I am wanting to load one bullet, the Serria 140 BTSP Game King, in my 264 Winchester Magnum for all my big game needs[ mule deer, elk, and black bear] and am looking for any "starting" load data. Thanks in advance. Jim the Plumber
All of the powders mentioned are far too fast for the 140 grain bullet in the .264. In fact, IMR 7828 is too fast for optimum velocities.
Since H870 is now defunct, you might try AA 8700 (same spec). Start with about 70 grains and work up. Other possibilities in a cannister powder would be Hodgdon Retumbo, Alliant RL 25 (likely too fast), or one of the Vhittavori powders for the .50 cal BMG (can't remember their designations).
The very best powder I have found in 38 years of working with the .264 in 5 different guns is surplus WC 872. A case full (about 80 grains, but start with 75 or so since this is a surplus powder and lots vary) under a 140 grain bullet yields some of the highest and most consistent velocities that I've had from a .264. As a bonus, this powder runs around 4 dollars a pound.
You didn't ask, but I'm going to advise you on your bullet, anyway. The Sierra boattail is fine for deer, and maybe for the typical black bear which is only about 200 lbs anyway, but for an all around bullet for these species as well as elk, the Nosler Partition is a much better choice. Take the money you save on the cheap WC 872 and use it to buy some Nosler Partitions.
Posts: 13248 | Location: Henly, TX, USA | Registered: 04 April 2001
Just to briefly back up Stonecreek, I shot an axis doe with the Sierra this year. No bones other than a rib or two at 80 yards at 3150 fps muzzle. Nice compact exit hole about a Quarter size. I was and am pleased. I think they're harder than most expect, but for elk, Partition. Most say boattail designs are poor for hunting anyway, don't start that far behind the curve.
Posts: 346 | Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico | Registered: 05 January 2002
Stonecreek, I have a few pounds of WC 860, has near the same burn rate as the H-870. I will be giving this a try as well as some of the above powders. Thanks, Jim the Plumber
quote:Originally posted by Jim the Plumber: Stonecreek, I have a few pounds of WC 860, has near the same burn rate as the H-870. I will be giving this a try as well as some of the above powders. Thanks, Jim the Plumber
Jim: You may find your WC 860 to work well, also. I have tried it, but found that WC 872 (which has a very similar burn rate) did a little better. In the lots I have, the 872 actually appears to be a little faster than the 860 and burns a tad cleaner -- but lots of surplus powder vary and you can't depend on my results to be consistent with yours.
Both powders, WC 860 and WC 872, are significantly slower than H 870 (again, in the lots I have worked with). If you will note, the surplus dealers usually say to work with H 870 data for "starting" loads. My results indicate them to take about 10% (by weight) additional powder as compared to H 870. But, I have seen reports from others who indicated similar velocities with similar charges to H 870, so always proceed with caution. In my .264 the optimum powder charge requires dropping through a drop tube in order to be able to seat the bullet.
Posts: 13248 | Location: Henly, TX, USA | Registered: 04 April 2001
