Comparing the 26Nosler to 264win mag and 6.5X300

[Divernhunter]

I handload all my hunting rounds. I do not load match bullets or ammo. I am a hunting and usually get very, very small groups with my hunting bullets at max loads. Max loads allows for less mental mathematics when hunting.

I have a 6.5X55 and a 264win mag and like both. I like the 6.5 (and 25cal) rounds.

I do not NEED a 26Nosler or 6.5X300W but am considering one. There seems to be no data for the 6.5X300win and 26Nosler in my Nosler/Swift/Barnes manuals. These are the brands of bullets I use for hunting.

Does anyone here load for these and what do you think of either cartridge? Does either provide a worthwhile improvement over the 264win mag?
I shoot at ranges from under 100 yards to about 600 yards. Often 300-400+ yards when hunting pronghorns or Africa PG.

I also have a 257R/25-06 and 257W and really like the 257W for hunting. So yes I do like speed and I like to mess with new cartridges as well as get new firearms...............even if I do not NEED them.

 

[mwess1113]

IIRC the Nosler #8 has load data for the 26 Nosler.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mwess1113]

Try this?

https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/26-nosler/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Divernhunter]

Thanks for the info.
What about the 6.5X300W??

 

[desertcj]

Ive never heard anything about a 6.5x300 win mag, but shooting times (Layne Simpson) wrote an article on the 6.5mm stw many years ago. The stw cartridges take an extra long action to use effectively and in optimal conditions give maybe 200fps advantage over their standard magnum counterparts. For the ranges you are talking about, 400-600 yards are going to require ranging and dialing on the scope anyways. The 6.5mm has been losing a bit of ground lately and personally, I would recommend a 7mm at this point. There are 7mm bullets that completely smoke the 6.5 at this point. Just give it a look, but if you like 6.5mm roll with it and don't let me stop you...lol.

 

[Blackbear3]

Barnes has 6.5-300 Weatherby load data online.
Handloader Magazines December 2016 issue had 6.5-300 Bee data for over 380 loads.
I have 26 Nosler and 6.5-300 Weatherby rifles and hunt with both of them, I have not hand loaded for either of them yet. Nothing wrong with the 264 Win either, so if you want another 6.5 caliber go with the rifle you like best. I do prefer my ULW Weatherby over my Nosler for hunting in the high country.

 

[mwess1113]

Don’t forget the 6.5 SAUM either. It’s not as fast as the 26 or 6.5 Bee but it won’t burn the barrel out as quickly


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk