RL26 in 260rem

[86alaskan]

So, I'm going to start down the load development road again with some 130gr Norma diamond line in my 260. I've been using H4831sc with 143gr ELD-X and I'm getting about 2700fps. I'm going lighter to pick up some speed and I really can't get into any shooting over 1k. So, I've read some very good reports on the performance of RL26 and have heard a bit about it in the 260. So, anybody else trying RL26 in their 260? I'm hopinh it'll get me more speed than H4350 or RL17 while maybe being lower pressure. I shoot suppressed and have really come to appreciate lower pressure loads.

 

[DocDoc]

I asked Berger and they sent data for RL-26 and 140 grain. They said RL-26 was too slow for the 130 class bullets.

 

[Citius7]

Most said the same thing about our 6 Lapua and RL26. But it shoots lights out and faster than H4350 with NO pressure signs. Pushing 105s to 3160 no sweat and 115s to 3060 with zero pressure signs. H4350 gave up before those speeds. It really really really works. I'd be very interested in what you come up with. My bet is that it works. It's a lil smokey but clean when it burns.

 

[86alaskan]

my hopes exactly. I was using the h4350 under teh 143eld-x and ran into pressure before I got into any of the velocity I was hoping for. I looked at the berger data and they have loads listed for their 135gr classic hunter, so I may just dial back from those and work up from there. I'm hoping for close to 3000fps from my 22" 1-8 twist.

 

[Citius7]

I bet you'll get more velocity than 3k from a 130. It compresses really well actually.

 

[jwing]

I bet you'll get more velocity than 3k from a 130. It compresses really well actually.

Are you on crack, get a bigger case.. omg.. if you get close to 2900 in a creedmoor or 260 and it shoots be happy.. omg get real.. get a 26 nosler and enjoy your 300 to 500 rounds..

 

[BEEMAN]

I get just under 3000 fps with a 130 Berger out of my 6.5X47. This is with H4350, so I would think you should be able to get 3000 fps out of a 260 no problem. I have not tried any 140 class bullets in the X47 but would like to. I am curious to see how they shoot and what velocity. I do think for the X47 the 130 gr bullets are probably better for this small case.

 

[Wedgy]

Once again, if you haven't used Reloder 26 it is impressive if not unbelievable

Are you on crack, get a bigger case.. omg.. if you get close to 2900 in a creedmoor or 260 and it shoots be happy.. omg get real.. get a 26 nosler and enjoy your 300 to 500 rounds..

from the other thread

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Bowfishn

Bronze Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Vermont
Posts: 37


Re: Reloder 26
Ok I got a chance to get to the range today to check out a few loads using RL26 and Hornady 143 ELDX bullets in my 6.5 Creedmoor.
26" barrel Nosler brass BR2 Primers 2.890"OAL
I tested with a Magnetospeed installed. Three shot groups. gun)

46gr. 2872 fps average vel. ES 13 SD 6.5
46.5gr 2908 fps average vel. ES 6 SD 3
47gr 2939 fps average vel. ES 10 SD 5.5
47.5gr 2954 fps average vel. ES 11 SD 5.85
48gr 2999 fps average vel. ES 12 SD 6.6
48.5gr 3029 fps average vel. ES 13 SD 6.65
49gr 3054 fps average vel. ES 19 SD 9.6 *
*this load was compressed I had to use a drop tube to get all the powder in.

48grs had best group of .216"ctc 49gr was not too bad at .567"ctc
group average center was same point of impact between 47.5 gr. and 49 gr.
I am going to work on loads up and down from 48 gr. and try longer and shorter COAL.
No sign of pressure observed and when I popped the primers from the 48.5 and 49 gr loads they were just as tight as the lightest load.
I will do all the rest of my load work up without the Magnetospeed installed and check velocity after I have arrived at the most accurate load.
Then I move on to distance.
Also I have 200 of the Nosler Accubond Long Range 142 gr bullets coming in to check out.

 

[86alaskan]

yep, supposed to give higher velocities at lower pressures. that's what i'm in it for. testing to begin shortly, got a couple pounds the other day and my 130gr norma diamonds came in the mail last week.

 

[Citius7]

No crack. Just the fairy dust of RL26. Beeman. I'd try RL26 in ur 6.5. If you hit pressure signs with H4350 I know for a fact RL26 will give you the same speed with NO pressure signs. It's weird stuff. Especially if you try the 140s I think it'd benefit you even more than the 130s.

 

[BEEMAN]

Ill Give R26 a try in the 6.5X47. Got a 8 pounder we use in the 6.5 Sherman. My current load with H4350 and a 130 Berger shows no pressure signs and Travis at RBROS assured me I was not at max. I believe it is not far off though. A 130 at just under 3000 fps out of a 6.5X47 is no slouch. Rbros builds a heck of a rifle!

 

[Wedgy]

H4350 and H1000 are some of the most temperature stable powders known so people stock with them because they work. You may sacrifice some of this with Reloder 26, who knows.

 

[jwing]

Wedge

I would like to see the 46.5 loads shot at 800 and see what it groups look like.

I got some rl 26 on order ran out.

Because I going to shoot it at 800 and find out, groups at 100 and 2 mean nothing. But es will show at 8 and the bullets will be stabilized..

Keep me posted. Please.

 

[Citius7]

RL 26 is suppose to be pretty temp stable. Crazy being a double base and temp stable but I guess I'll find out when it gets warmer. Hope it stays in the nodes I've developed.