breakin light load, how light?

[mkcj]

My son and I bought M48's in 26 Nosler and it's time to break them in, question is I have some 129 gr SST's I was going to use for breakin. With Magnum powder the book starts at 78grs, for breakin how much lower can I go on the first 20 rounds?

 

[nvbroncrider]

I wouldn't shoot any lower than that in fact I'd just start your LD right out of the gate. No use to put more rounds down that then necessary. Besides those Pac-Nor tubes are hand lapped so there shouldn't be any burrs or tool marks. Just clean as recommended during break-in.

Especially with slow burning powders if you drop too low you will see odd pressure signs when there should be none.

 

[JD338]

Congratulations on your new M48's. I agree with Jake, start out with the ladder test.
The 26 Nosler is a great round but it over bore. Keeping it cool and clean will allow you to
get the maximum barrel life out of your rifle.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

You've been given excellent advice. Treat the rifle gently at first, cleaning as recommended, which doing your load development. Avoid excessive heat, and you'll be in good shape.

 

[BretN]

This year's Hodgon magazine with load data has a nice article on the 26 Nosler. I would read it. He cautions to never go below the starting load data. He tried to do so and had bad pressure situation from too light a load in that big cartrigde. He also came up with some pretty good loads. Read the article.

 

[Dwh7271]

This year's Hodgon magazine with load data has a nice article on the 26 Nosler. I would read it. He cautions to never go below the starting load data. He tried to do so and had bad pressure situation from too light a load in that big cartrigde. He also came up with some pretty good loads. Read the article.

+1, I read that also. He also pretty much settled on US869 as the powder to use.

 

[mkcj]

Thanks guys, i have the Hodgdons magazine so I will start near the bottom of the load data and work up while breaking in.

 

[BretN]

Let us know how it goes, both load development and hunting results. I finally got to hold and look over a 48 a couple weeks ago. They look like a great gun. Enjoy it.