I am just starting to work up a load for my MRC X3 in 26 Nosler. I'll be starting with Hammer bullets in 117 gn. Prolly try the Barnes TSX 120 gn, and the Hammer bullets 130 gn, too. Anyone got any suggestions for a good powder to use with a big magnum shooting lighter bullets? I was thinking Retumbo and RL-33 would be good candidates . . . ?

I don't have any suggestions, but would like to here how the rifle functions and groups once you get going with it. What with all the mediocre comments on the fire about it. I also want to get a 26 Nosler or 6.5x300 WBY so this is an interesting thread.

Don't have one but very interested in the cartridge. You want the slower/slowest powders available just short of the really coarse 50 BMG powders. H869, surplus 872, R33, VVH560-565. H8133, maybe Retumbo, Magnum and R50.

Nosler is the best place to start and they are listing the 50 cal. type powders with good results. https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/26-nosler/

I had heard they were too coarse but I guess not.

Thanks for the Nosler link! Good info right there.

Tag...interested in both of these calibers as well.

I use 869 in mine with 140 Ballistic tips. I think Mule Deer does also except he loads 140 Accubonds. I think I’m loading a grain under the Nosler book max, best I remember without looking in my book. I don’t think recoil is any more than a 7 mag. 26 Nosler is the rifle on top, had a 7 mag Sendero rifle rebarreled with a Rock Creek Barrel.

US869 is the fastest powder listed by Nosler on its website for the 26 Nosler. And, Nosler lists 869 as the most accurate powder for 123/125 and 129/130 gn bullets. I'll be shooting 120 gn bullets, but I would expect 869 to still be plenty accurate with a 5 gn lighter bullet. Speed and accuracy, what's not to like? A few people have mentioned that 869 burns dirty. I am not sure what that means, though.

I've got IMR7828 on hand, and that is the second fastest powder listed by Nosler for 120 gn bullets, so I was thinking of just trying that, first. If I don't get the accuracy I want, I'll give 869 a try.

Sounds like you have a plan!!

Mine loves max charges of US 869

Good to hear. Thanks!

+1 with that.

DF

swaying me to start with 869 . . .

It's really the only powder you'll need with the 26 Nosler, 120's, 140's, etc.

DF

Here's what Nosler has to say about powder choices for the 26 Nosler: "We have found US 869 to be one of the best all-around powder choices for the 26 Nosler."

It appears Nosler's comment, along with others, makes starting with 869 a no-brainer.

IMO, if the OP starts with 869, he’ll stay with 869.

DF

Did you compare 869 with surplus 872? Supposed to be in the same family of 20mm Vulcan powders.

IME, identical performance. Biggest difference, 872 costs $55 for 8 pounds.

I have both, use both.

DF

Jeff Bartlett has vulcan pull down and other powder. Give him a call, he knows his stuff.

www.gibrass.com/gunpowder.html

DF