Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Long Range Hunting The new 26 Nosler

Sciroccos aren't what they're cracked up to be. I've shot coyotes with them and a buddy killed an elk out of a 6.5-284.

Made a mess

LRAB sounds like a good pick and I sure wouldn't have any reservations about a Berger hunting VLD

Rick,

What's your take on the Double Tap ammo ballistics? Check out the link I just posted.

DF

I'm not sure what you're asking. Looks like its a laser though.

What is your rifle's ETA?

Rick,

I was asking your opinion on Double Tap's ammo data. They're claiming 3,600 fps with the 129 gr. LRAB and 3,650 fps with the 127 gr. LRX. Their ammo is priced at $99 for the LRX and $89 for the LRAB, both boxes of 20. Glad I'm a reloader...

They are reportedly reaching the 1,000 yd. mark with 15 MOA elevation and a 200 yd. zero. They have 2,149 fps and 1,322 foot pounds of K.E. remaining at 1K.

I sent an email, asking how they could push their loads that hard without getting above "lawyer" pressures. You would think a commercial ammo maker wouldn't be able to exceed SAAMI pressures. But, they're way beyond Nosler numbers.

Sounds like the 26 Nosler version of your .264 WM data....

Just wanting your take.

BTW, the BDL's reach the smith tomorrow. He orders the Shilen barrels and thinks he's looking at a 30-40 day turn around. That was one reason for going that route. By the time he blueprints both action, fits both barrels, I'm guessing 2-3 months.

DF

I really don't know what the new cartridge is capable of DF. I do know that a 264 Win is capable of 3250 with the 140's with at least 2 powders I've used. JohnBurns gets 3250 with Retumbo, so that makes 3.

My loads are way below pressures I hit with US-869 and the 130's at about 3175.

The only powders I've used in the .264 that were tough to get enough in the case to even start showing an ejector mark or some sticky bolt are RL-33 and WC-872. RL-33 behaved better in my estimation, that's why I've got 15 pounds and have loaded up every piece of brass I own with that load. After a long time trying with 3 barrels, it's the best I though I could do and I settled there.

I'm gonna bet WC will get better velocities than anything anyone has tried up to now in the 26

I may get a chance to try WC-872, thanks to some help from a friend.

The problem will be finding the right load without exceeding SAAMI pressure limits, as there aren't pressure data available, like with US-869. And, if WC-872 is a one time offering of a surplus take down powder, not an ongoing manufactured product, pressure testing in the 26 Nosler may never happen.

And what you observed in the .264 WM may not correspond to what's happening in the 26 Nosler case, although comparative data with US-869 may be helpful.

I'm game to try it. As it's slower than US-869, I may start with US-869 entry loads while watching the chrono and cases.

I have Norma 217, Retumbo, Mag Pro, RL-33, Magnum and other slow burners that may or may not pan out. Some of those weren't impressive in the Nosler data.

DF

Checked Brownells M-700 parts. The 7RM follower is the same as the RUM, so factory mag follower should work.

They list a blue LA RUM box mag with windows for eight bucks and change, wholesale. Going from 7RM to 26 Nosler may be as simple as a RUM box mag and tweaking the rails for the case to pass thru.

DF

Bartletts In Owensboro, ky. state to use AA8700 data for their supply of WC872, See if how that compares to US869 and move forward from there. I doubt there will be a whole lot of data ever tested for a .26 because of the limited useful powders.

I've been looking at 6.5 STW load data. The water capacity of the 6.5 STW and the 26 Nosler are pretty close.

STW's often get pushed pretty hard and some of the loads are really fast. I don't know how much pressure these published loads are generating. But, at least it gives a general idea about performance in a very similar round with various powder and bullet combos.

Some of those slow .50 BMG and Vulcan surplus, pull down powders Jeff Bartlett has been selling are no longer available.

DF

Both BDL's at the smith. He agreed RUM boxes would work and will order a pair. He'll get the barrels ordered and we should be in business.

DF

89grs US 869 5 shot avg velocity 3414ft/sec with the 136 Scenar L and shot around .50 easily. Hope to stretch it out to 800yds this weekend and see how it shoots.

Great info, jetbrook. Keep it coming.

136 Scenar L's are some really nice looking bullets, they just look like they'd shoot.

Are you touching, jamming, jumping?

DF

I have found that the Scenars are not to picky. .005 off

Heard the same thing.

Pat Sinclair sure swears by them and has an impressive portfolio of critters, proof of their effectiveness.

I just recently started playing with them because I can't find Bergers anywhere. I have some 123gr Scenars loaded for my 6.5 SAUM and will be trying them out on deer and hogs as will I with the 26 Nosler.

The 90 gr. Scenar was way too expansive in my .240 at 3,400 or so. The 105's wouldn't stabilize in the 10 twist ,240.

Hopefully the lighter 6.5 Scenars will hold together at high velocity. I think the 136L and 139 will perform well on game, even at 3,400 fps.

DF

Couldn't find 139's thats why I tried the 136's.

I have both and I think both will work. The 136L is sleeker, more like the Berger VLD's. Reportedly the Scenars are a bit tougher than the Bergers.

140 Bergers at right near 3K out of my 6.5-284, over 48.8 gr. RL-17, do a lot of internal damage to a WT chest, under 100 yds. I'm thinking the devestation with that bullet may be a bit much at 3,400 fps. Maybe the Scenars will be about right.

I'm also interested in the 142 gr. Matrix VLD, which is bonded. And, the new 150 gr. Matrix being added to the list. High B.C.'s, maybe a bit less velocity, but LR performance should be great.

DF

I just got around to reading JB's article on the 26 Nosler in the latest Handloader. Good stuff as always.

DF

I tried to tell him about WC-872!