Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Initial range test Reloder 26 with 150's in .270 Winchester

Based on this limited initial test, RL-26 works really well.

Alliant's maximum listed loads for different 150-grain bullets vary from 60.2 to 60.8 grains, with ALL muzzle velocities above 3000 fps from a 24" test barrel. I decided to start with the Hornady Interlock Spire Point, partly because they're usually very accurate, and partly because I have a bunch. I loaded up one round with 59.0 grains, then four each with 60.0, 61.0 and 62.0, guessing the bullets would have to be pulled from the 62.0 loads.

The test rifle was my O'Connor Commemorative Model 70 Featherweight with a 22" barrel. It's been very accurate ever since the first 100-yard group was fired two years ago.

The 59.0 grain load chronographed 2936, and I could have lifted the bolt handle with my little finger. In fact, there wasn't any hint of excess pressure with any of the loads, and all the fired cases looked identical.

The average velocities from the other powder charges:
60--2949
61--3011
62--3084

The chronograph was set up 15 feet from the muzzle, and another 15 fps would result in a close approximation of muzzle velocity.

I only fired 3-shot groups with 60 and 61 grains, due to adjusting the scope between groups. Those groups measured .45 and .76 inch. The 4-shot group with 62 grains measured 1.15 inches, but was strung horizontally, probably due to the quartering headwind kicking up a little. The first three shots were under 3/4 inch.

I used brand-new Winchester brass and CCI 200 primers. Next I'm going to see how 26 does with 150 Partitions, with fired brass.

This Matches my experience. May be the best powder in .270 with 150s.

Yeah, it's looking pretty good! Will also test it in real cold, probably in 2-3 months, to see about Alliant's claims.

And I just reloaded 100 cases with RL-22 and the 150 partition for hunting this winter.

Oh well, may try it next year, another 175 fps can't be a bad thing provided accuracy is there in my rifle.

Thanks Mule Deer.

My primary .270 shoots small groups with 59.5 and 150 NPTs. Just under 3000.

Thanks for the report Mule Deer. Sounds like it's worth a try.

Any application in the 243 win?

I run '25 in my 243AI w/105's. I'll try '26 when I get low on '25.

David,

Alliant lists max loads at around 3200 fps with 100-grain bullets in the .243, and one 105-grain load close to 3100.

JB, thanks a ton for the info. I look forward to your 150gr. partition testing with this powder. I've decided to only use this bullet in my 270.

Been using 26 in the 243 with 90 Accubonds. Runs around 3200 really easy. Accuracy has been excellent as well. Might be more speed but it just shoots excellent as is.

Sounds great. I'm hoping to pick up some RE 26. It's nice when someone works up loads and gets one started in right direction.

(One problem though your 270 topics are not as much fun to razz😝)

Yeah, we know he's not gay. Ingwe on the other hand. I have some serious doubts...

I gotta ask--any info on temp sensitivity of Reloder 26?


Casey

IIRC, Jon Sundra said something to the effect that there was nothing in America that a 150-gr bullet at 3100 fps couldn't take care of. He of course was speaking of the 280 or his 7mm JRS; not the 270. But the 270 is right in that wheel house.

The 270 has always been good and seems like the others with the mono bullets and more powders is getting better. I'm actually surprised it isn't more popular than it is.

I tried RL26 in my 280AI with 168 Berger VLD's. Berger listed max at just under 62 grains. I hit pressure signs at 60gr. Got 2858fps avg. at 59.5gr. with a 24" barrel. 60gr. was 2882 fps.

I bet it will work with 130's as well. I say that because i used RL25 a few years back running similar tests with 130's in the 270. From the 22" barrel of a M70 Classic I was getting 3200 fps with no issues I could see. I used the Barnes Manual listed max of 65 gr and the "blue" Barnes bullet.

My understanding is that RL26 is the newer rendition of RL25 without the temp sensitivity.

A 150 gr 7mm bullet at over 3050 fps. Isn't that a 280 AI?

It works really well in my 270 WSM with 150 PTs as well. Accurate and it's running right at 3200 in my rifle.





At first glance it seems pretty darned good. Little more dense that R25 as well.

John,

In the same application, how would you rate it versus Ramshot Magnum aka Sp12?

Thank You!

I found RE26 at Brownells. Placed an order this morning.

Anxious to try in several cartridges, including the 270 . Should be good in a 300 WM and 7mm RM too, I'd think.