Quick Answer
The effective range of the .264 Winchester Magnum cartridge is around 800-1,000 yards, depending on the rifle and shooting conditions. It excels at medium to long-range hunting and target shooting. The cartridge's flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient make it suitable for precision work.
Ballistic Characteristics
The .264 Winchester Magnum is a rimless, bottleneck cartridge with a case length of 2.494 inches and a shoulder diameter of .534 inches. Its loaded length is 2.85 inches, with a bullet diameter of .264 inches. The cartridge’s muzzle energy is around 3,100 ft-lbs, with a velocity of 3,100 fps. The .264 Winchester Magnum has a flat trajectory, dropping only 10 inches at 400 yards and 22 inches at 800 yards.
Hunting and Target Shooting
When hunting large game such as elk, moose, and bear, the .264 Winchester Magnum is an excellent choice due to its high kinetic energy and flat trajectory. It’s also suitable for varmint hunting, where a quick kill is essential. For target shooting, the cartridge’s high ballistic coefficient and flat trajectory make it ideal for precision work at long ranges. To achieve optimal performance, a high-quality bullet with a high ballistic coefficient and a heavy for caliber (HFTC) design should be used.
Rifle Selection and Techniques
For optimal performance with the .264 Winchester Magnum, a rifle with a long barrel (24-26 inches) and a high-quality scope is recommended. A 1,000-yard shooting bench or a stable shooting platform should be used to maintain accuracy. When shooting at long ranges, a wind deflection chart should be used to compensate for wind drift. Additionally, a spotter’s scope or a rangefinder can be used to measure the distance to the target and adjust the elevation accordingly.
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