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256 Winchester Magnum Load Data & Ballistics Calculator

Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 256 Winchester Magnum with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal-ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended recipe. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.

256 Winchester Magnum reference

Maximum average pressure (MAP)3,500 BAR
Nominal case capacity21.5 gr H₂O
Groove / bullet diameter0.256 in (6.50 mm)

Example simulation illustrative

Bullet
Hornady 0.257 87 gr SP
Powder
Alliant 2400
Charge
10.6 gr
Barrel
24 in

Muzzle velocity

2,072 fps

Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn-rate)

26,932 – 34,094 – 42,153 psi

nominal is 67% of the 50,763 psi maximum average pressure

Pressure for this powder is extrapolated from a velocity-only fit — the pressure figures carry extra uncertainty in both directions.

Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.

Use MyLoads as a 256 Winchester Magnum velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.

Open the 256 Winchester Magnum in the MyLoads calculator →

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