Working Up a .264WM Accuracy Load.

Adam Helmer · #1 09-25-2016, 04:57 PM

Today I helped a lad, Wade, develop an accuracy load for an Unfired MINT Condition Winchester M70 Westerner in caliber .264 for the upcoming PA rifle deer season. He decided to work up a load using 140 grain Hornady SST spitzer bullets, IMR4350 powder and CCI Magnum large rifle primers and new Winchester .264WM cases. A 4X-12X Zeiss scope topped the rifle.

We selected 20 new cases, loaded a spread of 53-54-55 and 56 grains of IMR4350 powder and loaded the 140 grain bullets to an overall length of 83MM, just short of the lands. Off to the hayfield 100-yard range we went. Our test fire showed 55 grains of powder resulted in a 3-shot 5/8th inch group. The cases were reloaded with the accuracy load and the lad is prepared for deer season. I have never found an accuracy load in 20 rounds before and probably never will again.

Way to go, Wade.

Adam

Dan Morris · #2 09-25-2016, 06:10 PM

Memories, I killed my first muley with that combination back in 62....used Nosler 140 gr. Rifle was borrowed. Had to load em, gfactory 264 was really scarce on shelved back then....that is why I didn't buy the M70........
Dan

Adam Helmer · #3 09-25-2016, 06:40 PM

Dan,

My .264WM is a MarkX Mauser that is more accurate than I can hold with my handloads. I also have a 7MM Remington Magnum and suffered SHORT case life UNTIL I finally learned to resize to the shoulder and NOT the belt!

Happily, all the new Short WSM and WSSM cartridges are BELTLESS because NO BELT Was ever needed on the .264 or 7RM way back when. The belt was a COSMETIC Advertising Ploy that is now GONE, but WAS A RELOADERS' Nightmare! I told them so back in the 1970s.

Adam