groups at 100. Also shooting 100 gr ttsx at 3450 fps.

142 ablr 65 gr 7828 3144 fps

What is a good load for the Nosler 130 gr Accubond and Ramshot Magnum?

I have gone up to 70 grains with no problems and very good accuracy, with a muzzle velocity of around 3250 in a 24" barrel.

thanks

100gr Nosler BT with 72gr H4831 at 3709fps and 100 yard 3 shot group covered with a dime from my Shilen 30" barrel 1 in 8 twist. 160gr Woodleigh with 71gr H570 same gun at 3095 fps. Haven't shot for accuracy with 73gr H570 3261fps but signs of pressure. Extractor mark and flattened primer but bolt still opens easy. I am guessing somewhere in between will be ideal for the 160gr bullet.

264wm,

You still have some H570 or is that N570?

Yes I still have 2 and 3/4 lbs of H570 a friend gave me but he wants the empty cans back as they are rare.

This load has been killing everything my dad has pointed it at in my sendero

70.1 grains of Ramshot Magnum behind a Barnes 127 LRX is very accurate and high velocity. 3400 and change.

Rifle is an Extreme Weather Model 70 with a 26 inch barrel.

73 grains of Rel 33 behind a 140 Nosler Accubond. 3180 fps and 1/2 MOA out of my westerner. It's quickly killed everything that I've pointed at it.

Don't even have to pull the trigger??

Is the 1:9 twist the norm for 264? Looking at a Winchester extreme weather and wanting to shoot 140's. Does anybody see any issues with combo?
Thanks

I have the 1:9 twist and have no issues with 139-142 gr. bullets. The 139 Scenar smokes 'em all in the accuracy dept. Have not tried the new ELD-X, but the 140 A-Max was a dud for me.

I load 58 grains of IMR 4350 with a 140 Nosler ballistic tip. A little over 3000 fps. I use this load in two Westerners and two Sako's. All have 26" barrels.

Update #2 on my load. Settled on the 75 gr load with the 142's. Kept shooting the rifle (factory new one) and about the 100th round down the pipe I noticed the group opening up a bit (up to a .8" group for 3).
I pulled out the Magnetospeed and shot a 10 shot string over it. I'm guessing my barrel finally 'broke' in. The same 75 gr load was bumping down the road at 3240 on average.

Took a nice 5x5 with it this fall. The 142 cleared through both shoulders at 137 yards.

I'll keep playing with it as I really enjoy shooting my 264. Picked up 8 lbs of RL 33 and 800 bullets (i'll use some of those in my 6.5 Swede as well). Should last me through my first barrel though.

Glad I found this thread!

I bought a can of US 869 a few years ago and 74 grains behind a 140 MK was under a half inch. Did not have a chronograph at that time.

Defiantly gonna try to find some R33 now.

Maybe some R50?

RL-33 could not best US 869 in the accuracy dep't for me. Tried H50BMG also (Same burn rate as RL-50). My advice is don't bother with it. 869 is my huckleberry. What was very interesting is groups were sub MOA from 70 to 77.o grains with the 139 Scenar and the Scenar doesn't seem to care where it's seated.

What kind of case prep are y'all doing for accurate loads? Full length sizing? Shoulder bump? Neck Sizing?

I'm gonna start loading for mine soon and need input on best practices, or what works for y'all.

Anymore updates on loads? RL-33? Anything new out there since 12/28/16?

Thanks,

David

I'm using Nosler brass in mine. All I did with the cases is neck-size them and load them. I'll check the shoulder and might bump it back a bit. Works in mine so far. With some Winchester 2x fired I got when I first got the rifle, I full length resized then neck-sized.

Thanks Bear. I’ve been trying to decide on buying a neck die. Guess I may as well pony up for one this week. Any particular die you’re partial to?

I don't believe Lee makes a collet die for it, which is unfortunate because that's the way to go for neck sizing. The Redding bushing dies and bushings are quite expensive, and IMO conventional neck sizing dies are to be avoided.

Looks like you're right. Lee doesn't make a collet die for the .264WM. And yes the Redding collet dies are pretty pricey. Maybe I'll just setup my FL sizing die to bump the shoulder minimal.

That's the way to fly.

I had a past member modify a Lee collet die for use with my .264WM. The die works as it should...but I never could get runout to a satisfactory level (my goal is 0.004" or less).

I considered going the Redding bushing die route but tried a RCBS FL sizer I had on hand first. With the expander stem removed, I set the die so that it just kissed the shoulder of some fire-formed brass. I then replaced the sizer stem and played with its position a bit, starting with all the way down (decapping position) to fully raised. With the stem just a few turns short of fully raised, I am regularly achieving runout of 0.001-0.002" on sized cases. I do have to decap in a separate step though...oh well.

I also have a Redding body die on hand so if these cases ever get a bit tight to chamber I will just bump it back a little without messing with the RCBS sizing die settings.

While I would like to try a factory Lee collet for this rifle, I just can't bring myself to spend another $70 not knowing if it will make any improvement over my current set up.

As for loads, I am currently running 140gr NPTs, Win case, Fed 215, and 67.0gr of Magnum for 3150fps.
I have also had good luck with 120gr TTSXs, Win case, Fed 215, and 70.0gr of Magnum for 3380fps.

Plan to play a little this year with IMR 7977 (already on hand) and 8133 (if I can find any).

Reading this reminds me of why I use a 270 Win and a rangefinder.

I really did like my 264 WM, it worked very well in so many ways. Since I got my 270 Win I found it also did everything I would want especially since I don't shoot at the extreme ranges where the 264 shines. Retumbo and the 130 gr Swift was my favourite load in the 264. That bullet is one of the best all around bullets in the 264 WM for pretty much any hoofed game in N.A.

Posters are asking about die choices. I like Lee Collett neck sizer. Some claim even better performance with expensive Comp dies.

What’s your favorite combo?

DF

I found a Hornady universal 6.5 neck sizer. Works well on mine. For the body die I'm using an old set of RCBS dies I picked up at a pawn shop for $5. They'll de-prime and bump the shoulder back enough.

.264 pet load is a 129 grain Hornady at 3300fps with H-870. It's been in my 24" Savage 110. I got 3200fps with factory 140 winchester! 100 grain factory Winchester didn't do much faster. Now I've moved from MT to NC and two of 3 rifles I've bought here are .264's. Both are pre-64 Winchesters, a featherweight (1962) and a Westerner (1960). Has anyone seen one marked "Westerner"?

Have a Westerner. 26" barrel.

The featherweight was called a westerner also

The following loads are safe in my rifles: Win Extreme Weather 26" bbl 1/9 twist. Barnes 120gr TSX--. 74.5grs Vihatvuori 24N41 3433 fps.
Ruger 24" factory 1/9 . 140gr Sierra BT.-- 76 grs Vihatvuori 24N41 3211 fps.
Custom 26" Bbl 1/8 Barnes 100gr TTSX -- 73 gr IMR-7828 3720 fps
Pre 64 Win. 26" Bbl 1/9 Sierra 140 gr BT. Ranshot Magnum 69 grs 3240 FPS

If you use any of these loads start at least 10% less.