Anyone got 300 WM R26 loads/experience

frankm

Handloader
May 10, 2009
483
96
I ve had really good luck with velocity and accuracy of 75.5 grs of R22 with 180 gr bullets in numerous 300 WM s. Usually runs 3000-3050 fps and under an inch at 100 yds with 24" sporter barrel hunting rifles.

Looking for anyone's experience with R26 in 300 WM with same weight bullet. ( I have R26!)

In 22-250 AI, 6.5x55, 240 and 257 Bees ( all with heavy for caliber bullet weights) I ve gotten another 50-75 fps more velocity with R26 over R22 and same accuracy. Typically takes 1.5-2 grs more R26.

Would appreciate hearing others results with the 300 .... I think I need to scratch that itch!!

Thx guys.
 
I have seen rumors R26 exists. But have never seen it on a shelf. One day Maybe
 
I’ve been using 4350 in my 300WM, but I have run RL26 in my 300WSM and I can get a bit over 3130 with 180gn AB
With 75.6gn of RL26.

Like you, I find RL26 is outstanding in many cartridges for me including 243win, 3006, 300WSM, and I’ll do the 300WM after I shoot out my batch of 4350. With the IMR4350 I’m running 2970fps at 69.8gns. nAB 180gn


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Haven't tried it in 243 or 270 yet... I d expect similar results.

Need to wait til it's more available before testing my cartridges... I don't have that much of it!
 
I've run 74.5 grains of RL26 with a 180 grain Federal Trophy bonded Tip out of my Christiansen Arms 26" barrel and got 3130FPS with excellent accuracy (1 1/4 at 200 yds.)
 
That s really good velocity with that amt of powder. Did you work up any higher in R26 powder charge by chance? I m seeing data that goes to 78 grs or so with some 180 gr bullets. (Speer)
 
Why change if you already found a good load. 3000+ with 180 grain bullet is very potent. I'm running 3100 fps with my 300 Winnie using 75 grain of IMR 7828. This is with 180 grain Barnes TTSX and 3200+ with 175 LRX BT. My barrel is 26" though.
 
Desert Fox, you re right... no real need to change just like to experiment and gives me an excuse to shoot!

Currently using IMR4831, R22 and Retumbo ( along with R26) in a bunch of my rifles and see R26 as a potential candidate to replace with one powder. So far have seen good results to date.
 
frankm":t5at8xyy said:
Desert Fox, you re right... no real need to change just like to experiment and gives me an excuse to shoot!

Currently using IMR4831, R22 and Retumbo ( along with R26) in a bunch of my rifles and see R26 as a potential candidate to replace with one powder. So far have seen good results to date.

Those are good powder for the 300 win Mag. Retumbo has almost the same burning characteristic as H-1000 which at one time, my go to powder with the 300.

The 300 Winnie really shine if you load it close to the max. I'm not sure how stable RE-26 with temperature, but Hodgdon H-1000 and Retumbo are pretty stable.
 
Frank, I used some RL25, 26, 22, Retumbo, H1000 and probably a few others in 300 Wins over the years. Not a one of them didn’t get over 3000 with 180’s. Most fell into the 3050-3100 range and 2950-3000 pretty easily with 200 Partitions and Accubonds. I love 26 and it does give a bit more speed, but not so much over the others to make me wanna jump away from them. H1000 and Retumbo are pretty awesome with the heavier Bullets and pretty temp stable powders as well. I’ll take day to day consistency over 50-75 FPS most times but saying that, 26 isn’t bad in my couple go arounds with it.
 
Scotty, thx for the feedback. I ve had at least one 300 WM in my safe for 47 years; yeah, I m old. Shot one of the 4831 s the first 20 years and R22 the last 25-27 years... all have performed great.

Mostly thought R26 might be worth a look since it's done so well in my Swede ( like wise for you) and both my 240 and 257 WB s. Same accuracy as my other loads and around a 75 fps bonus in velocity. It might not do that much better in my 300 WM but thought 'why not'. I ve got enough R22 and IMR4831 to probably burn up 2 300 barrels so this is a playtime idea. Besides, powder doesn't go bad !!
 
frankm":3mlndbx1 said:
Scotty, thx for the feedback. I ve had at least one 300 WM in my safe for 47 years; yeah, I m old. Shot one of the 4831 s the first 20 years and R22 the last 25-27 years... all have performed great.

Mostly thought R26 might be worth a look since it's done so well in my Swede ( like wise for you) and both my 240 and 257 WB s. Same accuracy as my other loads and around a 75 fps bonus in velocity. It might not do that much better in my 300 WM but thought 'why not'. I ve got enough R22 and IMR4831 to probably burn up 2 300 barrels so this is a playtime idea. Besides, powder doesn't go bad !!

I’d give it a shot Frank. 26 has worked great in a bunch of stuff for me. I really like the stuff. Free speed doesn’t hurt nothin either.
 
For those interested, shot my 75.5 gr load today with R22 and Sierra 180 GK. Temp 38 and 2925 fps.... usually does 3000-3050 in warmer temps.

Shot 77 grs of R26 and did 3035 fps and 78 grs did 3125 fps. Could cover the 3 shot group of 78 grs R26 with a dime. Others grouped 3/4" +/- ... that's the norm. Just not sure how the load might work with 70+ degree days but worth trying.

Bolt opened easy, no extractor marks or abnormal Primer flow.
 
frankm":3jcqc781 said:
For those interested, shot my 75.5 gr load today with R22 and Sierra 180 GK. Temp 38 and 2925 fps.... usually does 3000-3050 in warmer temps.

Shot 77 grs of R26 and did 3035 fps and 78 grs did 3125 fps. Could cover the 3 shot group of 78 grs R26 with a dime. Others grouped 3/4" +/- ... that's the norm. Just not sure how the load might work with 70+ degree days but worth trying.

Bolt opened easy, no extractor marks or abnormal Primer flow.

I’d bet you’re fine. It’s not nearly as bad as some folks preach. That’s great speed.
 
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