264 Win Mag Loads

[Send One Lambert]

Hello All,

Just had a 264 win mag built that sports a 27" 1:8 twist Krieger. Just starting to work up some loads and have had decent results fire forming brass with 130 gr. Berger Hunting VLDs over 60 gr of RL-22 with groups averaging +/- 5/8" at 100. Not great, but OK given the barrel is not broke in and first firings of brass. I currently do not own a chronograph, so I have no idea what my velocities are. Hopefully, the chrono will be in the near future.

Given the twist, I would assume the 140s should perform a little better, so I wanted to reach out to see if anyone had any recommended loads for the 140 Berger's and AMAX's over RL-22 or RL-25? I see a lot of guys are shooting Retumbo, but I wanted to make use of about 8 lbs of RL-25 I have if possible.

Any feedback would be much appreciated!

 

[wyoming .260]

I would stick to working up the Reloder 25 loads , I have heard a lot of excellent results with H1000 also.

 

[Send One Lambert]

Thanks Wyoming. Given I have so much of the powder, if I can make it work that is the plan

 

[2506]

I did not have any RL powders and went right to Retumbo. IT WORKS. I have a 27 3/4" Shilen #4, 9 twist that gets 3350 fps with 130 Accubonds with 66.5 grs Retumbo, WW case made from 7mm Rem mag, CCI 250 primer. Shoots 1/2" at 100 yards on average. SMOKES DEER.

 

[JRS]

62 grains of MRP gives me a very comfortable 3200 fps + shooting the 140 class bullets.
No pressure signs and great accuracy

 

[Send One Lambert]

Thanks for the feedback 2506 and JRS, very much appreciated. Retumbo is readily available at my local gunshop and I see a lot of shooters are having a great deal of success with it for the 264. On the otherhand, not sure I have ever seen MRP on the shelf, so that would be something I will have to search on line to find.

Since I had quite a bit of RL-25, a brand new box of 140 Berger Hybrids and some time on my hands this afternoon, I went ahead and loaded up a few test loads to try until I can get my hands on some Retumbo and possibly MRP. Starting out in the middle of the min and max loads just to be on the safe side, so the velocity will be way down from what you guys are getting....but it's a start. Really excited about this rifle and trying it out on the local deer herd.

Thanks again! I will keep you guys aprised of the results of the 25 in case it is something you may want to try.

 

[Send One Lambert]

Just wanted to give you all an update that hopefully you can find useful for your own rifles. I have shot 12 different load combinations over the last couple of weekends with quite a bit of success considering this is the first firing of my brass and I am breaking my barrel in during the process.

All groups were fired at 100 yards:
Load #1: 66.0gr of Retumbo, 140gr Berger Hunting seated on the lands and Fed210M. Group size .256"
Load #2: 60.5gr of H4831SC, 140gr Berger Hunting seated on the lands and Fed210M. Group size .248"
Load #3: 59.5gr of RL22, 140gr Berger Hunting seated on the lands and Fed210M. Group size .424" at 100yds. * Fired second group at a metal gong at 350 yards that to the best of my measuring ability measured 1.25" center to center. It was really hard to tell given the bullet splash on the plate, but this measurement was fairly conservative.

 

[benchracer]

Though I have used Retumbo so far, I have heard good things about RL-25 in the .264WM. You might also consider RL-33 and 160 Matrix VLD's. You have the twist, boiler room, and barrel length to make that combination work very well.

 

[2506]

You need a chrno to find your velocities but looks like your rifle will shoot most anything great. Don't shoot your barrel out finding loads. It don't get much better than what you already have found. Now go hunting. ;D

 

[Send One Lambert]

Agreed sir, the Chrono is top priority on my list. Just need to figure out whcih one to purchase.

 

[Send One Lambert]

Good call Benchracer. Do you have any experience with the Matrix VLDs? Great BC. I have at least 7-8 lbs of RL-25 at home, so I will try to load or two and see what gives.

 

[LKEYES]

I would look hard at the Magneto speed chrono. It is a little pricey,
but well worth the investment as it saves time and frustration when
compared to the other cheaper brands. JMHO is all.