Hello,
My name is dixiejack and this is my first post. Just ran across this forum today and I am really impressed with the topics covered.

I am trying to get some info. on the .256 Maximum. How hard is it to form brass for, some bullet/powder/primer combos, and accuracy.

I used to have a .256 Win. in a 10" Contender years ago and sold the barrel when hornady quit making the 60 gr. HP bullet. Couldn't get anything else to shoot like that bullet.

Dixie, post this requested in the single shot forum also, bunch of "TC" shooters there,
I think as I remember the 256max is nothing more than the 357max necked down, just like the ole 256, use 357mag brass

Thanks Dave,

I was thinking thay you used the 357 Remington Maximum case. I will post to the single shot page. I know Bullberry chambers that round.

Welcome!

A buddy has been making 17 mach IV rimmed brass for his contender out of 360 Dan Wesson cases. He runs first through a 30 mauser, then 256 win, then 221 fireball, I think a 20, and then down to 17. As I recall, he didn't have much problem getting down to 25 cal but going all the way down to 17 was a serious pain.

I've never fired a 256 max, nor seen data. I believe there was a 25 TCU, which might provide some insight on what such a round would be capable of.

I would imagine there is some load data for this out there some where. I have made a 25x357 max just using 256 dies. Just make sure to anneal about 3/4-1" down from the mouth. If you have access to a 25 TCU dies set you would be almost there. Although this would be a sister to the 7 Super mag, aka 7mmx357 max. This case is real easy to make, just run a 357 max case in to a FL 7TCU die and you are done. Strange looking round, aka "the neckless wonder", but they shoot really well. At least the ones I have been around. Also just use standard 7 TCU load data.

If you use a 256 die to form with you will of course lose some capacity. The way I made mine was to run the into the 7 TCU die and then into the 256 die. I ran them into the 256 die short, but far enough to get the same neck length as a 256. Also if you need a body die there are carbide body dies readily available, just use a 357 mag or max die with the expander removed. And just use the 256 die to neck size.
As to the Max brass. If it were me at this point in time to take this project on in a serious manner I would have to go with the 360 DW brass. I am almost certain that Starline made 357 max brass at one time, but I no longer see it listed. They do have the 360 DW case listed now though.
Jeff