Optimum barrel length for a .264 WM

slickyboyboo

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I have finally 100% decided to build me a .264, and I am wondering from some here, what the optimum barrel length needs to be on one of these to get a full powder burn. I am also looking to mainly shoot 120-140gr bullets, but may shoot a 160 every now and then. That being the case, what twist would be best for this scenario?

My reason for the .264, is I already have a .243, .257 Roberts, a custom 270, and a 300 WM. I just want something to fill in the gap betweent he .257 and .270, and something flat shooting with a bit of umph!
 
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TYwist is going to be dictated by the heaviest (longest) bullet you ever plan on shooting. Lighter and shorter bullets will work just fine when overspun, but it doesn't work the other way around. I'd run a 1x8" for this range, and it should handle the entire gamut you're looking at here.

I'd be less inclined to go with the "full powder burn" factor in making the length decision, than I would portability and balance. You'll burn the powder even in a relativley short barrel, but the velocity will continue to increase as far out as any barrel maker can make one. Somewhere in there, portability and balance will become the deciding factor, not the powder's burning.
 
I am building this gun on a Rem 700 action, I am most likely going with a McGowen barrel in a Sendero contour, but haven't decided if I want to go 26", 27", or 28" yet. I guess I will probably go with the 1:8 twist, just for the ability to shoot a 160 one of these days.
 
I am building this gun on a Rem 700 action, I am most likely going with a McGowen barrel in a Sendero contour, but haven't decided if I want to go 26", 27", or 28" yet. I guess I will probably go with the 1:8 twist, just for the ability to shoot a 160 one of these days.

Of those choices, I would go for the 28" if you don't mind packing that much. A .264 is considerably overbore capacity and the extra barrel length will add almost 50'/inch. In order to get "complete burn" you would probably have to be in the 40" range and I doubt you want that:D......Rich
 
8 twist for 140 and up bullets and get the longest barrel that you can handle. I have a 27 3/4" (that is all I could get out of a 28" blank) #5 Shilen on my Rem 700 and it pushes 130 accubonds 3350 fps with Retumbo. Retumbo is THE powder for the 264 win mag.
 
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