Retumbo and 264 WM Data Please

[TheHardWay]

Getting ready to start load development for my my 264WM and have read that lots of people have had success with Retumbo. I went to the Hodgdon website to look up the data, but the page appears to be down at the moment. I'm wanting to do some reloading today, and was wondering if anyone had a copy of the data as far as suggested and starting loads. Thanks.

 

[apexmtnman]

The Berger manual lists 65 grains of Retumbo as a starting load and 68.5 grains as Max with a 140 grain bullet. I shoot 68.5 grains of Retumbo with 140 grain hunting VLD's in 3 different 264's and all shoot moa or less and velocity is 3200 fps to 3280 fps depending on barrel.

 

[TheHardWay]

Does it list anything for 130 gr bullets? I have two boxes of 130 gr AccuBonds that I was going to try.

 

[Scouter]

My favorite 264 Win Mag load is 68 grains of Retumbo with a 140 Berger. It is where I started and ended the last 3 I've fooled with.

 

[TheHardWay]

Looking for info on the 130 gr bullets, not 140s.

 

[Nomosendero]

Looking for info on the 130 gr bullets, not 140s.

A member here, RT2506 has worked up a great load for his 264, I know the load but I would rather see him chime in since he came up with it! Should show up soon.

 

[apexmtnman]

The Berger manual does not list any loads with Retumbo and 130 grain bullets, but the other powders that are listed for both (H1000, RE-22 and MRP) they are showing .8-1.5 grains more powder with 130 grain bullets over 140 grain bullets. I don't have any loads for 130's since the 140 VLD's shoot so good in my rifles.

 

[TheHardWay]

That's kind of what I was thinking, I could go with a little more powder with a lighter bullet and still be safe. Gonna try contacting Hodgdon tomorrow during business hours. Hopefully their site will be back up soon.

 

[apexmtnman]

Well I just went to the Hodgdon website and this is what I got.

Take Aim at Rifle Reloading Data | Hodgdon Reloading

Seems quite conservative to me. I know my rifles can handle more powder without showing pressure signs.
They are showing 59.9 grains of Retumbo for a starting load and 64.1 grains for max with 130 grain bullets.

 

[TheHardWay]

I just re-checked the website a few minutes ago, and it looks like it is back up and running.
I agree, those numbers seem a little low, but at least it is a published starting point. I'll work my way up and see what I get as far as pressure signs with my gun.

 

[RT2506]

When I started working up a load for my 264 mag with 130ABs and Retumbo the only data that I could find was from Hodgdon 2011 annual manual. It listed a 129 gr Hornady bullet so I started with the staring load for it 63.5 grs and worked up in half grain at a time loads. I found that 67 grs was too hot for my rifle. I backed off to 66.5 grs. I ended up with this load. 66.5 grs Retumbo, cci 250 primer, cases made from once fired Winchester 7mm Rem mag cases, 130 accubond, COAL 3.450 which is 10 thousands off the lands. From my 27 3/4" Shilen 9 twist barrel I average 3350 fps and 1/2 MOA accuracy or better on average. This bullet is awesome on deer. I have shot a dozen + (lost count) from 30 to 400 yards and all have exited except one and all deer were DRT. I recovered one bullet from a buck at 111 yards shot on the front edge of the left shoulder and bullet was found against the smashed ball socket of the right ham. Bullet was a text book mushroom and weight was 87 grs.
When you load that bullet out long like mine is loaded it reminds me of a Saturn 5 rocket ready to go to the moon.

 

[1100 Remington Man]

I really have nothing to complain about with IMR 4350 & Noslers 120 gr BT in my .264 Win Mag. It shoots under 2.5 inch groups at 300 yds & have shot a Antelope just over 500 yds DRT. I have also shot several Deer with this load with compleat pass through & it's lights out. The only thing I have thought about changing is to Hodgen Extreme Powder for temperature changes. I guess We are always looking for something better.