Need 256 Win Mag feedback

[olywa]

I have two questions concerning the 256 Win Mag. I'm thinking of having a tapered carbine barrel made up for my G2 Contender. If I go with Fox Ridge or EABCO I can get it in lengths from 16 to 24 inches with the standard 1:14 twist rate. Which length should I go with in order to maximize velocity with 75 gr. spitzers? Some of the reading I've been doing suggests that I could get around 2500 fps in a rifle length barrel. I'm leaning towards a 21" but if a shorter barrel will allow optimum powder burn then I would go that way. Any powder recommendations for the 256 in rifle length barrels would also be appreciated.

Now here's the part where I'm wondering out loud. If I were to go with a faster twist rate, say 1:8 or 1:9, would I still be able to get decent performance out of light bullets? The reason that I ask is that I'd also like to fool around with subsonic loads using 120 gr. jacketed or hard cast pointed bullets at about 1100 fps. Is it possible to get the best of both worlds here?

[JDB]

I have no answers to your question but I love the idea of a .256 carbine what do you plan on useing it for? keep me posted on how your project turns out JB

[olywa]

JB - I plan on using the 75 gr. spitzers on coyotes inside 200 yards. If the fast twist subsonic idea works out I would like to use 120 gr. pointed hard cast bullets a little closer in and maybe even spring for a suppressor. I have about 80 acres but it is somewhat close to town and I'm interested in a light, quiet rifle that would work well for predator control. The little .256 seems like it would be a good platform for this. My 223 Contender and even my Savage 99 in 250-3000 are just too darn loud.

[AlanF]

olywa,

I have on order from EABCO a Model 97D rifle in 256 Win Mag which should be ready about the time I rotate back to the States from overseas duty with the USMC/USN.  What I did was have Dave at Pacific Tool & Gauge make me a minimum spec reamer set up for a 75 grain VMax bullet seated to the bottom of the neck (which is relatively short) and just kissing the lands.  As far as barrel is concerned, I went with a 10 twist and expect to stabilize bullets to at least 100 grains, and I went with a 25" barrel - more for looks and feel on that small falling-block action.  I imagine that any velocity gain over say 20-21" will be very modest.  If you run the numbers of a 75gr VMax leaving a rifle barrel at 2500-2600fps it is surprising just how efficient the round is.  I've also heard great things about the Berger 78gr Match-Varmint bullet fired from a 256 WM at the same velocity range. 

As far as reloading the 256 Win Mag for a rifle/carbine: the research and data collecting I have done have led me to primarily one powder as the best all-around - Reloader 7.  Now granted this is what I have gathered from the experiences of others and have yet to test in my rifle.  But this will be my starting point based on the work of many others.  I too will probably play around with some reduced loads on some heavier bullets in the 100gr range. 

You might want to touch base with Coyote Guns on a barrel for your G2.  They have a reamer and I am reading good reports about the quality and accuracy of their work.  And, by the way, they offer brass for the 256 WM. 

Over the last several months I have collected quite a bit of info from various sources and would be happy to share it if you want to drop me a PM with your email address. 

Alan

[olywa]

Alan,
I'll kick a PM out to you this evening. Sounds like you've done a lot of homework. I've done a fair amount of digging but haven't turned much up. I look forward to seeing your info. Thanks much.

[boneguru]

I have an original T/C carbine in 256 win mag, I use the ABC ammo 60 gr, picked up a bunch a long time ago, havent found anything that light in a long time, anyway....I shoot Javelina at 100-150 yards and head shots every time. it is a great little carbine with almost no kick, and it doesnt destroy the meat which is always nice!!!! R

[fyrepowrx]

i have about 15 or so .25's in various sizes, and have tried varying twist rates with them over the years. i do have a  .256 "Whisper" of sorts as one of the batch.

With a 1-14 twist you may have some troubles stabilizing bullets over 85 garins, particularly long-for-caliber bullets suzh as Nosler Ballistic Tips.

Most of my .25's in rifle & pistol form are twisted at 1-10, which is a fairly good compromise...accuracy is still decent with lighter slugs & 100's do fine, though with long 117/120's you still may see troubles at extremely low speeds, such as cast bullets at reduced levels.  My larger cased .25's such as the .257JDJ, .25 Bullberry, .25x30/30 ackley Improved, .250 Savage, .25-06, etc are fine with nearly any weight, provided velocities are kept up.

In the medium .25's such i shoot, such as the .257TCU, .25 Classic, i dont use anything over 100 grains much, and i ordered them with 1-10 twists as well, since they lack the case capacities to drive 117/120 grainers at higher speeds to give reliable expansion in hunting.

i do have a 25/20 SSK carbine with a 1-12 twist & it does a fine job with 60 grainers. My other 25/20 carbine is a TC custom shop that seems to like 86 grain Remington Bulk SP's over Hodgdon Lil Gun, but if i remember correctly its a 1-10 twist.

I have 2 "fun" tubes for the .25's, one is a 13" Fluted Virgin Valley .256 that was built with a lllllooooong throat for seating 120's way out, and was built with a 1-9 quick twist to stabilize them. I replaced the extractor with a .223 extractor & use reformed .221 fireball brass loaded up to much higher pressures than could safely be used with the .357 mag case head of the .256, and its a fun barrel.

The other is a MGM 25/20 10" with a 1-9 twist that i use mostly as my "plinker" tube. i got it mainly as a barrel for shooting cast bullets at lower speeds, and most loads are with 85 grain cast Meister FP's. The faster twsit does just fine on 85/100 grainers even at really low speeds.

I think in the .256 for carbine use i'd go with a 1-10...not a 1-14..since you had said you'd want to do some cast bullet loads.

As Alan had mentioned, Reloader 7 is a fine powder in the 25/20, particularly with full powered loads,  though i've alsio had good  with Lil Gun, H4227, & AA1680.

Anneal your .357 mags before necking down to form .256's or you'll get a fair amount of shoulder splits when firing if the chamber of your gun is not on the tight side,  particularly if using used .357 mag brass.

Hope your .256 project goes well, and hope this info is of some use.

Regards;

Gerald

[olywa]

Gerald - great info. Thanks for sharing.