264 or 270 Wea

[sixshooter]

I'm going to have a custom rifle built on a Mauser 98. I know it's a matter of preference but I've narrowed it down to 264 Mag or 270 Weatherby. The gun may be used for mule deer and pronghorn in time but for now I want a 'fast' shooter. What are your experiences with both? Pros & cons, etc. Thanks in advance.

[gunzo]

Do you reload? Knowing that may help me address different concerns.

[sixshooter]

Yes, I reload. I know a lot of you will recommend the 7mm Mag instead but I want something different. Thanks.

[AxeHandle]

Different? You considered a 6.5 STW?

[Deleted]

don't know about the 270 but the 264 shoots flatter than it ought to. i know for a fact that the 130 accubond shoots flatter than it should.

[ohnomrbillk]

264 or 6.5mm for high BC bullet choices

[Lee Martin]

Both good cartridges. I like the 264 and have been shooting them since '92. With a 26 - 27" barrel, 140s will go 3,200 fps with the right powder (RL 25, Retumbo, Magnum). Go less than 25" and velocity drops off....and that's when folks start comparing it to the 270 Win. As for barrel life, the 264 isn't easy on them but not nearly as bad as many would suggest. With proper cleaning and shooting technique (spacing shots), they'll go 1,000 rounds.

Never worked with a 270 Weatherby, but I like its ballistics. Let us know which one you choose.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[gunzo]

Good point Lee, both cartridges will need generous barrel lengths to realize there full potential.
The 264 gets the nod for the best selection of high B.C. bullets.
The 270WM gets the nod for velocity, about 100fps more w/equal bullet weights.
About the only thing I could add would be concerns over brass. Over the last 10 or so years, 264 brass is sometimes a real challenge to find. Currently, it's available. I would stock up if going that route. The Weatherby brass is available, but the current prices kinda shook me up.

Looks like either choice will be fun. But a hard look at the numbers of a long throated, long barreled 6.5-284 might surprise you. OT, but I just had to put in my 2 cents.

[Lee Martin]

I have a lot of 264 brass, but it's also easily formed off of 7mm Mag (one pass in a 264 die).

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[rWt]

I have a 270 built on a G33/40 action. The magazine box was extended and the throat cut for a longer OAL round. Thus, I am able to seat bullets farther out, while still maintaining at least a diameter in the case.

With a 22", 1 in 9" twist barrel, I get 3320 fps with a 130 gr and 3150 fps with a 150 gr. bullet.

[Lee Martin]

If you do build a 264, talk to your smith about throating. 140s and up usually require some throating (unless you shoot dual diameter bullets like the old Winchester Super-X). Too little and you're seating way into the case. Too much and accuracy suffers. And no matter what folks say about the 264, they are capable of good accuracy. I built one on a Mauser 98 that'll cut 0.75" with 140s.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[sixshooter]

Thanks guys. Looks like I'm going the with the 264. The action is a Win 70 claw extractor type. Not sure what barrel make yet but it will be 26 inches.

[groo]

Groo here
I have one on a sako action with a Dougless XXX SS bull barrel[29in] and fiberglass stock..
Shoots factory in 3/8 or less and 100gr sierra's in minute of fly..
It HATES Machkings 140gr [keyholes] so watch your twist and ss is a good idea as it resist
throat problems better..

[sixshooter]

Thanks Groo. I'm thinking of going with a 1:8 twist. Sound about right for 140 grain and up?

[sixshooter]

Forgot to ask Groo. What twist are you using that likes 100 grain? I assume 1:10 or higher?