I Did a heap of reading on the "26 NOS" recently. And, I seem to completely agree, Why?
The (ballistic) variations from the 264 WM and several cartridges listed above render the 26 Nosler, all but pointless to folks like us.
I mean really, for what is to be a hunting cartridge. I just "don't get it"!
However, (my favorite word) what I do get, is the understanding that Nosler, who makes a fine hunting (projectile) is wanting to "tap in" to the larger market. And hey, that's great, more power to em'.
As when Remington came out with the 280 Mountain rifle, it soared through the roof in sales. Every deer club had 2-3 guys, run out and buy one. Meanwhile, that lonely 7mm express, just sat on the shelf feeling depressed and lonesome. Why? Because the 280 killed em' MORE dead.
It's all about MARKETING! Guys like us, i/e: Shooters, i/e: on this forum kinda folks, don't fall for it.
Nosler knows that by targeting (no pun) "Bubba", he will truly believe, that having this 26 will not only make him the envy of all his buds, but his conscience level of thinking has risen to a level that says,
"My 270 was great, but NOW, I can really put a whoopin on em!" And that's exactly what they want him to buy into. Its not Bubba's fault, he doesn't know any better. No differently than a diet coke with cheese pizza will help you loose weight, than with a regular coke. (seriously)
Either way, Nosler has undergone some great changes in the last few years. And I truly hope its for the best.
For my bigger game shoots, I still swear by Partitions. But, that's just what works for me. Like Fred said, "dead is dead!"
God Bless America,
Scotsman1