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Reloder 26

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hemiford

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Oct 7, 2013
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I've been researching load data from various sources, using this powder, in various cartridge combinations.

It seems more often than not, compared with other powders in the same scenario, R-26 produces the highest MV, or among the highest.

So my question is, What is different or unique with R-26 ? Does it have more nitroglycerin ?

Do folks just tend to load it to higher pressures than they would with other powders ?
It does seem to ramp up the MV fairly quickly when approaching MAX loads (max combustion pressure).

I haven't really been paying attention to any downsides of using R-26, just MV.
 
I'm not an engineer or powder guru but 26 is a MV boost. Everything I have tried it in gets a boost, except 2 rigs. A 30/338 LMI and a 375 NMI.
As stated it is VERY temperature sensitive. Air temps of 80* send it over the top. I haven't had issues with it below zero.
I use it for hunting loads/rifles.
I use it in 1 rifle exclusively now. 7 SAUM just lives on the stuff. All the others I have found replacements for. The unicorn dust is almost extinct. I got lucky and have my stash At desired levels.
 
I run RL26 in several cartridges. From -10 to 90ish. Anything above 90 I am reluctant to shoot. I can shoot in the morning when its more comfortable for me. As for the pressure spike, yes, it can and does happen. I find it is more of an issue with loads already pushing the max and hot chambers. Perfect example is this past weekend it was 80-85 and I had zero issue with pressure or speed changes. Sent a mag full at 1050. Changed mags, sent another.....hard lift..... Stove piped the rifle and let it cool for bit. Sent the rest of the mag just fine. It did it again later doing the same thing. Let the chamber cool a bit and off we went. Hot temps and a hot chamber are a bad combo. Knowing that, I have had no issue using rl26 under normal hunting conditions. I use it in a creed for PRS too. Same deal, no issue, but we send 10-12 rounds in 90 seconds and then we move to the next stage.
 
I have 3 lbs of RL26 which I acquired over 3 years ago. Just started loading for a Howa 1500 7prc . Barrel break in and fire forming new brass , I used 66 gr of IMR 7977 , mv was 2835 for 20 rounds , with some ejector marks . I'll start at 64 gr of RL 26 .
 
I'm no powder genius but it is a progressive burn powder, most 'normal' powders have a single burn rate and powders like Superformance and RL26 have a burn rate that changes as it burns. In cases of the right capacity it will offer 80-200 fps more than standard powders. I have not seen pressure spikes in lighter loads, if I load it in 28 Nosler for example and only take the 80 fps over Retumbo it's fine to 100 degrees. If I take the 150-200 that it can make it will 'spike' although I don't like the term. If you are running it at high pressure it is a lot more temp sensitive than say H1000 or Retumbo but at lower pressure I haven't found that to be the case. I don't think many people have used it for more standard loads, they push the crap out of it and run it on the edge of overpressure where a temp change can be an issue. Back it down to the next node slower and it will still be faster velocities than other powders without the temp issues.
 
HSmithTX said:
I'm no powder genius but it is a progressive burn powder, most 'normal' powders have a single burn rate and powders like Superformance and RL26 have a burn rate that changes as it burns. In cases of the right capacity it will offer 80-200 fps more than standard powders. I have not seen pressure spikes in lighter loads, if I load it in 28 Nosler for example and only take the 80 fps over Retumbo it's fine to 100 degrees. If I take the 150-200 that it can make it will 'spike' although I don't like the term. If you are running it at high pressure it is a lot more temp sensitive than say H1000 or Retumbo but at lower pressure I haven't found that to be the case. I don't think many people have used it for more standard loads, they push the crap out of it and run it on the edge of overpressure where a temp change can be an issue. Back it down to the next node slower and it will still be faster velocities than other powders without the temp issues.
Click to expand...
Excellent point. People do generally run RL26 to get every little bit of speed they can. I have the exact same experience as you. I have used an absolute pile of RL26 too. I kept the empty jugs around for other uses and have 5/8'rs. I have 3/8r's still in use. Going to be a sad day when it's gone.
 
Has anyone had similar issues with RL23? I use it in my 243Win for an increase in MV of 170fps.
I have a load for my 7STW with RL26 that shows no pressure signs.
Neither rifle do I shoot in hot weather.
It is shame that these powders are not available now.
I have several pounds of each and hope to see them come around again.
 
Catbird said:
Has anyone had similar issues with RL23? I use it in my 243Win for an increase in MV of 170fps.
I have a load for my 7STW with RL26 that shows no pressure signs.
Neither rifle do I shoot in hot weather.
It is shame that these powders are not available now.
I have several pounds of each and hope to see them come around again.
Click to expand...
Catbird, I have also tried Re23 in my .243Win and .243AI without the pressure issues, but couldn't get the accuracy I wanted.
I did get the results (velocity and precision) I wanted with Retumbo and bullets in the 105-108gr range.

Ed
 
I have not experienced any weird issues with R23. It's a good one for what I'm using it in, Sherman Short cases and my 25 Sherman Long action.
The burn temp is fairly mild also, according to the info I've found.
Win-win. It's 100 degrees cooler than H4831!
In fact I traded off my R26 for more 23.

N565 and H1000 do for Me where R26 works, with 40-60 less FPS.
And are available!
 

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