Welp glad I’ve at least got a pound of rl26 on hand.
finding others is looking like will be a chore
finding others is looking like will be a chore
Last edited:
- Thread starter DAVETOOLEY
- Start date
I keep reading different opinions about RL26.
What I’m afraid of is the people giving their opinions on it don’t test it reasonably. I imagine someone making ammo in winter time and shooting the same ammo in the summer time and if they hit the target they say it’s stable.
Let’s face it, very few shooters understand the testing and the evaluating side of this sport.
I have not shot Rl26 above 53 degrees so I can't speak of how it does above there. I have shot it down to minus 10F and it has been very good for me in that direction.
I haven't shot anything above 53F lately. I am soooo over winter. I can't wait to have the ability to test RL-26 in 90F+ temps. Was going to shoot some RL-26 yesterday with some 230gr A-Tips on the 2nd firing of some ADG Brass....but me and wet/damp cold don't get a long.
I have about 150 pieces of ADG that still needs to fire form. Waiting on a nice day to run up to Thunder Valley and shoot some 1000+ fire forming this brass with some 225 Hornady Match....non-ELD-M's to see what they are like.
I personally feel that’s from dumbassery specialists who push for maximum “look how fast I’m going“ in moderate temps then get burned when it warms up.
So far I’ve burned about 4-5 pounds of it and from low 20’s to mid 70’s it’s been better temp stability than I expected.
It’s not like R16 set and forget but it’s far from R17’s Behavior.
I’m running a .55 correction factor in my app and it’s working well.
I usually do load pressure testing with 75 degree temps. And back down about .6 to 1.0 grains from where I see pressure pending the rifle and if I'm in a node. Doing that I've never had an issue from freezing temps to hot temps.
Loading to pressure in the winter and then thinking it will be good in the summer is pretty stupid thinking. Better bring a big rubber mallet to get your bolt open..
Loading to pressure in the winter and then thinking it will be good in the summer is pretty stupid thinking. Better bring a big rubber mallet to get your bolt open..
I’ve tested it in several cartridges from -10 to 105 and have not seen any major effects. Typically. 15-25 FPS swing in those temp ranges.
That being said, none of my loads were on the edge of being too hot.
Also I haven’t done any temp testing in the 300 PRC but I don’t see why it would be any different.
Cartridges I’ve tested in.
6.5 SAUM
6.5 PRC
6.5 AI
280 AI
7 SAUM
7 Rem Mag
All these have been 1-1.5 grains less charge than H1000 with the same bullet and typically 50-100 FPS faster showing no pressure.
That being said, none of my loads were on the edge of being too hot.
Also I haven’t done any temp testing in the 300 PRC but I don’t see why it would be any different.
Cartridges I’ve tested in.
6.5 SAUM
6.5 PRC
6.5 AI
280 AI
7 SAUM
7 Rem Mag
All these have been 1-1.5 grains less charge than H1000 with the same bullet and typically 50-100 FPS faster showing no pressure.
Quick few rounds today to break in the 22" PRC.
The two rounds of ADG brass with 75 gr of RL 26 with the 215s were at 2840, 2844. I dropped it down two grains about from the Hornady load, because I like to start lower. Will see what it likes when I work it up.
Last edited:
Thanks for the update and for a new barrel I think the results are impressive. Actually considering you’ll be picking up a little more speed as it breaks in I think that’s awesome.
So guess I’ll be ordering a new 22” barrel for the desert tech in 300 PRC.
I’d be interested to hear where you end up in a hundred or so rounds both on velocity and load info. Again thanks.
I’m shipping my barrel out to Dave tomorrow, pretty interested to see what a 8 twist will do. I scored a could pounds of n565 and I have a couple pounds of h-1000. Has anyone tried RL23? Also if anyone has any leads on more n565, n570 or RL26 please drop me a line..... really desperate to get 8-16 pounds. In south central NM just north of El Paso Texas
Midway USA has pounders of n565. Limit 2 per purchase so not much help but can at least get a taste.
