6.5x.284 and RE=26

[captn t]

Finally found a pound of RL=26
Looking to load 140 VLD
Where should I start?
Captn T

 

[billshehane]

Finally found a pound of RL=26
Looking to load 140 VLD
Where should I start?
Captn T

Save ya powder for something else-- much too slow for that Puppy! RE-22 is too slow for me.

 

[tbeasley]

RL26 is a different powder all together. Works real well in .243 thru 6.5 creedmoor.
It will work also in 6.5-284. With that being said, best have 26"+ barrel. Others start around 50gr with 140gr berger. Work up slow....
H4350 is a better choice for 26" or shorter.
H4831sc is also a great choice but won't get you the velocity unless 28" bbl.
Norma MRP and H1000 is good too

 

[dakor]

It is not too slow and the speed will amaze you.

 

[wedgy]

H1000 works very well and seems to be easy on the barrel.
RL26 is faster than H1000 right ??
With a Cutting Edge 130MTH 22" barrel 210M MS3 and Labradar
52.5 gr =2787
59.5 gr =3214
60.0 gr =3252 slight ejector mark

This is a lightweight hunting rig and the higher velocities are hard to shoot, the gun flies off the bags. I am now testing around 3000fps for something comfortable to shoot, but I will test it in my heavier hunting guns.
FYI the CEB 140's require a 7 twist

edit; I only listed the start and finish velocities of the ladder

 

[dakor]

With 54gr of H-1000 and a 140 Berger VLD Hunting I average 2963fps. With 55gr of Reloader 26 and the 140 Berger VLD Hunting I am averaging 3133fps both loads have single digit ES and SD. This is with a #3 Brux 8.5 twist 4 groove 27 inch finish barrel. We have been using H-1000 in the 6.5-284 for 9 years now so I do not agree with it being too slow for that case or Reloader 26 being too slow either it is about the same burn rate.

 

[JLT]

With 54gr of H-1000 and a 140 Berger VLD Hunting I average 2963fps. With 55gr of Reloader 26 and the 140 Berger VLD Hunting I am averaging 3133fps both loads have single digit ES and SD. This is with a #3 Brux 8.5 twist 4 groove 27 inch finish barrel. We have been using H-1000 in the 6.5-284 for 9 years now so I do not agree with it being too slow for that case or Reloader 26 being too slow either it is about the same burn rate.

I just started working with this powder in the 6.5x284 and my initial results are very similar to dakor's. I've been hovering around a 54 gr. charge weight behind 140 gr. Barnes Match Burners, clocking just under 3,100 fps average out of a 28" 1:8 twist Criterion bull profile. Accuracy has been excellent with no pressure signs whatsoever and I can't match the velocities out of this barrel with any other powder I have on hand without stressing the brass. Case head expansion is negligible at 54 grs. out of my rifle. I believe it is very well-suited for the 6.5x284 - definitely not too slow for the 140 gr.+ bullets.

 

[Frankr]

I been shooting it in a 6XC 43.5gr behind a Berger 115 gets me just over 3,100 FPS with a 26" barrel and it has been shooting great...I shot one today at 400 yards right on dead center....three at 500 cutting...very good...has turned in 2 1/4" at 700 yards...seems to shoot very well.. So far love the RL26 I would think it would shoot great in any cartridge
as you can get better fill than RL17 and it's slower so you don't see any pressure but you do see a increase in MV..You can get several grains more of 26 in over 22 or 23 RL23 has shot great for me also but velocity is low due to case fill.

 

[josh shrum]

If the Reloader 26 doesn't work out for you, I would recommend trying Reloader 23.

I am using it in my 6.5-284 with a 24" Bartlein, running 140 Berger VLD's rights at 3000 fps.

53.0 gr of Reloader 23 and Wolf LR primers have given me the best results, jumped .010

I tested this over the course of a week, temps started out in the high 20's,, ended up in the mid 70s, no pressure signs with the temp swings.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

Anybody testing with Retumbo and the 140 Hybrid?

 

[hogpatrol]

Another data point, I have accuracy and low ES at 2950 with Hybrid 100V and 130VLDs. This is in a hunting rifle.

 

[356tsw]

Another data point, I have accuracy and low ES at 2950 with Hybrid 100V and 130VLDs. This is in a hunting rifle.

I shoot 50.0gr H1000 in a 26" barrel with Sierra 140 bullets. It will shoot 5" at 1000. It is light on the barrel erosion. If you barrel will shot with the slow powers use them.

 

[TackDriv3r]

I shoot 130 VLD with 52 grains H4831SC Fed GM primers. Velocity is at 3,005 fps. It's right at the accuracy node with .1 MOA at 100 yards. I have not tried the next fastest accuracy node, but if it shoots good, why bother. . Other load is with 123 Sierra MatchKings, same MOA as the Berger. 7 ES and 5 SD. Shot this 5 shot group at 650 yards in 10 mph wind. H4831SC is hard to beat.

 

[6MMsteve]

Going to try Re26 51grs 150smk will see what she do 65x284 30inch barrel 8tw

 

[ShootDots]

Going to try Re26 51grs 150smk will see what she do 65x284 30inch barrel 8tw

I think that would be LOW to start at. I have been in the works of a new 6.5 x 284 using the 150's. My first outing was with H1000. I went all the way up to 55.5 without any signs of pressure. I am now trying RL-23 and am now using 48.6grs with ZERO pressure. Remember RL-26 is not that far behind H1000. It is slower than IMR 7828 and VV N165.

 

[6MMsteve]

yep found that out went to 52.2 with a slight primer flat, no chrono shooting out the upstairs of house lol, if I was shooting 3 shot groups would be around .120 but I'm rusty but it's a perfect day down here in Ky no wind at all, cut the fever down and had fun

 

[6MMsteve]

I think that would be LOW to start at. I have been in the works of a new 6.5 x 284 using the 150's. My first outing was with H1000. I went all the way up to 55.5 without any signs of pressure. I am now trying RL-23 and am now using 48.6grs with ZERO pressure. Remember RL-26 is not that far behind H1000. It is slower than IMR 7828 and VV N165.

I was shooting H1000 but I bought a # of 26 to try.

 

[tbeasley]

For reference I've loaded for 2 other 6.5-284s.

130vld used 54.5 RL26 avg. 3005fps

135 classic Hunter 54.0 RL26 3010fps

 

[Jaybo]

I'm having a 6.5x284 being built now and rl26 and h4350 was the two powders I was going to try . All the info I can get would be great plan on using Lapua brass and the ELD X bullets and Berger 140 hvld.

 

[JLT]

I'm having a 6.5x284 being built now and rl26 and h4350 was the two powders I was going to try . All the info I can get would be great plan on using Lapua brass and the ELD X bullets and Berger 140 hvld.

Start at 52.0 and work up with RL-26. I'll bet you'll find something that works for you between 52 and 55 grains with the ELD. Note that RL-26 is temperature sensitive to some degree. Pressure and velocity increase a bit as the temperature increases, so test accordingly. Good luck with your development!