Reloading for my .240 Weatherby

[Oakster]

I have a few questions for you guys. I am a fairly inexperienced reloader. I have a few good loads for .22-250, .30-06 and .223. My load for .257 Weatherby, .243, 325 WSM and .338 need some work.

My question is, where do I start with seating depth. I do not have the tools to measure my distance from the lands. I have been seating at the manual COAL. How likely is this to cause me trouble?

Also, my new custom .240 Weatherby doesnt have the factory free-bore that would be in a Weatherby rifle. Can I still shoot factory ammo in this gun?

When searching through reloading manuals and picking a bullet - powder combination, what do you look for to start? I have not considered case density previously, but the horrible .243 loads I did with IMR 4064 are like only 60%. Does this cause me some issues?

 

[Trickymissfit]

I have a few questions for you guys. I am a fairly inexperienced reloader. I have a few good loads for .22-250, .30-06 and .223. My load for .257 Weatherby, .243, 325 WSM and .338 need some work.

My question is, where do I start with seating depth. I do not have the tools to measure my distance from the lands. I have been seating at the manual COAL. How likely is this to cause me trouble?

Also, my new custom .240 Weatherby doesnt have the factory free-bore that would be in a Weatherby rifle. Can I still shoot factory ammo in this gun?

When searching through reloading manuals and picking a bullet - powder combination, what do you look for to start? I have not considered case density previously, but the horrible .243 loads I did with IMR 4064 are like only 60%. Does this cause me some issues?

I would not shoot the factory stuff in a custom chamber with no free bore. What I would do is to get my hands on one of the gauges to check the overall length measured off the ogive, and then back off about .025" for starters.
gary

 

[Joel Russo]

Give us a little more information on the rifle. What twist barrel, and what are you going to use it for.
Then we'll be able to give you some recommendations. Both BuffaloBob and I have been loading for the .240 Wby for years.

 

[Stonewall2]

The factory .240 is not free bored but a long throat .

This is from NRA Reloading book .

Glenn

 

[Oakster]

Give us a little more information on the rifle. What twist barrel, and what are you going to use it for.
Then we'll be able to give you some recommendations. Both BuffaloBob and I have been loading for the .240 Wby for years.

I have a 27" 1 in 8 twist barrel on the rifle. I want to use it in coyote stands as well as for Antelope and Mule Deer in these wide open Wyoming prairies.

 

[Joel Russo]

I have a 27" 1 in 8 twist barrel on the rifle. I want to use it in coyote stands as well as for Antelope and Mule Deer in these wide open Wyoming prairies.

Any of the 105-107 bullets will work with that twist barrel. RL-22 and the 105 Berger/A-Max behind 48.3 gr of 22 has been bad medicine for anything way out yonder for me. I have a 28" 9 twist barrel that pushes them to 3380 fps.
You may not match my velocity with the sharper twist barrel, but don't sweat it.
I know BB uses the 115 DTAC bullets for Antelope with excellent results.
PM me if you want or need additional information.

 

[Oakster]

Thank you sir.

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

Do not shoot factory ammo in your rifle. You will ruin all your primer pockets. I have also been shooting the 240 wby for many years. The one I shoot now does not have the factory throat and will lock down the action with factory ammo. With your twist try the 107 SMK. I shoot that extremely well with 7828 and Magpro. You can seat your bullets for accuracy just like any other standard cartridge without freebore. My smk's like to be just touching the lands. It is one of the most accurate rifles I own. It is a 27" Hart barrel 1-9 twist.