264 WM elk load not going so good

[gerry]

Can't get the 140 gr Partition to shoot well out of this gun have tried Retumbo, IMR 7828 and Magnum so far. Would love to use this bullet for the antlerless elk permit I have this winter, I am open to suggestions. Have some H 4831 sc and H 4350 but Hodgdon sure has reduced the max loads for both of those now in their newer data. I have a great 130 gr Swift load using Retumbo @ 3200 fps but was wanting something that would penetrate a bit deeper. Anyone use the 140 gr AccuBond in this caliber yet?

 

[FOTIS]

We need more information.

Rifle factory, custom, freefloated, pressure bedded, not bedded, sporter, heavy, types of groups, size, etc......

 

[gerry]

We need more information.

Rifle factory, custom, freefloated, pressure bedded, not bedded, sporter, heavy, types of groups, size, etc......

Custom Remington 700 rifle with a Pac Nor 1 in 8 stainless sporter, free floated in a McMillan Edge stock, it shoots nice triangular groups with various 129-130 gr bullets usually under 3/4 " if I do my part. The Retumbo 140 Pt load usually had two close one flier with Hodgdons max loads todays groups with Magnum was 2 + inches but triangular. Kind of frustrating because I would really like to use this bullet.

 

[wildgene]

...sounds like slow powder choices, how long of barrel???

...Nosler lists RL-19/3021, IMR-4350/2980, IMR-4831/2970, AA3100/2952, W760/2942, H4350/2930, RL-22/2929fps most accurate powder

 

[FOTIS]

Rl 25 should work.....

 

[gerry]

...sounds like slow powder choices, how long of barrel???

...Nosler lists RL-19/3021, IMR-4350/2980, IMR-4831/2970, AA3100/2952, W760/2942, H4350/2930, RL-22/2929fps most accurate powder

I could try a couple of those but the slower powders will give more speed. Don't know why Nosler used such fast powders in their data.


Thanks Fotis for the suggestion didn't even think about it, I gave some RL 25 to my buddy before the 264 arrived on the scene, I'm sure he would let me try it. You have any data for it and the 140's?

 

[onesonek]

1-8" is plenty fast for the 140gr. Partition,, But better too fast than too slow.
What order did the flier come in at? Clean barrel or fouled?
I'm thinking harmonics to a point. Also, I was going to suggest other powders as well. But I was going to suggest the other way of the other suggestions. Not faster powder, but rather slower.
H-870 would be next in line for me,,,actually, it would have been my first choice. Don't ask me why, as I don't have a a real good answer as to why. But I have had better results generally speaking, with the slowest powders listed for a given cartridge with Partitions. Specially with high capacity, lower expansion ratio rounds.
It must be something with the slower pressure curve, and a softer launch with the PT's exposed base, that they like. Just guessing on my part.
If that don't work, go the other way with powder. Then too, I would try presssure pointing the forend with a shim of some sort, if all else fails.

 

[Oldtrader3]

An awfully lot of elk have been killed with the 140 gr .270 bullet which has about the same ballistic coefficient as the 125 gr .264 Partition. At the speed which your .264 will be flying that bullet, I think that you will still get enough penetation to kill an elk cleanly. A load of elk have been killed with 140 gr .270 WSM's which is about what you will be in the ball park with BC and velocity wise.

It certainly would not hurt to try the 140 AccuBond bullet as well. Your rifle might really like them, many rifles do. My choice would be the PT 140 gr but if your rifle won't shoot them?

 

[gerry]

I forgot I did try US 869 as well it must be at least similar to H 870. I could retry that one and Retumbo maybe with different primers or something. With the Retumbo load the fliers were random tried all sorts of seating depths with that one.

If the sugestions you guys have made don't help than the 125 Partitions or 140 AccuBond will be up next only have about 20 140's left anyway

 

[onesonek]

While not being overly familar with US869, I would suspect it would be a fair bit slower than H-870. I also suspect being that slow, you may not get the pressure, speed, and velocity. Might be a good choice with the 160 grainers however.

 

[Guest]

I don't have data in front of me, but thinking about 150gr loads in my 270Wby, which should be similar to the 140gr in your 264, I'm thinking IMR7828, RL25, or RL22 (did I understand it's the most accurate powder in the Nosler manual?). If you have access to the Vihta Vouri (SP?) powders, they have some slower burns that are very energetic.

It might also be prudent to try a different 140gr bullet.

 

[1Shot]

I have been shooting the 130 AccuBond with 66.5grs Retumbo in my 264 Win mag and it is accurate and fast and really goes deep and holds together on deer. I have only recovered one bullet and it was from a deer shot at 111 yards almost facing me. Bullet entered front edge of left shoulder and was found in the right ham when cutting up the meat. Bullet was a text book mushroom and weight was 87 grs. Bullet left the muzzle of my 27 3/4" barrel at an average of 3350 fps. That should do the number on an elk. I have had trouble getting glint edge accuracy out of Partitions in the past. Some rifles just don't shoot good with them. That Swift bullet should do the trick also if you already have a load worked up for it. The sectional density of the long .264 bullets are awesome when it comes to going deep.

