256 Winchester Magnum

RugerNo3 · Rookie Member Joined: Mar 01, 2005 Posts: 17

Anyone reloading for this obscure gem? I have a M62 Marlin and am getting a round tuit finally. I would like to find reliable info on Alliant Re7 loads. Alliant 2400 appears to be a cake walk for accuracy. I've been gathering info for six years on this cartridge, but trying to expand the knowledge base. Any info should include bullet and loaded overall length. Thanks for looking. I'll leave the light on for ya. Smile

K.W. · Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 5:45 am Post subject: Re: 256 Winchester Magnum

Hei, RugerNo3. I have "Cartridges of the world "7 th edition. There is something Yours obsolute cartridges. Thompson/Center pistol barrels was available this caliber too. I think to like it. Cases making from .357 mag necked down for .257-inc bullets. Longer from .357maximum cases must to bee better

SwampFox · Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 6:53 am Post subject: Re: 256 Winchester Magnum

Ruger #3,
What exactly would you like to know about the 256 Win?

I owned two TC barrels in 256 and shot everything from 60s to 105s including cast. I used the 256 to shoot silhouettes for one season until I advanced to a class where a lost ram was a disaster. I still have 256 junk, including dies, cases, and a box of factory 60s.

Most books advise that you can make 256 from 357 cases, but do not try it. The process requires 2 forming dies and FL die applied in steps. There is some confusion between the cartridge origns, 357 Mag., and what a normal reloader can do within reason.

The 256 is inharently accurate (.5 groups are normal) and will shoot any bullet that can be stabalized by the gun's twist rate. It will digest just about any pistol or small capacity rifle powder. I settled on H-4227 as my primary powder and 87 gr bullets as my primary bullet. My favorite load was 14 gr under an 87. With a scope a 10 inch TC would shoot .25 inch groups at 50 meters. Primers should be small rifle. The 256 is in the same catagory as the Bees, Hornets and 222 for velocity, accuracy and energy with similar bullet weights.

You will find rifle load data at the following site:

www.reloadersnest.com/...liberID=29

Note there is one #7 load shown, but that load is for an Encore single shot rifle, not a Marlin lever gun, watch the OAL and pressure and work up.
Ed.

RugerNo3 · Rookie Member Joined: Mar 01, 2005 Posts: 17

My point is that people hand out reloading data, but don't specify bullet make or COL. The M62 can feed from the magazine at 1.68 col with a 75gr Sierra Varminter. The Herc 2400 load is right at 2400fps and would like to try Re#7, but no reliable data if col is not specified. This bullet can be single loaded at 1.9 col, but the loaded round can't be ejected from the chamber. Not enough bolt throw. I've been reloading for 45yrs so I tend to play with the unconventional. I'm running the original Winchester cases as well. This Marlin has an extremely tight chamber, so brass isn't taking a beating. Many urban legends on this rifle and cartridge.