Any opinions on the new 26 Nosler?

[reelangler]

http://www.nosler.com/news-and-articles ... -26-nosler

[Merlin]

<Snip..." Loaded with the 129gr ABLR, the 26 Nosler® retains as much velocity at 400 yards as the 260 Remington® produces at the muzzle." Snip>

Sounds to me like a nice round... Kind of what the .7 STW is in the 7 mm size.

[Bob Mc Alice]

Opinion? Depends on your intension. As a silhouette round, holy crap NO! For what they state about it, long range medium game and paper punching , looks like a short barrel life winner.

[BCloninger]

Did I understand correctly that this is a 30-06 necked down to 6.5mm?! No danger of ringing a ram with that - punching a hole in 'em, sure, but nothing rung.

[Jim T.]

Seems like most of the conjecture is that it is based on the .375 Ruger.

Seems to me like another "solution to a problem that never existed." Will be interesting to see how many grains of powder, and what type, is needed to get the velocities they claim. I would venture to guess that a 6.5 improved based on the .30-06 case would get within 100-150 fps of the .26 Nosler with a lot less powder.

In any event, barrel makers are hoping the cartridge really catches on, my guess is that it won't make 750 rounds and probably a lot less if my vision of the typical buyer holds up.

[BCloninger]

This has become a family discussion since my sons caught the deer hunting bug this fall! I've discovered how old school I am, preferring 30-06, .308 and, in particular, related cartridges like the 7-08 and .243 depending on the game. They are curious about magnum cartridges like the Nosler that I dismiss as shoulder busting barrel burners. My ulterior motive, of course, is to steer them toward a cartridge they can use for silhouette off-season shooting. We rarely discuss the 6.5mm rounds since - despite their great BC - they're less common.

Nosler probably has a terrific long range round here, but I predict limited appeal.

[Trent]

The money I'd end up spending on barrel installs would probably buy a lathe. Maybe Nosler should sell these rifles with a six-pack of spare barrels.

Long range hunting is pretty popular. I'm sure they'll have interest. We are flooded with reloadable "super" 6.5s right now but maybe the market "needs" a super fast factory 6.5.

[Bob Mc Alice]

I think the name alone will doom this cartridge from the start. 26 Nosler ? That does not roll off the tongue like say .270 Winchester does. How about .260 Nosler, .264 Nosler, 6.5 Nosler, 6.5 Nosler magnum. Hmmmm...they all sound weird. I am with Jim T, nothing new or needed here. Why did Lazzeroni skip doing a big .264 cartridge?

[GregG]

The 6.5x284 would have no trouble getting these velocities. The problem with this cart is even a 142 at 3k, gives up at 500-1000 rounds......

[Trent]

I don't think the 6.5x284 can reach 3400fps with a 130gr bullet. 3000fps maybe but not 3400. A 6.5mm Remington Ultra Mag might could do it though! But I don't think that is a "factory" round.

I just can't imagine who would want to have a rifle that would eat barrels that fast! I guess if you ONLY hunt with it...

I don't it'd be very fun to shoot without a muzzle brake or a suppressor. I shot a guy's 300 Ultra Mag burning 91 grains of powder that was fitted with a Thunder Beast titanium suppressor that was an absolute pleasure to shoot. That is another $1700.00 though! I like my 6.5 Creedmoor that only burns 40gr.

[GregG]

I don't think the 6.5x284 can reach 3400fps with a 130gr bullet. 3000fps maybe but not 3400. A 6.5mm Remington Ultra Mag might could do it though! But I don't think that is a "factory" round.

I just can't imagine who would want to have a rifle that would eat barrels that fast! I guess if you ONLY hunt with it...

I don't it'd be very fun to shoot without a muzzle brake or a suppressor. I shot a guy's 300 Ultra Mag burning 91 grains of powder that was fitted with a Thunder Beast titanium suppressor that was an absolute pleasure to shoot. That is another $1700.00 though! I like my 6.5 Creedmoor that only burns 40gr.

Trent, I will take the bet. I can push a 142 at 3100 all day long. But remember, I am using a 32" custom barrel. The 6.5x47 can reach almost 3000. Please note you not find the loads in a manual

[Trent]

3100 with a 142 is smoking! Way faster than all my manuals. You'll run out of case capacity before you get 300 more fps I'd think. What is your load? I've been thinking about building a straight .284win to play with.

3000fps with a 6.5x47L is also way over max. I am over max in my 28" 6.5 Creedmoor and not making 2900fps (close though). I can't stuff enough powder in my Creedmoor cases to get to 3000.

[GregG]

Trent,

I very rarely give out my loads especially when they do not hit a manual. But the powder I am using is 4350, great slow burning powder for a long barrel. If you have never looked at 6mmbr they list many loads for 2950 with is the sweet spot (from what I can tell for the 142) http://www.6mmbr.com/SixFive284.html.

I never completely believed the 6.5x47 but the person who told me, I do respect and did admit the brass life was a bit short and the loads were hot.

The 284 cartridge is basically a short fat 30-06 case. So with a long 32 inch barrel, slow powder like 4350, and a slick barrel (krieger), I can normally pass any book speeds for a given load.

The straight 284 at least here in Houston has become the cart of choice with the new berger 7mm bullet for 1k f-class open. The 6.5x284 is still liked but sure does have a short barrel life (500-1000) before it has to be set back.

Greg

[Trent]

Yeah,that's what I'd be using the .284win for is the 1,000yd line. My Creedmoor is a hammer at 600 but I was having problems with 139 scenars going transonic at 1000yds. Changed to the 142smk now but haven't tested it yet. Thanks for the info Greg.

[kevinbear]

A 7mm WSM necked down would have been a much better choice, even a 7mm SAUM would be great and the barrel would last past the load development.