I found my 264 Win mag load.

[1Shot]

I have a newly built Rem. 700 with a #5 Shilen CM 27 3/4" barrel in 264 Win mag. I have been looking for a good deer hunting load. I got great accuracy out of 120 Nosler ballistic tips but they were moving 3600 fps. Way too fast for that bullet to use on deer. I got some 130 Accubonds and started playing with them. Yesterday I got to the range and found that 66.5 grs Retumbo in a WW case, CCI 250 primer, OAL 3.340 gave me average 3450 fps and would put 5 shots into 1 inch outside to outside measurement with a heat mirage that made the target look like it was moving about 1 inch. It was 87*. This should be the ticket for deer over the NC bean fields I hunt over.

What has been your-alls experience with the 130 AccuBond at high speeds like this on deer size game?

 

[DrMike]

Haven't worked with the 6.5 bullets much, but I can attest that 140 grain ABs in 7 STW and 7mm WSM work wonderfully on game. I believe your 130 grain ABs will work just fine in your situation. Sounds like you have found a great load for a beanfield rifle. Congratulations!

 

[Divernhunter]

I have a question. First I have not been real happy with the BT on game as I tend to push them fast. If I go to the AB bullet in the same weight(IE 140gr in a 7mm rem mag) Do you usually ise the same load for the AB as you would for the BT. I realze the need to start lower and work up. However if I have to drop down much for my final load I will go with the bonded Hornady or swift bullet. I am asking so that I do not spend a bunch of time finding AB bullets and then testing to find out it is not going to work out. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[DrMike]

At the velocities generated by your 7mm RM, the AB is a "tougher" bullet that will serve you better than the BT, especially if you are generating higher velocities. The load for the AB will likely be "similar" to that you developed for the BT, though there are always slight differences due to construction, bearing surface, etc.

 

[Divernhunter]

Thanks Guess I will have to try them.

 

[JD338]

1Shot

Sounds like you have a great load for your 264 Win Mag.
If your shots are going to be close, consider the 125 gr PT.

JD338

 

[hardpan]

Hi there,
I shoot BTs at around 3450 and ABs about the same. Most of my deer shots are around 300 yds cross canyon (you ca hunters know what i mean.) Going to get tougher with the bull sh@@ law. but, I really like both in my .264. I have never had a deer run when hit with a BT, have had AB leave a reasonable exit, and some of those ran a bit.

Love that caliber, and both for me. But, i am shooting a little slower.
Hardpan

 

[reflex264]

I have shot over 100 deer with the 120gr BT and had one incident of a blow up but it was with one of the older BTs that weren't as tough as the new ones. I have switched to the AccuBond with good results. I hunt bean fields with my .264s and have no complaints. I have shot my farthest deer (620 yards) with a 120gr BT. reflex264

 

[FOTIS]

Sounds like you found it!

 

[1Shot]

I have a revision to my above posted load. I got to the range the other day when it was much cooler 68* and played with the seating depth and really closed up the groups.
My revised load is 66.5 grs Retumbo, CCI-250 primer, WW case reformed from 7mm Rem mag cases, 130 Nosler AccuBond, OAL 3.450 which is ten thousands off the lands. 3350fps which is 100 fps slower than when it was in the upper 80* range and the bullet seated deeper. But I cut the group size down by half. I shot a group that measured center to center .446" .
Rifle is sighted in 3" high at 100 yards and ready to smoke a deer out to 400 yards with a center front shoulder hold. Can't wait until Oct. 17 opening day in East NC.

 

[DrMike]

Certainly sounds like a good load for NC, or about anywhere else.

 

[reflex264]

Here is what I think of the 130gr AccuBond..................
First shot from a cold barrel on my Encore .264 at a lasered 411 yards.

 

[DrMike]

That'll do.