Caliber Description
The .264 Winchester Magnum, introduced in 1958 by Winchester Repeating Arms Company, made a significant entrance into the world of high-velocity cartridges. Developed during the heyday of "magnum mania," its purpose was to compete with other fast, flat-shooting cartridges that emerged in the mid-20th century. Based on a modified .375 H&H Magnum case—necked down to accept 6.5mm, or .264 caliber bullets—the .264 Win. Mag. was lauded for delivering impressive velocities for its day. Despite an enthusiastic initial reception, its popularity slipped in the shadow of the .300 Winchester Magnum and the advent of the 7mm Remington Magnum in 1962, which used similar case capacity but allowed heavier bullets, broadening game applications. Even so, the .264 Win. Mag. persisted as a favorite among shooters who appreciate its blend of speed and sectional density.
Reloaders and hunters prize the .264 Win. Mag. for its outstanding long-range performance. Its flat trajectory and high velocity make it an ideal choice for shooting across wide-open terrain, such as the Western prairies or mountain valleys where shots often extend beyond 300 yards. The cartridge’s design offers minimal wind drift and a relatively mild recoil when compared to other magnums, especially in rifles with adequate weight and stock design. These features benefit both target shooters looking for precision at extended ranges and hunters who need a cartridge capable of reaching distant game while preserving bullet energy and accuracy.
Regarding application and target species, the .264 Winchester Magnum excels in the field as a capable choice for medium game such as deer, pronghorn antelope, and mountain goat. Its flat-shooting nature and controlled expansion make it well-suited for these species, providing clean, ethical kills with proper bullet selection. With heavier, premium bullets, it has even been used successfully on larger North American game such as elk and caribou, although some hunters prefer a larger caliber for such tasks. Reloaders can tune their handloads for specific game—using lighter, faster projectiles for varmint or predator control and stepping up to heavier, tougher bullets for thick-skinned game and larger deer species.
Bullet selection for the .264 Win. Mag. typically ranges from 100 to 160 grains, with 120-140 grain bullets being especially popular among reloaders and hunters. The 129 and 140 grain projectiles offer an excellent balance of ballistic coefficient and sectional density, maximizing downrange performance and penetration. Lighter bullets around 100–120 grains are perfect for smaller game and varmint shooting, providing explosive expansion and minimal recoil. The longer, heavier 156 and 160 grain bullets, often favored in European 6.5mm cartridges, provide deep penetration for larger game and enhance long-range accuracy. Maintaining proper case length and neck tension is particularly crucial when reloading for this caliber due to the .264’s relatively short neck and high pressure. Careful attention to powder charges, seating depth, and bullet selection enables reloaders to exploit the full potential of the .264 Winchester Magnum, achieving consistent performance and accuracy session after session.
Popular Load Recipes
- 140 gr Nosler Partition, 61.0 gr IMR-4831, CCI 250, COL 3.34", Velocity ~3150 fps
- 120 gr Hornady V-Max, 62.0 gr H4350, Federal 215, COL 3.30", Velocity ~3350 fps
- 100 gr Sierra HP, 68.0 gr H4831, Winchester LR, COL 3.15", Velocity ~3550 fps
- 129 gr Hornady SP, 61.0 gr RL-22, Federal 215, COL 3.25", Velocity ~3200 fps
- 140 gr Swift A-Frame, 59.0 gr RL-19, CCI 250, COL 3.34", Velocity ~3125 fps
- 125 gr Nosler Partition, 65.0 gr H4831, CCI 250, COL 3.25", Velocity ~3275 fps
- 120 gr Barnes TTSX, 63.0 gr IMR-7828, Federal 215, COL 3.20", Velocity ~3400 fps
- 140 gr Sierra GameKing, 60.0 gr RL-22, Winchester LR, COL 3.32", Velocity ~3100 fps
Cost per Reloaded Round
Let's do a basic sample calculation for reloading .264 Winchester Magnum (Win. Mag.) versus buying factory-loaded ammunition, using reasonable average prices from 2023-2024:
Factory .264 Win. Mag. price per round:
Factory ammo is relatively rare and expensive. Recent typical price: $65 per box of 20 rounds (can vary between $60-$80).
$65 / 20 rounds = $3.25 per round
Reloaded round cost:
Assume the following components per round (prices are estimates):
- Brass: $1.00 per case (assuming you reuse brass 5 times, so $0.20 per reload)
- Primer: $0.08
- Powder: 60 grains per load, 7000 grains per pound, $50 per pound → $0.43 per load
- Bullet: 140 gr soft point, about $0.45 each
Add up reloading cost per round:
Brass: $0.20
Primer: $0.08
Powder: $0.43
Bullet: $0.45
Total: $1.16 per round
Factory per round: $3.25
Reload per round: $1.16
Savings per round: $3.25 - $1.16 = $2.09
So, by reloading .264 Win. Mag. instead of buying factory ammo, you save about $2.09 per round.
Technical Specifications
Safety Standard / Application
C.I.P. / Rifle Caliber
Most Suitable Bullet Weights
87 - 161 Grains
Case Capacity / Average Charge
82 Grains of Water / 62.7 Grains
Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy
3025 fps / 2488 ft-lbf
Case Length / Max. C.O.L
2.5'' / 3.34''