256 Win Mag was my first chambering back in '89 or so when I was introduced to Contenders. Back then there were still a few boxes of factory loads to be found hanging around in back country hardware stores. I gave $35/box of 50 which was a small fortune for me back in those days. I also stumbled across two boxes of factory brass in a pawn shop for $10 each and picked them up even though I didn't hand load at the time. Soon, the factory stuff ran out and I started loading for it.
I have used H110 and H4227 with good results. The Hornady #2510 60 gn flat point is the closest bullet you will find to the 60 gn round nose hollow points loaded in the factory ammo. I also used 75 gn spire points which don't shoot quite as flat, but carry much more energy out beyond 100 yds. My 10" barrel would not stabilize 87 gn boat tails sp bullets but I never did get around to trying a shorter flat base 87 gn bullet.
Forming brass can be done with only the sizing die, but losses due to split necks and crumpled shoulders can go as high as 10% or more even going slow and easy. Using a 30 mauser die as an intermediate step can improve that. Forming dies are available, but I couldn't justify the price since I have a good supply of factory brass and was just playing at forming them. Use only brass and not nickel cases for best results.
For many years the 256 was one of my favorite barrels, but my 223 has pushed it aside. My son mainly shoots and loads for it now.
Curtis
