Rocky, anyone, help with 256 Win reloading

[99savage]

Rocky, I just read your awesome article on the 256 Win Mag on your web site. I have a couple questions for you. One, do you have any data that suggests starting and max loads for the 60 grain bullet using IMR 4227 powder. I have some of this powder and would like to try it but do not have any "MODERN" data for it. I will be shooting them out of my model 62 Marlin rifle. Also, Is there any way on this planet that I can find a 60 grain hollow point for the 256 Win? I have some factory ammo but it is hard to find. Thank you and you ahve a great site here, 99savage.

[Rocky Raab]

Thanks, we're all honored by your compliments. Welcome aboard!

I'm in Las Vegas for the SHOT show at the moment, so I don't have access to any load data. I'll check this thread when I get home next week and see what I can dig up.

On the hollowpoints, you may find that the Hornady softpoints are pretty explosive as they are. But if that's not "splatty" enough, you could make up a little jig that holds a bullet and allows you to hollowpoint them with a drill press. Set the stop depth to make a hole about 1/8" or less in depth.

[Jack]

Forster makes just such a tool for their case trimmer- the lathe type that's been around for years. The attachment is called the Hollow Pointer (no big surprise;) )

[Evan03]

hmmmmmmmmm

im looking just for the sake of looking.

i havent found anything but may get alittle info by looking at 357m load info. ill post back if and when i find anything.

[Ol` Joe]

I can`t find anything off hand with IMR4227 but I do see Hornadies #5 manual listing their 60 gr FP with 13.6 - 16.1 gr of H4227 in the 256 Win Mag. The Hodgdon powder should be a tad slower then IMR so you might try working up a safe load from the listed min load in your rifle.

[RugerNo3]

From my experience with this rifle/cartridge combo, the 60gr bullet is a waste of time. The Hornady 75gr VMAX can outshoot it starting out at 2400fps. Actual flight of bullet with the VMAX is +3.2" at 100yds puts you dead on at 200Yds and near 13in low at 300yds. To use the 60gr, you'll have to be 4.5" high at 100 to get the 200yd zero and it'll be more the 24in low at 300. These are rifle ballistics. It has been a redheaded rifle step child and the Contender shooters enjoyed it more.
To answer your question, 15.5 grains of H4227 should get 2700fps with the 60gr and 14.2 gr H4227 will get 2400fps with the 75gr VMAX. My rifle has a tight chamber compared to earlier runs, so use your abilities for start load safety and new brass is available from Midway USA.
Alliant 2400 powder is another good one, but I'm ready for Li'l Gun trials. What that powder does for the 22Hornet should carry over.
I don't get to spend the time on reloading projects to do it justice, tho.
Your results with the 60 gr may be different. Good Luck!

[Catfish]

I bought a 722 Rem. years ago that was a 25 cal. on the .221 Fire Ball case. It is almost identical in capisity to the .256 Win. Mag. It was the rifle that my wife would always grab when see saw a groundhog, and NONE ever got away from her. My load was, and still is, a 75 gn. Serria HP with 15.5 gn. of H-4227 (which is what the book calls max. load for IMR-4427). Book says this load is 2,500 fps. from a 24 in. barrel. It put a pretty big hole through a groundhog.

[Rocky Raab]

The 75 VMax is excellent - but our poster is using a Marlin 62 lever gun. So he's limited to the 60 flat point or using the rifle as a two-shot.

Good tips on the 4227 loads, though. Thanks, guys. I couldn't do any research while I was out of town.

[Jack]

The Marlin 62 is clip fed, so the 75 V Max might work, if the OAL will allow the cartridge to fit in the magazine.
Unlike every other Marlin I can think of, the Model 62 is a one piece stock lever gun, using a clip rather than a tube magazine, and looks more like a Winchester 88.

[Rocky Raab]

Jack, I must have needed a nap more than I thought. Thanks for the correction.

[Jack]

Quite understandable, Rocky.
Marlin's made a bazillion different model lever guns...all 2 piece stock tube feeds, except that one.

[Ridge Runner]

savage check your PM's
RR