Target/Hunting Bullet for 10 Twist .264 WM?

[RonAKA]

I have inherited a .264 WM that has a slower 10 twist barrel. I shot it some using Sierra 140 grain GameKing boat tails, with poor accuracy results. I estimate the stability factor of that bullet at about 1.2 with 3000 fps and a 10 twist, and I wonder if that is responsible for the accuracy issue? I would try some Berger 130 Classic Hunter bullets, but I see Berger recommends 8 twist for all their .264 hunting bullets.

Suggestions for a good 10 twist hunting/target bullet that might improve accuracy?

 

[okie]

I have inherited a .264 WM that has a slower 10 twist barrel. I shot it some using Sierra 140 grain GameKing boat tails, with poor accuracy results. I estimate the stability factor of that bullet at about 1.2 with 3000 fps and a 10 twist, and I wonder if that is responsible for the accuracy issue? I would try some Berger 130 Classic Hunter bullets, but I see Berger recommends 8 twist for all their .264 hunting bullets.

Suggestions for a good 10 twist hunting/target bullet that might improve accuracy?

I think those rifles came out with factory 120gr. bullets, probably need some plain ole flat base hunting bullets like sie.gks or hornady interlock...the longer boat tails wont stabilize well

 

[2506]

I would try some 120 gr Sierra Pro Hunter flat base or Speer 120 flat base bullets for target work but the Nosler 125 Partition makes a great deer size game bullet at the high speeds of the 264 win mag. If you were to use the 120 Sierra or Speer for deer size game you will need to slow them down for an impact velocity under 3000 fps for best results. I have shot quite a few deer with the 120 Sierra Pro Hunter out of a 6.5x55 at a muzzle velocity of 3000 fps but most have been between 100 and 300 yards and it does a fine job. I have a 9" twist 264 Win mag with a 27 3/4" barrel and I shoot the Nosler Accubond 130 gr with Retumbo and average 3350 fps and sub MOA accuracy. I have shot deer as close as 25 yards out to a touch over 500 yards and I reacts the same. Enters destroys vitals and exits with a quarter size hole and deer are BANG FLOP dead.

 

[Drop Port]

I used 120 NBT's on too many deer to count with very good results. Accuracy was outstanding also.

 

[RonAKA]

I think those rifles came out with factory 120gr. bullets, probably need some plain ole flat base hunting bullets like sie.gks or hornady interlock...the longer boat tails wont stabilize well

Yes, I am sure the Sierra Pro Hunter 120 grain flat base spitzer would be fine for stability. I see it is only 1.093" long. Sierra does seem to caution that it may be fragile at short range with a high velocity.

The Hornady 129 grain flat base Interlock is 1.169" long and should be OK for stability as well. I have to admit that I have always avoided bullets with a Cannelure ring and have never crimped bullets. It seems to be a bit limiting as to seating depth options.

Thank you for the suggestions. I will put them on my list to consider.

 

[RonAKA]

I would try some 120 gr Sierra Pro Hunter flat base or Speer 120 flat base bullets for target work but the Nosler 125 Partition makes a great deer size game bullet at the high speeds of the 264 win mag. If you were to use the 120 Sierra or Speer for deer size game you will need to slow them down for an impact velocity under 3000 fps for best results. I have shot quite a few deer with the 120 Sierra Pro Hunter out of a 6.5x55 at a muzzle velocity of 3000 fps but most have been between 100 and 300 yards and it does a fine job. I have a 9" twist 264 Win mag with a 27 3/4" barrel and I shoot the Nosler Accubond 130 gr with Retumbo and average 3350 fps and sub MOA accuracy. I have shot deer as close as 25 yards out to a touch over 500 yards and I reacts the same. Enters destroys vitals and exits with a quarter size hole and deer are BANG FLOP dead.

Yes okie suggest the 120 grain Sierra's as well. The Speer Hot-Cor 120 grain flat base spitzer should be stable as well. Will add them to the list. I have Nosler Partition 140 grains, and in my other .264 WM it was my go to moose load, and got me some. However, it comes out as 1.37 on my stability calc, and I have always questioned the accuracy of the partition bullets. However the 125 grain should be stable, and I may have to consider it if I get serious about hunting again. They are kind of expensive to shoot at targets, with so-so results.

The 130 grain Nosler Accubond seems like a really long bullet at 1.320". I think for sure it is a no go in my 10 twist. It must challenge your 9 twist...

Thank you for the suggestions.

 

[RonAKA]

I used 120 NBT's on too many deer to count with very good results. Accuracy was outstanding also.

I actually have a box of 50 of these 120 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip boat tails on hand. I have never shot them. They calculate out to be 1.46 for stability in my 10 twist. They should be good to go, and I will give them a try for sure.

 

[RonAKA]

Has anybody tried these Sierra 130 grain HPBT Gamekings?

They kind of look on the stubby side for a 130 grain, and might work for stability in a 10 twist. However, I can't find any dimensional data on them. If anyone has them I would sure appreciate knowing the length, base to ogive (or nose length), and meplat diameter. I would like to calculate the stability potential of them.

 

[/VH]

1.205" OAL

Meplat diameter, best I can measure is 0.100"

 

[RonAKA]

1.205" OAL
Meplat diameter, best I can measure is 0.100"

Thank you. The stability factor looks to be about 1.4 which may be OK. The ideal twist would be about 9.5 though.