I posted a question on .264 win mag capacity on this forum. I just was surfing and think I should have chosen this 6.5 instead---

http://www.rifleshootermag.com...tw_071207/index.html

The 6.5 STW looks good. Check out the load data on page 3. Talk about overbore. How can this 6.5 work better than the .264 win mag? I would think that being a much larger case than the .264 that pressures would be way too high to achieve those velocities.

Looking at that load data gives me some ideas for the .264............

Is this caliber strictly a wildcat or are components available?

If you trust Layne Simpson, you must trust his data. If you don't trust Layne Simpson, well, you can figure it out.

Remember that there isn't any "free lunch" when it come to velocity. To get more velocity you have to reduce bullet weight or increase the operating pressure. I don't know what you plan to do with a 264 Win Mag or 6.5 STW, but the package is likely to be long enough and heavy enough such that it is unlikely to be very handy. Unless you are regularly shooting varmints/game/targets at ranges over 400+/- yards, I can't see where the 260, 6.5x55, 6.5-284, or 6.5-06 wouldn't allow for a more balanced package. IIRC, 1 of John Barness' last articles in RIFLE or HANDLOADER was about an E.R. Shaw semi-custom rifle in 6.5-06 that he was shooting at over 400+/- yards. That article might give you some grist for your mill.

Jeff

I'm not sure what your question is.

Layne Simpson's data for his 6.5 STW looks somewhat optimistic (at least for the lighter bullets). However, I did not find anything to indicate the barrel length, throating, or pressure parameters he was using.

Some 26-inch .264 Winchesters will yield 3300 fps with a 140 grain bullet, similar to his listed velocity with a 6.5 STW. Any way you cut it, all things being equal the larger case will yield a bit more velocity at the same pressure, or the same velocity at less pressure. The question becomes one of efficiency, and how important the last 50 fps is to the shooter.

If you want to ream out your .264 chamber to 6.5 STW, you can certainly do so (provided your action has sufficient magazine space. You can also ream it to wildcat 6.5-300 Ultramag for even more case capacity in the same action.

Individual rifles will vary in performance, so keep in mind that comparing two different chamberings in two different rifles is not only comparing apples to oranges, you have mangos and bananas thrown in the mix.

Thanks Stonecreek,

I'm going to hang in there with the .264 win mag. I just picked up some US-869, Ramshot Magnum at Sportsman's.
I'm really suprised they had it.

All the bullet shelves were actually BARE. I know they've been bought out, but how do they expect to stay in business with nothing to sell?

My custom .264 is at the smith getting pillar bedded. I can't wait to get it back and work up the new slow burning powder loads. I really appeciate your help and everybody's on this.............I think it will work and I'll be happy.

I just saw the 6.5 STW in the article and was amazed at what it was published to do.

I noticed the same thing, SW shelves are like Ol Mother Hubbards cubbords! But, my local store still has the super slow stuff like US869 and RL25.

With small overbore calibers, you really have to make a significant jump in powder capacity or working pressure to see results that are worthwhile. The STW is basically just a longer version of the 264 Win, now a 6.5-300RUM gets you an increase, or the Lazzeroni cartridges which are based on the 416 Rigby.

Have no remorse, you've still got one hell of a speedy little cartridge in the 264 Win mag. With todays powders, its a much better performer then in years past.

Thanks MileHigh,

I guess you recommend the slow stuff too?

Do you load for the .264?

You just get to the point of deminishing returns at some point...

A gunsmith friend of mine, showed me a report that he had gotten from a former buddy in the Marines.. the Gunsmith had been a Marine Armourer during his service time....

His buddy was doing work with the Phillipino Govt on velocity potential for ammunition for larger work than just a soldiers rifle...

They were taking large cases and necking them down with various bullet sizes....

Examples being 50 caliber cases necked down to 375 caliber 338 , and 30 caliber....

or 20 mm cases necked down to 50 caliber 416 etc...

What they were finding, is that in all cases you got to the point of gaining no more velocity and just burning more powder.. even burning more powder and LOSING velocity....

We need to remember, the biggest need for velocity numbers is to try and flatten a trajectory...

you get to a certain point, that tyou really don't get any more range, because regardless of how fast the bullet goes, wind resistance will still slow it down...

also, it is not velocity or foot pounds that kill... its back to shot placement and a bullet adequate to do the job at the distance you plan on making this all take place...

need long range? build yourself a laser rail gun...

Yeah Seafire2,

I figured the diminishing return scenario was what I was up against. I kinda already saw it when loading the .264 with IMR-7828. It's fast compared to the other powders suggested on this forum. I hope (and think) that the much slower powders will give me more velocity.

Stonecreek said you have to start slow if you want to go fast with the .264.

I'll find out when I get my gun back. I picked up some US-869, RL-25, and some Ramshot Magnum today and can't wait to start metering some.

The 6.5 STW is a strickly a wildcat. I think the 7mm STW is perfect. I also think the .358 STA is perfect. Also think the the .375 Weatherby is prefect.

Componets are available. Neck down if needed.

quote:

Originally posted by rcamuglia:
Yeah Seafire2,

I figured the diminishing return scenario was what I was up against. I kinda already saw it when loading the .264 with IMR-7828. It's fast compared to the other powders suggested on this forum. I hope (and think) that the much slower powders will give me more velocity.

Stonecreek said you have to start slow if you want to go fast with the .264.

I'll find out when I get my gun back. I picked up some US-869, RL-25, and some Ramshot Magnum today and can't wait to start metering some.

That's why you gotta think out of the box man. I'm telling ya teflon coated ice bullets is where it's at. I saw it on CSI, so maybe you could write them and see how it's done. That's the only way I know off to get more speed than the STW.

Try some retumbo too.