26 Nosler Load with 140gr. Nosler Partition?

[blue devil]

Wondering if anyone has a load for a 26 Nosler they like with a 140gr. Nosler partition bullet? I see a few out there with 140gr. Berger bullets, but I would like to shoot a Nosler Partition in mine. I see the Vihtvuori powder has one of the more efficient loads along with the US 869? Looking for opinions or suggestions on what other shooters are using with that bullet? I have a Browning Hells Canyon 26 Nosler with a 26" barrel. Thanks

 

[Tjay]

I have found the Nosler loading manual to be very good at letting you know which powder and how much worked. With Nosler bullets this is always my first option.

I do not load for the 26 Nosler but everything I do load for has found this info a very helpful.

 

[Bigjay73]

I concur. It's uncanny how often what Nosler recommends, works the best in my rifles.

 

[blue devil]

That's what I looked at and the "best" powder was the Vihtvuouri 20N29 and second was the US869, which I have never used either. but did read where some people have found inconsistency with the US869. And I know no-one who has ever used the Vihtvuori

 

[ImBillT]

There’s not going to be a large difference in powder charge between two different bullets of the same weight unless you’re comparing cup and core to a solid, and even then some of those designed to load similarly to cup and core bullets. Feel free to use load data from Nosler, Berger. Hodgdon, Alliant, or Norma. Start 10% below max and work up watching for signs of excess pressure.

Vitvuori powders have been the favorite of many benchrest shooters. I know nothing of the particular powder, but they sell good powder.

 

[rtraverdavis]

My dad has an M48 Heritage in 26 Nosler, and has had decent success with Viht 20N29 and 140 grain Partitions. It's a tough powder to find. He searched for months.

His rifle is very finicky, and from what I've heard based on talking to some folks at Nosler, that cartridge really has a different sweet spot in different rifles. Not much help, I know, but if I were you I'd get a few pounds of different powders and start tinkering. Like you said, US869 and Viht 20N29 are among the favorites, as well as H50BMG. Good luck. Post up some results after you play around with it.

 

[Tjay]

26 nosler

Here is some data. Hope this helps.

.26 Nosler (Using 140 GR Nosler Bullets)
Warning! Notes: Case: Nosler; primer: WLRM; barrel length/make: 26" Pac-Nor; barrel twist: 1-8"; OACL: 3.300"; maximum OACL: 3.340". Bullets: 140 GR Nosler AccuBond Spitzer, Ballistic Tip Spitzer, Custom Competition HPBT or Partition Spitzer.
Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.
Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS)
140 Nosler Ramshot Magnum 73.5 3110
Remarks: max; most accurate load tested
140 Nosler Ramshot Magnum 71.5 3043
Remarks:
140 Nosler Ramshot Magnum 69.5 2901
Remarks:
140 Nosler Alliant RL-50 77.0 3216
Remarks: max
140 Nosler Alliant RL-50 75.0 3181
Remarks: most accurate load tested
140 Nosler Alliant RL-50 73.0 3145
Remarks:
140 Nosler Norma N-217 74.0 3249
Remarks: max; most accurate load tested
140 Nosler Norma N-217 72.0 3176
Remarks:
140 Nosler Norma N-217 70.0 3103
Remarks:
140 Nosler Vihtavuori VV-20N29 87.0 3275
Remarks: max; compressed load
140 Nosler Vihtavuori VV-20N29 85.0 3196
Remarks: compressed load; most accurate load tested
140 Nosler Vihtavuori VV-20N29 83.0 3117
Remarks:
140 Nosler Hodgdon US-869 88.0 3303
Remarks: max; compressed load; most accurate powder tested
140 Nosler Hodgdon US-869 86.0 3235
Remarks: compressed load; most accurate powder tested
140 Nosler Hodgdon US-869 84.0 3175
Remarks: most accurate load tested; most accurate powder tested

 

[sbhooper]

I think that the Partition would be awesome, as long as it shoots well. Some rifles don't like it. I have not looked at the data for that round, but due to case capacity, bullet weight and barrel length, I would say the slowest powders will do well for you. Re 33 would rock in that, in my opinion. It is fantastic in my 26-inch 7 mag. I don't know if anyone has data for that, but within normal ranges, that Partition should really outshine the more frangible Berger stuff.

 

[ImBillT]

I’m shooting a different 6.5mm cartridge, but find it interesting that my most accurate load, and the most accurate load Nosler lists were both traveling at 3175fps.

I’m sure the Partition will penetrate more deeply, but I’ve had outstanding results with Bergers in both 130gr and 140gr at velocities from 3175fps to 3400fps. Not trying to dissuade anyone from a Partition by any means. Just saying that “really outshine the more frangible Berger stuff” may not be the obvious result. It should be highly effective though. I’m wanting to try a Partition in a .223 AI and slow twist 6BR soon.