Introduced in 2014, the 26 Nosler is a fine example of what might well be too much of a good thing. If bigger were simply better, internal ballistics experts would have figured that out generations ago. Reality is what it is. Reality of this chambering is simple to state: Capacity is so great, relative to bore size that only the very slowest existing propellants work well and ballistics do not live up to the expectations one would have when considering the size of the case. Despite these comments, the 26 Nosler does offer impressive performance. When loaded to the same pressure using the best modern propellants, compared to the much smaller 6mm-284 Norma and 6mm-06 rounds, the velocity edge for the 26 Nosler is 80-fps with typical hunting bullets. While not earthshaking, 80-fps is considerable and velocity is, after all, king. Velocity is why our ancestors moved from throwing fists, to throwing rocks, to launching spears, to using an atlatl, to launching arrows, and then to launching bullets. If you have a 26 Nosler, take advantage of it and enjoy what it has to offer. Lee tools and modern components make doing so a joy. With the best components the it will deliver energy and trajectory at extreme distances we could not have dreamed of 30 years ago and it does so without generating onerous recoil. The following rant is my opinion: it has little to do with the overall value of the 26 Nosler chambering. Obviously, this round is useful and has a place. If you own one, you will find it easy to load for and extremely worthwhile for long-range shots on big game when combined with the right components. The cost of this performance advantage is vastly increased barrel heating, very short barrel life, and impressive muzzle blast. Indeed, barrel life is very limited due to the high capacity, high working pressure, and foolishly short case neck (merely moving the shoulder back 0.1-inch would have given up 3- or 4-fps velocity and more than doubled barrel life). Allowing plenty of time for barrel cooling can significantly increase barrel life. Conversely, overheating the barrel by rapid firing can render a barrel uselessly inaccurate after surprisingly few shots. For a big game hunter barrel life is not much of a concern but you might be surprised, refer to the 7mm Rem Mag discussion.