Reloader 26 in 6.5 creedmoor

[lancetkenyon]

Yeah, I scoured the web today for some RL26 and didn't find it in stock anywhere. I did get an 8# of H1000 & 8# of RL33 on the way though.

 

[cajun]

Luckily my lgs had plenty. Bought 1 pound to try out but going back and get some more.

 

[Tidus56]

Well, honestly when I saw the speeds guys were getting with R26 I was very skeptical. Now that we have some data out there I can see the potential. I suspect it has to do wirh the burn rate and the area under the curve. That is your getting a little longer push with the slower burning powder.

I bought a pound to test in my 6.5 creedmoor for the exact same reason. I didn't see any way possible it could run that fast. If you look back in this thread you'll see my results. Buy all you can, it's so hard to find

 

[stx]

I initially bought 3 pounds to try then went back and bought all they had.....6 pounds total.....gonna buy any more they get in, as well.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

Supply seems to be regional. I bought an 8lb jug on line but later noticed that my LGS had plenty of it. I've been looking all over for RE23 for a buddy but can't find a single container. He only wants 2 lbs so I'm trying to avoid the HAZMAT charge by checking in stores as I travel.

 

[Tidus56]

Supply seems to be regional. I bought an 8lb jug on line but later noticed that my LGS had plenty of it. I've been looking all over for RE23 for a buddy but can't find a single container. He only wants 2 lbs so I'm trying to avoid the HAZMAT charge by checking in stores as I travel.

It must be regional because lots of R23 here but no R26.

 

[cajun]

Finally got out to test some R26.
5 shots at each charge weight
Hornady brass once fired set back .002
140 eldm 2.820"
Savage 12FV 26"
45.5 gr 2821 20 es . 5"
46.0 gr. 2842 16 es .75"
46.5 gr 2888 16 es 1"
47.0. gr. 2926 21 es .68"

Looks to be nodes at 45.5 and 47.
On my pressure ladder I had gone up to 48.5 and 3009fps but figured that was probably over pressure even though no signs. On this test no obvious signs of pressure. Primers looked pristine no marks on brass bolt lift normal. The jury will still be out as my H 4350 load at 2750 is a true 1/3 moa. For hunting R26 shows some promise.

 

[jshepherd61]

Berger has load data now for the 135 Hunter and RL26. Below is the link. They went to max of 49.8 Gr RL26 at 105% load density for 2977 FPS from a 24" barrel. (Guessing they were using Hornady brass.)

I would drop the magnum primer for sure. No need for it at that case capacity. It may be contributing to the exceptional speed you are getting out of the 22" barrel though. It might not be the best for ES/SD and accuracy in the end though. If you change primers you could probably get to the 49.8 Gr. Berger was using. If you seat a little closer to the lands, you might get even a little more RL26 in there....

Thanks for posting these results. I have a new 6.5 CM barrel 24", some RL26, and some 135 Hunters on the way. Gonna be trying it all out next month.

Link to berger load data: http://www.bergerbullets.com/pdf/6.5-Creedmoor-135gr.pdf

Will add that there is a lot of speculation that Berger load data is really just QL data and their load data has been somewhat conservative in the past.... Work up to it though and remember - accuracy rules in the end.

Most published loads in reloading books are standard for sea level. I have done extensive testing in various altitudes and humidity at the same temperatures. Live in Colorado and have family on the Oregon coast. Example 7mm STW 168gr ABLR Same powder charge, same COAL, same temp ( within 2 degrees) Colorado at 6573 ft alt 24.9 humidity 3,352 fps in Oregon at 52 ft alt 41.3 humidity 3,187 fps. This is in a 28" barrel.

 

[Hiwayman92]

My 26" barrel has been chambered and spun onto my Tikka, so I'm getting closer. I've got 100 loaded rounds from my previous barrel with 46.9 RL-26 and 143 ELD-X's. I'm planning to run 147's with Peterson SRP brass, but I might shoot some of the old Roy rs just to see the speed difference between the 20" and the new 26" barrel.

 

[blkdog]

Remember to reduce your starting load with Peterson brass

 

[Hiwayman92]

It's already loaded in Peterson brass. I had no pressure visible at 48.1 grains in my last barrel, so hopefully this one is similar.

 

[Hiwayman92]

Here's an update. My 26" Bartlein has been installed. Look at this beautiful gun! Tetrahedron Arms in Rock Springs, Wyoming built this one.

I shot a few leftover loads from my previous 20" barrel this morning. 46.9 grains of RL-26 with a 143 ELD-X in a Hornady case. These were right at 2650 in the 20" barrel. This morning the Labradar said they were running 2895! 245 FPS difference over 6" of barrel. My Peterson brass load for the 20" was 2725 fps, so we'll see how the 26 incher does. The first 3 shots after the fouler, and the second three after a cleaning were both well under half an inch. I'm impressed. PRC speed with Creedmoor barrel life and recoil.

 

[Tidus56]

Here's an update. My 26" Bartlein has been installed. Look at this beautiful gun! Tetrahedron Arms in Rock Springs, Wyoming built this one.

I shot a few leftover loads from my previous 20" barrel this morning. 46.9 grains of RL-26 with a 143 ELD-X in a Hornady case. These were right at 2650 in the 20" barrel. This morning the Labradar said they were running 2895! 245 FPS difference over 6" of barrel. My Peterson brass load for the 20" was 2725 fps, so we'll see how the 26 incher does. The first 3 shots after the fouler, and the second three after a cleaning were both well under half an inch. I'm impressed. PRC speed with Creedmoor barrel life and recoil.

Nice looking rig! Congrats and I won't be at all surprised if you make it to 2900+ with your 26 inch barrel. If you want max velocity you'll need Hornady brass because it has a bit more powder volume. Obviously your Peterson is better brass though. Good luck and be safe!

 

[codyadams]

Here's an update. My 26" Bartlein has been installed. Look at this beautiful gun! Tetrahedron Arms in Rock Springs, Wyoming built this one.

I shot a few leftover loads from my previous 20" barrel this morning. 46.9 grains of RL-26 with a 143 ELD-X in a Hornady case. These were right at 2650 in the 20" barrel. This morning the Labradar said they were running 2895! 245 FPS difference over 6" of barrel. My Peterson brass load for the 20" was 2725 fps, so we'll see how the 26 incher does. The first 3 shots after the fouler, and the second three after a cleaning were both well under half an inch. I'm impressed. PRC speed with Creedmoor barrel life and recoil.

Holy small world!! Ha ha I saw your rifle/barrel in his shop when it still had the short barrel, and while the barrel was still a blank. I was picking up a mag box, he has build 4 rifles for either myself or family members, and all are great shooters. Here is how the most recent 338 Norma shoots!!! 5 shots in that hole ha ha.