256 Winchester Magnum Users?

[Hafast]

In 1973 I bought a Contender with a 10" 256 Winchester Magnum barrel. I reloaded it using the Lee mallet based reloader. My question is can anybody refresh my memory as to this cartridge's performance? I used it to kill several coyotes, but they were called in pretty close. My biggest concern would be accuracy at 100 yards.
Thanks in advance for ant info.

[RonF]

Factory loads were loaded with a 60 gr. hollow point and some powder resembling WW 680.  As I recall, published velocity was around 2350 fps from a 10" barrel.  I generally load 75 gr. Hornady or Sierra hp or sometimes the 72 gr. Berger, and I generally use either AA 1680 or RL-7.  Nowadays, most of my shooting is from carbine length barrels, so I'm getting 2500-2600 fps.  Accuracy at 100 yds. should not be a problem if you work up a good load.

RonF

[Hopalong7]

My first Contender was a 10" .256 Win Mag in 1974 if I remember right.  Had an old Lobo 2X pistol scope and thought I had gone to long range handgunners heaven.  I could smack the heck out'a Pabst Blue Ribbon can at a hundred yards....man what a gun!!   This was also the point where I got away from the "Lee Loader" and got a Lyman press and RCBS dies.  I shot a zillon of the 60gr Hornadys and WW680.  Never shot a coyote with one(although I always thought it would be ideal...we didn't have'm around here then or at least didn't know it) but that load discombobulated many a ground hog around these parts.  The 75gr Hornady will shoot a little better, but you should have no problem hitting whatever you want with either one out to well beyond the 100yd mark.  I just recently came accross a 14" barrel and it has renewed my interest in the little round.  I even discovered that I still have a little WW680 left too.  I haven't tried it yet but, I'd bet supper that Lil'gun would do a number with it as well.  That little 60gr might be devastating on a yote without an exit wound if you be a hide hunter.  Let us know.  GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[Hopalong7]

BTW,  If you're making your own brass from .357, a .30 Luger sizing die makes one fine intermediate die and saves lots of brass.  You probably already knew that.  Walt

[Curtis]

The .256 WM was my first chambering in Contender.  When supplies of factory ammo dried up around '89 I began my reloading oddesy!  I started out using H-110 and now use IMR-4227 for both the 60gr Hornady flat point (#2610) bullets and 75 gr hp. that I picked up in bulk at the gun show.  Although I have not hunted with mine, accuracy has been fine out to 100 yards.  It's not the tack driver my .223 is at 100 yds, but I've shot small enough groups with it to impress the rifle shooters along side me at the gun range.  The 75 grain bullets will retain more energy downrange if that is your concern, the only expense being an inch or so more drop.

Curtis

[Hafast]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I guess my next move is to find a barrel to start playing with.

[Johnly]

I think I have 3 256WM barrels in my collection. 
John

[Keith L]

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