Nosler 26

[effendude]

Just saw that Nosler is introducing their first proprietary cartridge, calling it the "Nosler 26". Applied for SAAMI approval in June. Non-belted .264 claiming to launch a 129gr LR Accubond at 3400fps out of a std 30-06 length cartridge. Sounds like an un-belted .264 Win Mag. Anyone have any info?
Scott

 

[Hoier]

I read on the main page it's a 375 Ruger necked down.

 

[effendude]

Nosler's web site says nothing about it being a Hornaday cartridge necked down. That makes no sense. They are competitors on every level. Might be similar, but I doubt they neck a competitor's brass down to make their first new cartridge.

Any info not based on internet rumor and suspicions?
Scott

 

[Hoier]

Sorry, I was excited about it listening to everything I'd heard. But you are right that makes no sense.

 

[saunaking]

Scott -
Talked to a guy on the "inside" at Nosler yesterday that said it is based on a .404 Jeffery case. The scuttle-butt was a necked down .375 Ruger, but he said that is not the case (no pun intended). Sounds like they are using more of the case for this cartridge than Winchester did for WSM cartridges. You will need a standard LA for this one with a magnum bolt face.

I was shooting 130 grain Siroccos at close to 3400 in my 6.5 WSM with no pressure signs using MagPro, so this isn't going to be a huge step up in velocities. The old .264 WM will still do better than that. I'm hoping Nosler puts an 8 twist barrel on their rifles with this cartridge and come out with a 140 grain LRAB bullet.

 

[effendude]

Essentially they are making a Remington Ultra Mag in 6.5, maybe a little shorter case length than the 7 and 300 RUM
Scott

 

[Con]

Essentially they are making a Remington Ultra Mag in 6.5, maybe a little shorter case length than the 7 and 300 RUM
Scott

Hope so ... will give them the ability to go upto 458cal with the Nosler name. I'm already shooting a RUM cut to 2.55" and in 45cal to match the 458Lott from a standard length action.
Hope its proven true!
Cheers...
Con

 

[effendude]

Con,
PM me with info on the .458. I would like to build a Lott as my big rifle, but the RUM case has added benefits. And I have a lifetime supply right now.

As for the Nosler 26, I bet they shortened the case from the 7 RUM and the 300 RUM length or barrel life would be real short. Time will tell.

Scott

 

[wwbrown]

After burning up a barrel on my 6.5 WSM shooting 142 g SMKs at 3,100 fps in 550 rounds I do not think shooting them at 3,400 fps will get you much better barrel life no matter what the neck configuration is.

I hope the 26 Nosler is a necked down 375 Ruger as I just finished a 30-375 Ruger and I would rather neck up from .264 then down from .375. Having another source of brass would be good.

They talk of other offerings to be brought out at Shot Show and I would not be surprised if they have other cartridges along this line brought out. It has been rumored that Nosler is making a 30 caliber that is a necked down 375 Ruger, one custom gun maker has been after them as they do not like the quality of the Hornady 375 Ruger brass. This rumor predates the 26 Nosler announcement. The people shooting the 7mm LRM will definitely be happy about the 26 Nosler if it is a .264 x 375 Ruger.

Competition-wise I do not see Hornady's 375 Ruger cases being much of a competitor to say a 6.5-375 Ruger as there are quite a few steps involved in necking the .375 down to .264 while maintaining neck consistently. I think Ruger dropped the ball when they did not bring out 30 Ruger and 338 Ruger by necking down the 375 Ruger. The 30 and 338 RCM had direct competitors in the WSM and SAUM cases whereas the 30 and 338 Rugers would have been a unique offering, close to 300 Weatherby capacity without a belt that fits nicely in a 30-06 length receiver.

I guess we will have to wait for Shot Show to see the Real Deal, I am off to the range to test the 30-375 Ruger with H1000 powder.

Just some random thoughts,

 

[wyoming .260]

There are threads on other forums about this, It seems reading from the commentary that Nosler has at least started a buzz ,both negative and positive about the .26. Publicity is the key. It will be some time before an actual gun or loaded ammo shows up. If its a .375 ruger case, it will help spawn new wildcats. I wish the companies would catch up to demand before worrying about new stuff though! just my .02 cents!

