Aquired an 8lb keg of H-870 I will be loading for an FN Mauser with a 26" bbl . The current reloading manuals only list one loading for this powder with the 140gr bullet,73gr period. Some of my early manuals listed a max for this bullet at 76gr H-870. If I decide to ringout the safest maximum load, should I increase the starting 73gr loading by 1/2 gr. increments or less.

I think it is safe to increase the charges by 1 grain in that case.

It depends on your rifle's individual chamber. If it has the standard SAAMI chamber with zero leade, then 73 grains is a very stiff load. If it has a chamber with enough leade to allow you to seat a conventional (not "two-diameter") bullet out to around 3.4", then you might find you can exceed 73 grains. Velocities in a 26" barrel should exceed 3100 fps before you reach loads that give you significant case head expansion. If you don't have a chronograph or access to one, then sell your .264 and buy something more pedestrian.

BTW, the early Speer manual (#7) is likely the source of your 76 grain load -- those loads were generally rather excessive for most .264 chamber/barrel combinations.

Yes it was the Speer # 7 book. But even more interesting is the Hornady manual dated Oct 1967 Starts the 140 gr spire point at 70.6gr of H870 and indicated a max load of 78.3 My chamber guage tells me I have a longer the standard lead. I also came across some of the winchester dual diameter bullets for reloading. I do have a cronograph, and as was said, it is prudent the one be use with this particular cartridge. Thanks for the replies.

If your chamber leade is adequate, then you can likely reach 3200 fps plus with 140's in your 26" barrel. H-870 always had a reputation for leaving behind stubborn fouling, so you may want to pay particular attention to the condition of your barrel and limit the shots between cleanings. Bruce Hodgdon always recommended the use of Bon Ami cleansing powder for scouring the residual from his "spherical" powders. There are probably better cleaning aids now on the market, but you get the picture.

Hutt, If You can, trade it for Retumbo, its alot cleaner and much more stable. Have a friend that shoots 140,& 160, Woodie PP's with great accuracy and high velocity. Just a friendly thought if your rifle doesnt like the 870...Good Luck.

Retumbo is somewhat faster than H-870 and won't provide optimum velocities with 140 grain bullets.

Be careful, I speak from experience. Work up slowly H870 in the 264. It will spike!!!