6.5 Creedmoor RL 26 Bullets

[Vect0rstar]

I have a couple of pounds of RL 26 that I want to use in a load for 6.5 Creedmoor. I have a little over 100 147 gr Eldm and 100, 140 gr Eldm that I've read have good results with RL 26. What benefit if any is there to loading a lighter bullet such as a 130 or 120 gr with RL 26? Is RL too slow-burning to be a good powder choice for lighter bullets?

For reference, my barrel is 24"

 

[Codiekfx400]

IMO 26 is too slow for lighter bullets. It will go bang but the performance gain won’t be there. Use H4350 or Rl16 or Varget for the lighter bullets

 

[Vect0rstar]

IMO 26 is too slow for lighter bullets. It will go bang but the performance gain won’t be there. Use H4350 or Rl16 or Varget for the lighter bullets

Thanks, I was kind of assuming that was the case. Now... time to try and find more bullets

 

[Bandit320]

I’m using RL26, 46.2 grs, with 140 ELDs out of a 24” barrel at 2830.

 

[GMZ]

Varget can get you speeds with the lighter bullets, id be using R26 with your 147’s.

 

[Vect0rstar]

Thanks guys. I'm going to use the 140s

 

[IDSharpShooter]

I have a couple of pounds of RL 26 that I want to use in a load for 6.5 Creedmoor. I have a little over 100 147 gr Eldm and 100, 140 gr Eldm that I've read have good results with RL 26. What benefit if any is there to loading a lighter bullet such as a 130 or 120 gr with RL 26? Is RL too slow-burning to be a good powder choice for lighter bullets?

For reference, my barrel is 24"

What kind of load data do you have for the 140’s with the RL 26. Just trying to find a start and max to load up some test rounds. I’ll be shooting them down a 22” proof barrel that I’ll be using for hunting now.

 

[Bandit320]

From Hornady #11:

Start: 39.2 / 2400
Max: 46.3 / 2850

 

[Ledzep]

47.5-48gr with 147 was getting mid 60s ksi when I tested it a few years back. I don't know if you can get enough in a case with 140s to hurt anything.

Eta: just checked the #11 manual and the above checks out. I'm going to say lot to lot variation on powder probably makes up most of the difference and I believe I used a longer COAL than the book. I just remember barely being able to get that much powder in the case. Fairly compressed.

 

[IDSharpShooter]

Thank you for your input. I might try and do some testing this weekend now.