26 Nosler - one-half inch, five-shot group at 200 yards by my customer's rifle

[Len Backus]

This group was shot at 200 yards by Brian S using 139 grain Lapua Scenars at 3300 fps. Nice shooting!

I had given him a "starting" load that shot 3/8ths inch at 100 yds for 3 shots. It was my very first and only load attempt with this same rifle before I shipped it. He told me he'd enjoy finding a load that would shoot into one hole.

He did it -- at 200 yards!
.

 

[Rocky Mountain]

Thats one very nice group for 200 yards wonder what she dose at 500 yards??

 

[LeddSlinger]

Very nice group. Well built rifle Mr Backus

I thought about building a 26 Nosler when it first came around, but still not sure about all the recoil and extra powder spent for another 100 fps gain over my current 6.5 Reminton Magnum. The load I use in my 6.5 RM pushes a 140gr Berger VLD at 3209 fps, which is easily surpassed by the 26 Nosler, but the catch is that I am getting those speeds from a 26" barrel while only burning only 52gr of RL-17. So recoil is on par with a 308 win and it still shoots flat as a lazer. I also have no pressure signs so it will go faster if I wish, but my accuracy is so good there is no reason to push it any further.

The extreme overbore of the 26 Nosler that results in an inefficient powder burn makes me hesitate. But perhaps one day I will give it a try. Great shooting by your customer.