264 Mag - 140 Berger -Twist rate

[rkcolt45]

I just built a 264 mag with a #8 contour Krieger with a 1:8.5 twist. Has anyone had any experience loading this bullet (140gr Berger hunting VLD) with this twist? I was wondering if it would stablize it. The berger site recommends a 1:8 twist for the 140gr hunting VLD. Thanks, Ron

 

[rscott5028]

1:8" twist will be plenty good

 

[Trnelson]

IMO you should be good to go. The difference in RMP between an 8.5" twist and an 8" twist is only 16,141RPM or 269 Revolutions per second with a MV of 3,000 FPS, which is very attainable for a 264 Win Mag with even a 24" barrel. An 8 twist is ideal, but IMO you should still be inside the envelope of stability. FWIW I shoot the 140 Berger VLD hunting bullet out of my 6.5/06 with a 9 twist at 2,900 FPS and shoot consistent .6MOA. Without a doubt when I re-barrel the rifle it will get an 8 twist but for now I'm ok with it as a hunting gun. YMMV

 

[J300UM]

A few years back, I spoke with Jeremy Winters (former BOTW staff) at the Denver Sportsman's Expo about the twist they were running in their 6.5-284. He said they were only using a 9 twist. They shot just fine in my old 264wm barrel with a 9 twist. I have since gone to an 8 twist.

 

[Bart B]

I wore out a .264 Win. Mag. barrel shooting Norma 139-gr. FMJBT nickel plated match bullets in its 1:10 twist. 'Twas very accurate for 640 rounds then went from 1/2 MOA at 600 yards to 2 MOA in three shots. Its throat had eroded far enough that bullets were barely held by the case neck to just touch the lands when seated.

 

[trebark]

8.5 twist will stabilize the 140vld just fine.