26 Nosler -- Latest Thinking on Hand Loads for 140 gr Berger VLD

[MerlinMc]

I have used 26 Nolser factory ammo 142 gr ABLR in Africa on a variety of animals from impala up to animals weighing 750 lbs. It worked really well -- nothing ran far if at all. Also used this cartridge for collecting some small warthogs for camp dinners; was able to make some very precise shots and long distances.

Now, I am getting ready to start hand-loading. What is the latest thinking as to the best loads for Berger 140 gr VLD Hunting Bullets? I have two barrels in 26 Nosler -- one in 26" and the other in 28" length. Most interested in getting everything possible out of the 28".

From searching this and other forums, it seems like 89.0 grains of US869 powder and WLRM primer was the preferred choice. Any thoughts on what might be better?

 

[tbrice23]

Reloder 33 has worked well for me in two 26N barrels.
I just got a hold of US869 but haven't loaded it yet.

 

[318lll9740]

Following.

I have been bitten by the 26 noz and it's a favorite. I didn't play much with traditional bullets and went to the lrx Barnes and never looked back. Out of boredom I would like to get a 140 berger to shoot, but from what I have read we need to lean toward the hybrid berger and not not the vld. The 26 can easily break 3200 fps making the 140 vld very fragile.update us on load data

 

[tbrice23]

Last Wednesday. My 1st 26N kill.
140 Hybrid Target 3355 fps 84 gr RL33

, 26" barrel. INSTANT DEATH

 

[MerlinMc]

Wildebeest are pretty tough animals. This 500 lb bull was knocked off his feet by the 26 Nosler and didn't take a step.

 

[MerlinMc]

 

[trailrider121]

My current load in my 26 Nosler is 136gr scenar, norma case, RL-33 @ 84grs, cci-250 mag primer. 136 scenar is .020" OTL and is HBL coated. Speed is 3415 avg in 26" barrel. This load has been consistent, and is shooting well. I know its not a 140gr, but load is close for 140's.

Last Wednesday. My 1st 26N kill.
140 Hybrid Target 3355 fps 84 gr RL33View attachment 87214 , 26" barrel. INSTANT DEATH

 

[LongBomber]

I used 869 with the 140vld, best groups were pretty mild loads if I went to near max loads the consistency fell off. My best groups were around 84.9gr, which was 3100ish fps. I played with a bunch of bullets and powders, ended up just going to the 127lrx and RL33, that combo has the best consistency at max loads out of my rifle.

 

[318lll9740]

I had same results Longbomber did. The traditional bullets seemed to prefer mild loads, but once i switched to the lrx, **** got real! All groups were less than an inch and my pet load does .80 moa all day, from 77-84 gr of rl33. The 79 grains and 82 grains were .80. I know I could get that even tighter, but I started a 28 nosler build that's eating my time now

 

[318lll9740]

Big thanks to longbomber too, he saved me a lot of headaxhe and possibly a vwry badly wore out throat. Once i tried to barnes, it was smooth sailing. Thanks again!

 

[Capt RB]

You may want to try the 150 matrix.

 

[stx]

I'm getting 3360 fps avg with 79 grains Retumbo in Nosler Brass from 26" bbl with .3" groups. In the 2 years I've shot this rifle everything I've shot with this load has dropped where it stood with the exception of a 200 lb hog shot 3 days ago at a little over 300 yds.....she was laying 10' in the brush from where I shot her! This load is devastating! I've been able to get .5" groups with the 127 LRXs with velocities from 3350-3400 fps also with Retumbo with seating depths between .030 and .050.

 

[trailrider121]

I originally tired us869 and 127 lrx. It was my plan to use 127 lrx, but just got bad results with us869. I switched powder and bullet, and it shot good. RL33 and 136 Lapua scenar L and its consistent 1/2" groups at 100 yards. I want to try 127's and RL33 but I really don't want to wear out the barrel testing.

 

[318lll9740]

I originally tired us869 and 127 lrx. It was my plan to use 127 lrx, but just got bad results with us869. I switched powder and bullet, and it shot good. RL33 and 136 Lapua scenar L and its consistent 1/2" groups at 100 yards. I want to try 127's and RL33 but I really don't want to wear out the barrel testing.

Yeah the throat erosion was a concern at first, but I figured what the hell, it's a Ferrari, it eats tires! Try the lrx at 77gr in 1 grain increments until pressure shows. I have a factory xbolt, and I got slight primer catering starting at 82, but it still shot good up to 84. The 79 seemed like a happy medium since it exhibited no pressure and still getting around 3450ish. I'm smiling