I found this thread this afternoon after spending the morning sighting in a new Leupold riflescope and testing two brands of factory .270 Winchester ammunition. I also recorded results with the Nosler factory custom ammo that seemed "slower" than I would have anticipated. The average velocity for the 6 rounds of Nosler Custom .150 GR ABLR .270 Winchester was 2658 FPS out of my Winchester Model 70 with 22 " barrel. The 2 groups were excellent: 1st 3-shot group = .502", 2nd 3-shot group = .882"
The second factory load tested was the Hornady Precision Hunter 145 GR ELDX. The average muzzle velocity for 6 rounds was 2873 FPS, groups were 1.55" & 1.75". While this load averaged 215 FPS faster than the Nosler load, the accuracy was much better with the Nosler loading. Now, I realize a total of 12 cartridges fired does not a final story tell, it's at least a toe-in-the-water initial test for velocity and accuracy out of my particular rifle.
I reviewed the Nosler Reloading Guide #8 & it lists the 150 GR NABLR velocities tested from a 24" Shilen barrel. Of the nine powders listed, 6 of the 9 listed the most accurate loading as the beginning powder charge; only 2 of the 9 listed the max powder charge as most accurate from their test rifle. Those initial powder charges produced an average muzzle velocity of 2668 FPS, which is basically what my rifle produced this morning. It may be a coincidence but perhaps Nosler is loading the Custom ammo to velocities that they found produced better accuracy rather than the highest muzzle velocities? The info printed on the factory carton indicates a muzzle velocity of 2850 FPS. All I can say is, "Not in my 22 " barrelled rifle".
I will pick up some 150 GR NABLR bullets and give Reloader 26 a try.
