reloading 256 newton wildcat

[jon94]

i am interested in knowing if anybody is currently reloading ammo for a 256 Newton Wildcat. I have had reloaded cartridges before but the bullet casings got stuck in the chamber, has anyone else with this gun had similar problems? has anyone had any positive or negative experiences with a gunsmith in the greater Toronto area who has made or modified bullets for them

 

[redlaker1]

what caliber is the wildcat? or is it an improved version of the original 256?

 

[jon94]

its a 30 06 Springfield action that has been modified to a 256 newton

 

[Pickles]

Isn't a 256 Newton a .264 (6.5mm)?

 

[sunray]

"...Isn't a 256 Newton a .264 (6.5mm)?..." Yep.
"...casings got stuck in the chamber..." Sounds like they're not sized enough. You full length resizing or just neck sizing? What dies are you using?

 

[jon94]

not sure about the exact sizing, my father had the cartridges made by a gunsmith many years ago, its possible that he made them to the wrong specifications, that could be why they're jamming

 

[Why not?]

Are the casings not chambering all the way, or stuck after firing?

Ted

 

[jon94]

"Are the casings not chambering all the way, or stuck after firing?"
they are stuck after firing

 

[winnipegger]

sounds like they need to be full length sized or they are tired

 

[dan belisle]

The 256 Newton is basically a shorter 6.5-06. And yes, full length resizing sounds like a good idea. Resize until you push the shoulder back just a whisker. Trim to minimum length. Hopefully that will solve your problem. - dan

 

[mbogo3]

Most guys size shortened .270 win brass I think? Nothing else required...........Harold

 

[Leeper]

If the brass is sticking after firing, it would indicate pressures too high or a flawed chamber, or both.
The 256 Newton is indeed a slightly shortened, necked down 30/06. While I think it is a real nice cartridge, it makes more sense now days to chamber for the 6.5/06. Still a wildcat (technically speaking the Newton is not a wildcat but an obsolete commercial cartridge) but the cases are easier to form. Regards Bill

 

[Andy]

Many wildcats are loaded to ridiculous pressures, so I would certainly not use any old reloads you have around, unless you did the loading and know it to be sane. I'd dump the powder, size the cases and use some published 6.5-06 starting loads. If it's a vintage gun originally chambered in 256 Newton do not get it rechambered. The gun could be quite valuable as is to a collector.

Doesn't really answer your question as to who sells ammo for 256 Newton. I am not aware of anyone who does, it's likely a purely self-load proposition.