I would definitely look at something slower like H 4831 SC.

I am trying to conserve barrel life as this is a priceless rifle to me, but I do want to handload some rounds that are more near the top end of the 264's capablilites.

Go even slower.

H-1000 and the brass full of it.

If top speed is the goal, something like R33 would get the most velocity. If you want temp stable, something in the Retumbo or H1000 would do well. Something that is a double base powder will yield the highest speeds over single base powders.



^^ This is exact opposites of each other. You can not achieve the top end velocities without sacrificing barrel life. But, this is a hunting rifle, not a target rifle. If you don't plan to shoot over a thousand rounds down this rifle, then don't worry about barrel life. Just load what you want and shoot it. Too many people worry about barrel life in a rifle when they may only shoot 20-50 rounds a year down it, if that. Don't worry about it, just load what you want and shoot it. You won't get even close to a barrels life span.

I'm loading 47.0 IMR4064, CCI Large Rifle primers, 140 grain Nosler Partition for 2720 fps., mixed brass.
2 Winchester Pre 64 264 Win Mag. Both guns love the load.
Whitetail and Audad sheep taken from 100 to over 300 yards with no issues.

So your basically shooting a .264 creedmoor.

Still 80 fps less than a 6.5 Creedmoor.

47.0 gr in a piece of brass that will hold over 75.0 gr

I know that factory .264 wm is loaded to basically .270 velocities.

What would a good, stout load in a .264 do?