The New .26 Nosler

by
posted on March 25, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Row of three vertical brass cartridges ammunition rifle ammo

Capitalizing on what is, undoubtedly, the fastest-growing trend in hunting-“long range”-Nosler has developed a new cartridge, the .26 Nosler, that it hopes will excel in the field. The cartridge’s cavernous, non-belted case has a capacity of 93 grs. of water, which is about 12 grs. more than the elder .264 Win. Mag., and significantly more than the 6.5-.284 Norma. In the accompanying image, the cartridges are: (from l. to r.) 6.5-.284 Norma, .264 Win. Mag., and .26 Nosler. The increased propellant capacity enables the .26 Nosler to propel high-ballistic-coefficient 130-gr. bullets, such as the AccuBond, to 3400 f.p.s., resulting in a maximum point blank range of 415 yds. and producing 1,918 ft.-lbs. of energy at that distance. Unlike some long-range cartridges, such as the 7 mm or .300 Rem. Ultra Mag., the .26 Nosler’s 3.340” maximum cartridge overall length (the same as the .30-’06 Sprg. family of cartridges) enables it to be chambered in standard-length actions. Excluding the Nosler Custom Rifle (NCR), the .26 Nosler will be available in any of the company’s semi-custom rifles, and initial factory loads will be offered with the 129-gr. AccuBond Long-Range (LR) or the 140-gr. AccuBond. What’s the likelihood that you’ll try the .26 Nosler? What’s your preferred cartridge for "stretching the distance"?

Latest

Armasight Operator thermal riflescope
Armasight Operator thermal riflescope

New for 2026: Armasight Pro Series Thermal Platform

Armasight launches a professional-grade thermal-imaging platform designed to perform.

KelTec Launches KelTec Direct

KelTec begins its 35th anniversary celebration by launching KelTec Direct.

New for 2026: CVA Scout XP and XP-SB Rifles and XP Pistol

CVA expands its Scout line to include two single-shot rifles and a single-shot pistol.

Preview: Winchester After Hunt Dog Bed

Named after John Olin’s famed hunting dog, the King Buck product line exists within the larger Winchester Pet brand to showcase the company’s most deluxe offerings, and the After Hunt Dog Bed is a prime example of the line’s quality.

Review: CZ USA P10 Ported

CZ expanded its popular line of P10 handguns with a specially configured model that features integral barrel ports just behind the muzzle to aid in recoil management.

Keeping The Wilderness Quiet: Bergara's BTi30 Suppressor

Bergara joined the growing crowd of suppressor manufacturers in 2026 with its BTi30 design.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.