Came across some Norma reloaded brass in Uncles reloading room that I had to clean out after his passing, they are marked 256 x 61 Magnum loads. 140 gr bullet, 63 grs of 4831 powder. Can anyone tell me what it is?
256 x 61 magnum
- Thread starter Riceguy
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There's a 256 Gibbs Magnum & a 256 Winchester Magnum. Maybe one of them has a 61mm case length? Just spitballing until someone with real insight shows up...
Okay, Gibbs case length is 55mm, so not that one.
The Winchester has a 32.5mm case length, so that's out, too.
Search is still on. Maybe the .256 Newton? It has a 62mm case length, so pretty close.
The Winchester has a 32.5mm case length, so that's out, too.
Search is still on. Maybe the .256 Newton? It has a 62mm case length, so pretty close.
Thanks Guys, keep trying, will do some more measuring. And it is a belted case.
Good info. Maybe you can post a picture, too? It could help.
Edited: There is the 7×61mm Sharpe & Hart which is a belted magnum based off the .300 H&H case. I wonder if someone just necked it down to .256? But to get headstamped brass with "256" on it would seem to indicate it was a commercial cartridge at some point. Still searching...
Edited: There is the 7×61mm Sharpe & Hart which is a belted magnum based off the .300 H&H case. I wonder if someone just necked it down to .256? But to get headstamped brass with "256" on it would seem to indicate it was a commercial cartridge at some point. Still searching...
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Calvin45
Well-Known Member
I'm almost certain based on what your saying the cartridge is indeed a .264/6.5 sharp and Harte magnum.
the .256 mannlicher cartridge is in fact a .264 or 6.5 diameter, .256 being the inside lands diameter (so calling a 6.5 a .256 is no different than calling cartridges that shoot 277 or 308 bullets 270 or 300 caliber).
so a .256X61 belted magnum is almost certainly based on the 7mm sharp and Harte necked down to .264". The official headstamp is kinda surprising for sure.
the .256 mannlicher cartridge is in fact a .264 or 6.5 diameter, .256 being the inside lands diameter (so calling a 6.5 a .256 is no different than calling cartridges that shoot 277 or 308 bullets 270 or 300 caliber).
so a .256X61 belted magnum is almost certainly based on the 7mm sharp and Harte necked down to .264". The official headstamp is kinda surprising for sure.
1moredeer
Well-Known Member
Found these offered at auction, looks like they are calling it a 61x.256 Winchester Magnum? Curious to see if it has a common designation.
www.the-saleroom.com
61 x .256 Winchester Magnum cartridges This Lot requires a Section 1 Certificate
Bid Live on Lot 774 in the Modern Sporting Guns & Antique Arms Auction from Southams Auctioneers & Valuers.
www.the-saleroom.com
Calvin45
Well-Known Member
Those are handgun cartridges not the belted magnum described by the op. Funny enough though, what are the odds there's exactly 61 of them for sale while we're trying to figure this out.Found these offered at auction, looks like they are calling it a 61x.256 Winchester Magnum? Curious to see if it has a common designation.
61 x .256 Winchester Magnum cartridges This Lot requires a Section 1 Certificate
Bid Live on Lot 774 in the Modern Sporting Guns & Antique Arms Auction from Southams Auctioneers & Valuers.
Calvin45
Well-Known Member
I realize now the 256 win was also a rifle round. Weird cartridge altogether.
1moredeer
Well-Known Member
I didn't realize the 61 was the round count. Talk about confusing. 
Yes they are marked 7 x 61 Sharps & Hart, and another 2 boxes of 300 x 61 Sharpe & Hart are also next to them
The Norma Box is stamped (made exclusively for The Sharpe & Hart Associates, Inc. Emmitsburg Maryland)
I will try to get a photo if anyone is interested.
The Norma Box is stamped (made exclusively for The Sharpe & Hart Associates, Inc. Emmitsburg Maryland)
I will try to get a photo if anyone is interested.
Ckgworks
Well-Known Member
I'd love to see a picture......I started collecting cases for a bullet board and realized how many cartridges there actually is, and if you actually had everyone of them it would be a massive collection! Something about see the odd ball ones that I get a kick out of!
Will send you one of each, PM me or text me at 530-570-7685
I have an old Winchester Bullet board copy on my wall in my reloading room, have hundreds of cartridge's to build my own but would have to build a whole new rom with big walls to fit them all in!!!
Ckgworks
Well-Known Member
Thanks! I sent you a text
