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RL 26

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https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2511043/m/6691043462

06 February 2021, 22:50
crbutler
RL 26
I had been hearing what a great powder RL 26 is. Better velocities, low SD, etc.

That it is supposed to be a magnum powder, but also does great things in standard cases as well.

I found 8# of it at not too bad a price.

Get home, and look at the sources on line.

The only thing that I routinely load that Alliant publishes data for is the .25-06 and the .300 WM.

So, where is the repository of data for this powder... I load for a bunch of rounds, but not the 270 and 7 mags.

I had read the 6.5 Creedmoor, the .30-06, and big bottle .30's all benefited from it...

Any suggestions?
07 February 2021, 01:17
ZekeShikar
You're a lucky man to get RL-26.
Usually anything that is loaded well with RL-25 is even better with the 26.

I load it in my 6.5 Creedmoor and my 6.5x280AI.

My 22-250AI with 80's will probably see some RL-26 eventually but RL-23 is shooting bug hole so I hate to tinker with a good thing.

My 280AI will see some but again, it's shooting so well with IMR7977 that I hate to change.

Zeke
07 February 2021, 01:19
ZekeShikar
Don't post your home address!
I have friends who would kill for an 8lbs keg of RL-26! LOL
07 February 2021, 02:21
crbutler
So where do I find the load data?

That is more my question- lost of folks bragging it up, but the data seems very limited.
07 February 2021, 03:22
richj
http://alliantpowder.com/reloa...der.aspx?powderid=40
07 February 2021, 03:59
Rapidrob
I use it in my 8 MM Remington Magnum with 250 grain bullets and it performs very well out to one mile.
It loves large cases and really likes Over-Bore cartridges like a .25-06 and smaller diameter bullets in larger cases.
For everyday cartridges with bullet 150 grains and lighter I myself would not use this powder.
you may have unburnt powder left in the bore.
Using magnum primers is recommended.I LEE Factory Crimp my loads and unburnt powder has never been an issue.


Gulf of Tonkin Yacht Club
NRA Endowment Member
President NM MILSURPS
07 February 2021, 08:47
30.06king
Charles,
The only calibre for which I regularly use RL26 is .300WM shooting a 180 gn bullet. I am happy to give you my load data if it would help. An interesting thing found when working up loads was hitting certain velocities at LOWER charges than indicated by published data, so stay attentive as you work up.
You're correct in that load data is not everywhere. Sources of my starting loads were the Alliant data ( posted in the link above ), Hornady's current handloading manual where it's shown for a few calibres, and finally by Google searching internet forums which contained quite a bit of useful data.
My view is it's a great propellent, in .300WM at least. One of the more consistent powders I have used.


Hunting.... it's not everything, it's the only thing.
07 February 2021, 23:32
MyNameIsEarl
There is not alot of published data yet for R26. R25 is very close, if it were me, I would use this data and check each load for pressure signs as you work up.

On another note, Gunbroker has all kinds of powder if you want to bent over and f**ked in the ass for it. Price gougers paradise but its there.

I did call Alliant and asked if it and others are still being imported and made. They confirmed it was. It will apoear again, sometime. Unfortunately all my load development and shooting is on hold.
08 February 2021, 08:02
phurley5
I used RL-26 developing loads for a new 6.5 PRC with one pound I bought to start with. When it got nearly used up I had to use RL-25. It was fine for several months, in fact I got a little more speed with it. I ordered 8 pounds from Mid South and it was back ordered for several months. When they got more and sent it to me I was able to resume loading and playing with new loads. The RL-25 was an excellent substitute and I will continue to use it for some size bullets. Both powders are good for several of my chamberings. Good Shooting.


phurley
09 February 2021, 23:12
TJAY
Speer lists a bunch of R-26 loads.

https://www.speer.com/reloading/rifle-data.html
11 February 2021, 20:51
phurley5
Thanks TJAY very good information. Good Shooting.


phurley
12 February 2021, 08:09
Canadian reloarder
Used it in my 300 Win mag with the 175 Barnes LRX. With a max load in Rem cases I got 3225 ft/sec at safe pressures from my 24" barrel. Accuracy was also real good. (.75moa)


"300 Win mag loaded with a 250 gr Barnes made a good deer load". Elmer Keith