.264 Leroy N.E. Load Data

The .264 Leroy Nitro Express (.264 Leroy N.E.) is a rare and distinctive cartridge with a unique place in firearms history. Developed in the first half of the 20th century, the .264 Leroy N.E. was part of an experimental pursuit to blend the high velocity and flat trajectory of the emerging .264 (6.5mm) caliber family with the robust actions and large cases typical of British Nitro Express rifles. While the exact origins and designer are somewhat obscure, it is believed that the .264 Leroy N.E. was either a proprietary or custom wildcat round, possibly designed for specialized African or Indian hunting. Unlike more commercially successful cartridges like the .264 Winchester Magnum or the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, the .264 Leroy N.E. remained a rarity, with only a handful of rifles ever chambered for it, often crafted by bespoke British gunmakers.

In terms of applications, the .264 Leroy N.E. was conceived primarily as a hunting cartridge, intended to bridge the gap between smaller sporting rounds and the massive big-bore Nitro Express calibers. Its design provided a powerful, fast, and flat-shooting option for hunters targeting medium-sized and some large game in expansive terrain where long shots were expected. The high velocity and sectional density typical of 6.5mm bullets allowed for impressive penetration, making the .264 Leroy N.E. suitable for tasks where precision and power at range were valued—such as antelope, deer, and even some of the tougher plains game species found in Africa or India. It was never considered a standard caliber, though, and its use was restricted to the handful of enthusiasts with access to the chambered rifles and custom ammunition.

The intended target species for the .264 Leroy N.E. predominantly included medium and large game animals such as deer, wild goats, antelope, and other similarly sized fauna. The impressive penetration of the caliber, coupled with the relatively flat trajectory, made it a strong performer for open-country hunting where animals might be encountered at varying distances. Its suitability for dangerous game, like buffalo or big cats, was more limited and generally not recommended by experts of the time, mainly due to the bullet diameter and energy, though with proper shot placement, it could be effective on a wide range of game outside the biggest African species.

As for typical bullet weights, the .264 Leroy N.E. leveraged the well-established capabilities of 6.5mm projectiles. Bullet weights in the range of 120 to 160 grains were common, with most handloaders and custom ammunition makers opting for 140- or 156-grain bullets to exploit the balance of velocity, ballistic coefficient, and terminal performance. The cartridge's relatively large case capacity compared to other 6.5mm rounds allowed it to generate higher velocities, contributing to its reputation for flat shooting and deep penetration. Rifling twist rates in custom .264 Leroy N.E. rifles were generally set to stabilize the heavier-for-caliber bullets, further enhancing long-range accuracy and consistency. Due to its rarity, case availability is extremely limited, and those interested in loading for the .264 Leroy N.E. must often resort to forming cases from similar Nitro Express cartridges or employing specialized custom brass. All in all, the .264 Leroy N.E. stands as a fascinating chapter in the ongoing story of 6.5mm rifle calibers, and for the dedicated handloader, it remains a niche but highly rewarding endeavor.