257wby with rl26

Steves1911

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 1, 2020
Messages
225
Location
Hedgesville, WV
Anybody played around with rl26 in the 257wby with 100gr ttsx. Have always wanted a 257wby and finally purchased one off gunbroker. I have a bunch of rl26 on hand and have ordered some 100gr ttsx so I'm hoping they will work well together but can't find squat for data. I have a little h1000 left if the rl26 won't work with that combo.
 
Ramshot Magnum has produced excellent velocity and very low ES/SD for me in 257Wby w/100gn TSX. My chamber is a bit oversized "FF brass holds 90gn of water vs. standard of 84gn" as such, my powder charge weights aren't valid for others.

Quickload and a Chrono. 3500-3600 will be about your max safe velocity w/100's and H1000, R-26, or Magnum.
 
Dies finally came yesterday so today I had the chance to do some testing. Went from 68-71 grains of Rl26 behind 100gr ttsx in nosler brass with a coal of 3.215. Didn't Chrono today as these were first rounds through the gun and wanted to get some Barrell break in done and find out my max load. Didn't see any pressure signs and the 71gr load made a nice little cloverleaf. Also ran some 117gr sst behind Retumbo in nosler brass and worked up to 71.5gr with no signs of pressure. 69gr put 3 rounds in a .700 group and it opened up with increase charge weight. Plan to confirm and Chrono tomorrow. Gun is a vanguard s2 with a 26" bbl.
 
Tried a short test in my 257 with RL-26 and the 117 gr Hornady. Worked up to a max of 71 grs lit with a Fed 215 in a Nosler case. Velocity in my 24" barrel Vanguard was 3375 ft/sec with MOA accuracy. Didn't do much testing because RL-26 is so hard to find. FYI
 
Ran a couple loads through the Chrono...71gr Rl26 nosler brass 100gr ttsx-3400fps..slowers than I'd like but very consistent going to work up another ladder from 71.5 to 73 see what happens. I have some 4955 I may try with the Barnes ttsx.
69.5 gr Retumbo with 117gr sst avg 3095fps..thinking this is prob the low node and I'll need to work up another ladder with higher charge weights. Very consistent and accurate load though printed a 2.5" 3 shot group at 400yds I may also try the Rl26 with this bullet
 
Did some more testing today worked up to 71gr Rl26 with the 117gr sst for 3316fps. Also worked up to 73gr rl 26 behind 100gr ttsx for 3526fps. These speeds are a lot closer to what I'm after. Going to play with the 71gr load with the sst some more. I think Rl26 is a little slow for a 100gr pill...will try some 4955 with the ttsx next time.
 
Was able to play around some more this afternoon with the 117gr sst load. Have settled on 72gr Rl26 nosler brass cci 250 @ 3386fps. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have time to stretch this load out to 500yds. Our crop damage permit came in last week so may even get the chance to test them out some fur.
 
Top