 

[Danny1788]

I see the impact this new case will make if it is a 375 Ruger necked down. But I doubt it will be. I would think a 2.5" RUM case would fit the bill perfect and be very close to capacity as the 375 Ruger.

Now with that said does it really matter what the case is? Anything that will fit into a standard length action and hold that much power is a wildcatters dream, no doubt about it you will see many wildcats built off this new case probably .243 and up. the problem that most people don't realize about a case like this is, to make the case more effect and out perform what is all ready classic cartridges is the bullets need to be heavy for caliber and the barrels need to be fast twists. Perfect example is Kirby Allens crazy monster cartridges They are for sure speed demons but they need the extra heavy bullets to really shine and make them stand out. Most people will never shoot far enough for any of this to even matter anyways. A 7mag and 180gr berger is plenty to 1000yards so what makes some new case anything better than what is already out there and available.

Plus Nosler brass is great but is stupid expensive and you know they aren't going to just be giving this stuff away.

 

[Con]

Con,
PM me with info on the .458. I would like to build a Lott as my big rifle, but the RUM case has added benefits. And I have a lifetime supply right now.

As for the Nosler 26, I bet they shortened the case from the 7 RUM and the 300 RUM length or barrel life would be real short. Time will tell.

Scott

Google 458AR or visit the AccurateReloading forum and search there as the developer is a moderator. But basically, we cut the RUM brass to approximate length, form in the die for a crush fit, final trim (use a 0.452" pilot) and then do a fire-forming shot. Fire-forming netted 2230fps with a 500gr projectile. Have moved 400gr projectiles at 2580fps (at which point I sold my 416Rigby), and 300gr can be moved fast enough to beat the 375H&H.

Fed 2+1 with no modifications through a Ruger action, can be 3+1 if you cut windows in the magazine box and spring it open a tad.
Cheers...
Con

 

[Mr. Ten-X]

The 26 Nosler - The answer to a question that nobody asked.

My question: What rifle manufacturers will chamber a hi-vel bore size that died faster than any other bore size in modern firearm history?

 

[OttoVonMog]

The 26 Nosler - The answer to a question that nobody asked.

My question: What rifle manufacturers will chamber a hi-vel bore size that died faster than any other bore size in modern firearm history?

Nosler does make guns now-- so I'm guessing only Nosler?

 

[effendude]

Wade
I agree with your comments. While I have never used Hornaday brass, rumors of it's quality have kept me away from any cartridge that requires their brass. Barrel life must be a huge concern with a cartridge like this. I love my 6.5-284 Cooper for hunting, but I know I have shot it enough that it will soon need a barrel, just like the .264 Win Mag Model 70 I bought used awhile ago that won't shoot at all.

All of these slight variations in cartridge designs become sales tools for the industry. I am not saying it is bad, it simply drives sales. I think powder composition advances such as the Superperformance powders will be the big changes in cartridge design of the future.

Scott

 

[CJ6]

I would think a 2.5" RUM case would fit the bill perfect and be very close to capacity as the 375 Ruger.

Look at the Dakota line of cases, It's been done for you.

 

[280nosler]

The 26 Nosler, soon to be added to the list of:
6.5 rem mag
264 win mag
6.71 phantom
6.5x57 Mauser

Nosler will make you a great deal - buy 500 rounds get a free barrel.

All kidding aside I read earlier today that it was going to be based on a .545 rim, which substantiates the 404 Jeffery rumor. So essentially they are taking a 7mm Dakota and necking it down to 6.5. How original. Barrel life on the 7mm Dakota is sub 2k, so I'll put my money on less than 1500 rounds before the barrel is sandblasted.

 

[Con]

The speculation seems to revolve around 3 parent cases:
1. 375Ruger necked down.
2. Shortened RUM or extended SAUM whichever way you want to look at it.
3. 338NormaMagnum necked down.

Will be interesting to see what eventuates.
Cheers...
Con