Those were the two pounds I ordered. I also see where N560 is in stock, anyone played with that yet
Shot a few more with ADG brass and RL26 and the 215s. Kept it low for now to fire form and get a feel for the new brass. 75 grains. 2840 fps with zero pressure in the 22 inch tube. Will work up to pressure in the coming weeks. Still anticipating to be over 2900 without pressure from this short barrel hunt rig with ADG brass.
300PRC getting me excited. I just got into 300WM. I have only loaded new brass. What are the problems with the belt I need toknow about?
Been shooting win mag for years and years and have upwards of 15 reloads on some brass without issues (ADG). Used W-W Super for a long time before that. Win mag is still a great round. Shoot out the barrel and then consider switching if your mags and chassis will take the CIP length stuff. Ive never encountered issues with the win mag and I have loaded probably 5,000 rounds of it now for myself and others. That was my go to and main caliber across many rifles. Still has its place for sure. Just these new improved case designs and new powders are starting to show improvement. Unless you need every FPS out of a .30, the win mag still holds it own and does well.
Excellent. Thanks for your reply. Of course I can't find H1000 or RL26 because of the damn creedmoor shooters, and now this pandemic. Lol. I have 8lbs of AA4350 and its giving me excellent accuracy with 212 eldx. 65.5gr in Win brass.
I also shoot a 300WM but the barrel is about at the end of it's service life. For me I tried H1000 which shot great with 190gn bullets but Retumbo and 210VLD's are what gives me excellent accuracy and speed. Give Retumbo a try if you run across some. I've also been playing with RL26 and 210 VLD's in the WM but haven't found the recipe yet giving both accuracy and speed without pressure signs.
Anyone think a 30” barrel is too long for a practice ELR rifle? I was watching a video about how Todd Hodnett was talking about bullets slowing down in long barrels and it made me think that’s one reason my old 29” PRC barrel had disappointing speeds
Last edited:
A lot of that can depend on powder etc..., chamber, bore size....
I’ve got a 32” on my F Open gun for my 300PRC. Next barrel might be a 30”. I’ve thought about taking the 32” off and cutting 2” off of it but it shoots so dam good. Why bother.
F Open gun in a hot caliber. I’d run a 30” with out blinking an eye.
Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels
@Frank Green what bullet/powder combo you running in that 32" now? 230gr A-Tip and RL-26?
Haven’t tried RL26 yet. Just H1000.
76gr and 230gr bullets are coming out at a honest 2900fps and I’m not stepping on it. This load works on any day in any temperature.
I have loaded up to 78gr with no issues but I didn’t clock the 78gr load for velocity thru a chronograph. Only shot the load one time and shot it at 900 yards and a 1k yards. On the electronic targets at a 1k yards the bullets where coming in about 50fps faster if memory serves me right.
Gun will hold 1/4moa for vertical at a 1k yards with either load.
I’ve shot 225 ELDM’s, 230smk and the 230 ATIP’s. Barrel is a 9 twist and 5R rifling.
I can run it faster.
I spoke with Berger again today and they obtained the best velocity for the 245gr EOL with N570 and reloder 50.
Velocity for both was ~2820-2830 out of a 26” barrel according to Berger.
Has anyone tried RL50? I picked up a couple lbs today to try with the 245.
Velocity for both was ~2820-2830 out of a 26” barrel according to Berger.
Has anyone tried RL50? I picked up a couple lbs today to try with the 245.
I did, ran Hornady brass too and got 154.
Funny it's never been that way before with magnum cartridges. You reach a point of diminishing returns but I've shot barrels out to 36" and always picked up a bit of speed. Might be single digits but they all went faster.
Range day
First, the good news. It was absolutely beautiful here in Northern Kentucky today. Sunny, 72F, no wind...birds chirping...geese flying over heading north...squirrels having fun....just a post card day today.
