.240 Weath. Mag. Load Data

Caliber Overview

Introduced in 1968 by the legendary firearms innovator Roy Weatherby, the .240 Weatherby Magnum stands as a testament to the pursuit of high-velocity, flat-shooting cartridges. At a time when most marksmen and reloaders were seeking greater speed and energy from lighter calibers, Weatherby’s answer was this .24 caliber magnum round. Developed to be the fastest commercial .24 caliber cartridge for several decades, the .240 Wby. Mag. filled a unique niche well above the common .243 Winchester and even outpacing the popular .244 Remington/6mm Remington. It utilized a belted, bottleneck case design based on Weatherby’s signature magnum family, albeit with dimensions scaled appropriately for the smaller bore diameter. While competition from newer 6mm cartridges has emerged, the .240 Weatherby Magnum maintains a loyal following among those seeking extended range and performance beyond what standard 6mm cartridges typically offer.

Thanks to its impressive ballistics, the .240 Weatherby Magnum finds favor with both hunters and target shooters who prize flat trajectories and minimal wind drift. It excels particularly in open country where long-range accuracy and minimal bullet drop are critical. Reloaders appreciate the round’s ability to send 85–100 grain bullets at velocities that can exceed 3,500 feet per second, making it one of the fastest-shooting options in its caliber. The .240 Weatherby is frequently chosen for field applications like predator and varmint hunting—think coyotes, groundhogs, and prairie dogs—where quick expansion and minimal recoil are desired. However, it has also proven itself more than capable when hunting medium-sized game like pronghorn antelope and even deer, as its high velocity produces significant hydrostatic shock and reliable terminal performance at extended distances.

When considering appropriate target species, the .240 Weatherby Magnum is most commonly associated with medium and small game. Varmint hunters often utilize lighter 60 to 70 grain bullets for explosive performance on small targets. For larger game, reloaders opt for bullets in the 85–100 grain range, typically favoring controlled-expansion designs which help ensure deep penetration and consistent performance on deer-sized animals. The cartridge’s flat trajectory and high velocity make it a superior choice for hunting in open fields and plains, where the ability to make accurate shots out to 400 yards and beyond is frequently needed. Although slightly more powerful than necessary for most varmints, the round is appreciated by those who want their loads to double as dual-purpose options for both predation control and medium game hunting.

In terms of bullet weights and characteristics, the versatility of the .240 Weatherby Magnum is evident. Standard factory loads and recommended handloads typically utilize bullets ranging from 60 grains up to 100 grains. Lighter bullets in the 60–75 grain class are preferred for varmints and predators, maximizing velocity and rapid expansion, while heavier bullets in the 87–100 grain category are ideal for deer and antelope. The cartridge’s substantial case capacity enables these bullet weights to be driven at considerable speeds—often 200 to 300 fps faster than competing .243 Winchester or 6mm Remington loads. It achieves energy levels suitable for ethical harvest of medium game at considerable range, while maintaining manageable recoil for most shooters. Reloaders should be mindful of the .240 Weatherby’s characteristic freebore and throat dimensions, which can impact optimal powder selection and seating depth for maximum accuracy. Combining high speed, outstanding external ballistics, and Weatherby’s trademark case design, the .240 Weath. Mag. remains a perennial favorite among performance-minded reloaders looking for a standout .24 caliber magnum option.