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

Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle
Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Big Iron: The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Classic & Model 22 Classic

Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45 caliber revolvers, with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 2, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

2nd Amendment Freedom is on the Ballot

This midterm election on November 3 will soon be behind us. We could see, come January 2027, a Congress that respects our Second Amendment freedom, or the American electorate could vote in the opposite.

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.