So, today I was doing another round of testing with some ADG Brass, Reloader 26, three different bullets...and a seating depth of magazine length. The other week I ran some 230gr A-Tips and did some powder testing with RL-26. Things went fairly well but my testing was with COAL's that were not able to feed into a 3.850 CIP Mag. So, today I loaded them up with a few thou of clearance and headed to the range.
First up was some 225gr Match...non-ELD-M's. The BC is a lot lower on these and won't be considered for ELR...but let's try them out. With virgin ADG brass and 77 grains of RL-26 I got average of 2883fps with a 10 round SD of 2.4.....but two groups were embarrassing. both were barely under an inch at 100yards. Virgin brass....bullet seating depth had me lower muzzle velocity than I expected...didn't get any warm and fuzzy's with this load combination.
Second up was 225gr ELD-Match. Compared to my N565 and Retumbo loads...these were average 2917 with a SD of 4.2 in a 10 round string. Wasn't happy with the results either... .75" and .90" groups. A growth in group size and lower velocity than the same bullet, in Hornady Brass, with same load. Wasn't happy with this load combination.
Third up was 230gr A-Tips. Velocity jumped due to seating depth and more pressure. 2961 average with a 10 shot SD of 3.6. I shot one .55" group and one .75" group. So...maybe it was just me today....but usually I can cherry pick a nice .25" group. So...I rechecked all my ring screws, action screws....everything...and everything was tight. I never felt comfortable behind the rifle today...so maybe it was just a bad day.
I did shoot one group of the 230's longer than mag length and it was a .75" group...and one group with 225ELD-M's and Retumbo and it was a .60" group....and I've shot some really good groups with that. Velocities all looked good....borescoped the barrel and chamber when I got home...everything looked good before and after cleaning...I think it was just me.
So....anyone ever have the most beautiful day of the year...where you are so happy to be outside and doing something....and shoot a disappointing session?
I'm going to keep the velocity data....but I'll retest RL-26...especially now that the brass has been fireformed....and revisit next week some time. It was such an enjoyable day...sure beat going to work.....I'm averaging about 70hrs a week right now.
Have fun, stay safe and enjoy beautiful days while you can.
Bee Two
First, the good news. It was absolutely beautiful here in Northern Kentucky today. Sunny, 72F, no wind...birds chirping...geese flying over heading north...squirrels having fun....just a post card day today.
So, today I was doing another round of testing with some ADG Brass, Reloader 26, three different bullets...and a seating depth of magazine length. The other week I ran some 230gr A-Tips and did some powder testing with RL-26. Things went fairly well but my testing was with COAL's that were not able to feed into a 3.850 CIP Mag. So, today I loaded them up with a few thou of clearance and headed to the range.
First up was some 225gr Match...non-ELD-M's. The BC is a lot lower on these and won't be considered for ELR...but let's try them out. With virgin ADG brass and 77 grains of RL-26 I got average of 2883fps with a 10 round SD of 2.4.....but two groups were embarrassing. both were barely under an inch at 100yards. Virgin brass....bullet seating depth had me lower muzzle velocity than I expected...didn't get any warm and fuzzy's with this load combination.
Second up was 225gr ELD-Match. Compared to my N565 and Retumbo loads...these were average 2917 with a SD of 4.2 in a 10 round string. Wasn't happy with the results either... .75" and .90" groups. A growth in group size and lower velocity than the same bullet, in Hornady Brass, with same load. Wasn't happy with this load combination.
Third up was 230gr A-Tips. Velocity jumped due to seating depth and more pressure. 2961 average with a 10 shot SD of 3.6. I shot one .55" group and one .75" group. So...maybe it was just me today....but usually I can cherry pick a nice .25" group. So...I rechecked all my ring screws, action screws....everything...and everything was tight. I never felt comfortable behind the rifle today...so maybe it was just a bad day.