 

[Guest]

I do not own a 264 but my hunting friend in Colorado has used the 264 hunting Elk for years. Shoots 140 bullets. It is deadly on Elk and Deer. He uses Reloader 22 powder. He said 4350 powder is to fast burning, he and others had issues blowing primers.

I'm with the others here I'd give RL25 or RL22 a try.

Don

 

[gerry]

When my buddy gets back from his sheep hunt I will get back some of that RL 25 otherwise maybe try to find some 140 Accubonds. Lots of good suggestions guys, thanks

 

[gerry]

While not being overly familar with US869, I would suspect it would be a fair bit slower than H-870. I also suspect being that slow, you may not get the pressure, speed, and velocity. Might be a good choice with the 160 grainers however.

It wasn't too bad, my records show I worked up to Speer's max with the Partitions and got 3030 fps out of my 24" barrel which is not bad Retumbo clocked somewhat faster though.

 

[gerry]

I have been shooting the 130 AccuBond with 66.5grs Retumbo in my 264 Win mag and it is accurate and fast and really goes deep and holds together on deer. I have only recovered one bullet and it was from a deer shot at 111 yards almost facing me. Bullet entered front edge of left shoulder and was found in the right ham when cutting up the meat. Bullet was a text book mushroom and weight was 87 grs. Bullet left the muzzle of my 27 3/4" barrel at an average of 3350 fps. That should do the number on an elk. I have had trouble getting glint edge accuracy out of Partitions in the past. Some rifles just don't shoot good with them. That Swift bullet should do the trick also if you already have a load worked up for it. The sectional density of the long .264 bullets are awesome when it comes to going deep.

You are right I do have a good load that could be used, tried the exact same load you have been using as well it shot pretty good too.

 

[BK]

...sounds like slow powder choices, how long of barrel???

...Nosler lists RL-19/3021, IMR-4350/2980, IMR-4831/2970, AA3100/2952, W760/2942, H4350/2930, RL-22/2929fps most accurate powder

I could try a couple of those but the slower powders will give more speed. Don't know why Nosler used such fast powders in their data.


Thanks Fotis for the suggestion didn't even think about it, I gave some RL 25 to my buddy before the 264 arrived on the scene, I'm sure he would let me try it. You have any data for it and the 140's?

Not the same bullet, but should get you in the ballpark:
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/ ... lletid=116

 

[SJB358]

I have been shooting the 130 AccuBond with 66.5grs Retumbo in my 264 Win mag and it is accurate and fast and really goes deep and holds together on deer. I have only recovered one bullet and it was from a deer shot at 111 yards almost facing me. Bullet entered front edge of left shoulder and was found in the right ham when cutting up the meat. Bullet was a text book mushroom and weight was 87 grs. Bullet left the muzzle of my 27 3/4" barrel at an average of 3350 fps. That should do the number on an elk. I have had trouble getting glint edge accuracy out of Partitions in the past. Some rifles just don't shoot good with them. That Swift bullet should do the trick also if you already have a load worked up for it. The sectional density of the long .264 bullets are awesome when it comes to going deep.

You are right I do have a good load that could be used, tried the exact same load you have been using as well it shot pretty good too.

Gerry, I have gotten pretty lucky with my 264WM. It seems to shoot the 140gr PT very well and man, it is very accurate. I had to bed this M70, but it really shot them well before bedding, but I was getting fliers with the barrel/wood heating up. I am not sure what you are getting for speed, but out of a 26" barrel, you should be seeing the 3100-3200 range with Retumbo or RL25. I tried RL22 with 130's and I hit the celing much to fast. I got 3250 out of the 130's but started maxing out quick. I didn't try RL25 in my rifle as Retumbo has been working so well, but I would most certainly give it a whirl. Sounds like your Swift load is very good as well. I know the feeling of just wanting to try stuff. I am always trying something!

Good luck and hope you find what you are looking for. 1Shot's loads for his rifle seem to be very low compared to mine. In order to get close to 3300, I had to push into the 70's. This is either cause my rifle has a fat chamber or his is tight. Heck, the brass could just be enough difference, but I have found you need to work carefully around the max loads. Somedays they are really safe feeling and other days with Retumbo, I have had stiff bolt lift. I backed down a full grain and issues have gone away, but it was concerning to some extent. Scotty

 

[onesonek]

That aint bad Gerry, velocity wise. Unfortunately, it is a fact, sometime guns just don't like certain bullets. It just sucks more, when it happens to be the one you want to use most. I wouldn't give up on the Partiton just yet. As it could be just a matter of a few 10ths in charge weight, or couple .001" in seating depth,,in or out. Just a matter of trial and error, to find the combination. I'd still give 870 a try myself. And it I also, wouldn't hesitate the use of the 130 gr AB if all else fails with the 140 PT.

 

[Ridge_Runner]

did you happen to shoot any 5 shot groups? what your describing could be a sign of needing to tweak the seating depth, however my advise is try the 140 AccuBond and H-1000 or H4831, seated either to mag length or .015 off the lands, whichever is shorter.
RR