Update:
I loaded up 61-64.5 grains of RL26 in 0.5gr increments in brand new Starline brass, lit by WLR primers and 180gr Partitions today.
I had to dump slowly and tap the cases a little to get the powder below the bottom of the case neck at 63.5gr+ loads. The 64.5gr load sprung the bullet back up a little (0.005"), but I was able to reseat it to the depth of the others.
3.29" COAL, 0.010" off the lands.
I'll let you all know how it works out. I suspect I will be pulling the last few weights, but loaded them anyway.
By the way, this gun shoots factory Superformance 165 SSTs at 2980 fps (Magnetospeed) with not any bolt lift drag and only slightly flattened primers. 1 MOA. Not bad for a 7-1/2 lb scoped rifle with 24" barrel.
What I've learned in the last couple of years with RL26 in my 270 win has led me to believe it has potention with the 30-06 with 180gr. Time to find out.
By the way, I've been reloading for over 30 years. I too was skeptical of some of the RL26 velocities people were posting on various forums, but my 270 Win experience has been outstanding, and in fact matches QL simulations very closely. Thus the reason I asked if anyone could run the numbers.
For example:
61.5 gr RL26 with 145gr ELD-X gave 3150 fps out of my 22" 1955 Model 70 270 Win FWT with no pressure signs and 0.75" 3 shot groups (2.5-8 Balvar).
I've loaded 130gr SSTs up to 63.5gr and pushed those at 3220 fps out of my 20" BAR 270 Win with no pressure signs in that gun, but did see slight signs of pressure at 63.8gr. The gun shoots best with 63gr at 3180 fps.
RL26 is dense, so it packs a lot of powder weight vs most conventional powders - so this brings into question some conventional logic of not enough powder.