I did shoot one group of the 230's longer than mag length and it was a .75" group...and one group with 225ELD-M's and Retumbo and it was a .60" group....and I've shot some really good groups with that. Velocities all looked good....borescoped the barrel and chamber when I got home...everything looked good before and after cleaning...I think it was just me.
So....anyone ever have the most beautiful day of the year...where you are so happy to be outside and doing something....and shoot a disappointing session?
I'm going to keep the velocity data....but I'll retest RL-26...especially now that the brass has been fireformed....and revisit next week some time. It was such an enjoyable day...sure beat going to work.....I'm averaging about 70hrs a week right now.
Have fun, stay safe and enjoy beautiful days while you can.
Bee Two
Oh yea
Just a change in how I grip the rifle can turn one on and off but I usually think about that after I'm done shooting. Supposed to be easy, grip it and rip it but it never works out that way.
Exactly what I do. Found the 336 and 335 is too loose and the .334 is perfect.
Thanks fellas.
Just ordered a 5 pack from Whidden. .332 - .336
Im impressed, they were cheaper and shipped faster than Amazon.
Just ordered a 5 pack from Whidden. .332 - .336
Im impressed, they were cheaper and shipped faster than Amazon.
I may have to do that as well. I've been using a .334...but I think I need to go to a .335 with the ADG Brass vs Hornady.
On a positive note from my session Wednesday....of the 87 pieces of brass I shot...only 2 were slightly trimmed...and I mean maybe half a thou....the rest didn't grow at all from the initial trimming....this was ADG Brass and 77 grains of RL-26 pushing three different bullets.... 225 Match, 225 ELD-Match, and 230 A-Tip.
My first barrel was 30" and I have no real complaints other than the awkwardness of moving the longer barrel around (cases, vehicles, etc..). I was getting 2940fps with 230's a grain under max published book charge, probably could've swung 3000.
Currently I have a 37" Bartlein MTU. Getting 2934fps with 250 A-tips with book max charge of Retumbo.
Or..... You can run ADG brass at 80ksi with a 28" barrel and get the same speed
. Seen a few of those on the 300prc Facebook page. I also went to the 335 with the ADG.
Well my 300 PRC is done... just as all of the ranges around me closed.
Bighorn Origin LA Action
26inch Bartlein 1-8 Barrel
MDT ACC Chassis
Trigger Tech Diamond
APA Fat Bastard Gen 3
When I can going to break in the barrel with some 225 ELDM Hornady factory ammo, got some ADG brass and 230 atips after that, got a couple lbs of retumbo to start off with.
Bighorn Origin LA Action
26inch Bartlein 1-8 Barrel
MDT ACC Chassis
Trigger Tech Diamond
APA Fat Bastard Gen 3
When I can going to break in the barrel with some 225 ELDM Hornady factory ammo, got some ADG brass and 230 atips after that, got a couple lbs of retumbo to start off with.
Attachments
If you use a larger bushing and you are getting adequate neck tension....then perfect. Personally, I'm getting too much neck tension and need to go up a size with the ADG brass vs the Hornady. I was hoping to bundle a new bushing with some powder...but I can't find any powder....so I keep putting it off.
I don't know about others here...but when shooting in a Detachable Box Magazine....I like around 2 thou of neck tension. When shooting single loads....like my 250gr A-Tips...where they won't fit in a magazine....I like to size that neck down to where I have less than a thou of neck tension. I like for as little grip on that bullet as I can get away with.
Just gently place that round on top of a single shot follower and move bolt slowly forward.....My 250's are shooting incredible this way. So far though....I'm not happy with my accuracy with RL-26 and ADG brass with the 230's...but I firmly believe it is because I'm using a .334 bushing on thicker brass and getting inconsistent seating pressure.
I hate to go down that rabbit hole...but gasp...I'm thinking of turning necks...then using the proper bushing for what I want to achieve. I've never really believed in it before...but then I rarely shot to a mile or more...now...that's all I want to do...see how much farther I can go. Hell...I may start testing different primers.....nah...my skill level isn't there yet
