30-06 and RL 17 powder

[tkeveney]

Have any of you tried the RL 17 powder in the 30-06? I've read about some impressive velocities with the 168 gr balistic tips.

Please let me know your experiences.

 

[DrMike]

I've done some testing with 165/168 grain bullets and RL17. Without tickling the dragon's tail, I don't see the impressive velocities others report. IMR 4831 and RL19 work as well in the rifles I have tested, and have the advantage of giving a superior case fill.

 

[Guest]

I have worked with RL-17 somewhat. I was using 165 Ballistic Tips, got as high as 2900 fps but averaged in the upper 2800's from a 22" barrel, Remington BDL. My groups were not very good, but then I didn't spend a lot of time playing with the seating depth either. I was to impressed with H4350 and the 165 Ballistic Tip giving me 2800 fps with really good groups and with H4350 being an Extreme Powder seemed to fit the bill for me.

Good luck with it, hope you get good results.

Don

 

[FOTIS]

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthread ... ost3216390

 

[crash0ride]

Works great for me with 180gr Accubonds

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

Hate to sound boring and monotonous but 4350 is THE powder for my 30-06 no matter the weight. However I did get the 200 grain ABs to shoot with RL19 at 2600 fps in the past. Used that load to shoot a deer, drt if there was any question to that though I have never had a Nosler bullet do anything else in my 30-06 but a drt.

59 grs of either 4350 and 150 grain bullets
57 grs of either 4350 and 165/168 grain bullets
55 grs of either 4350 and 180 grain bullets

(when I say either I mean IMR or H)

I am sure this is nothing you havent heard but its worked flawless for me!

 

[efw]

I've got a few 168 NBTs loaded w/ RL17 for testing when I shoot w/ JD338 next week.

I must say that RL19 and RS-Hunter have both REALLY delivered in both accuracy & speed departments, however.

Yes, I'm a tinkerer...

 

[Guest]

efw,
Can I ask you what velocity you were getting with Ramshot Hunter Powder? Was it from a 22" barrel as well?

I have found I get the best results using H4350 and 165 BT between 58.0 and 59.0 powder charges.

Don

 

[efw]

W/ 168 gr NBTs & Ramshot's published max for Hunter sparked by RP-LRs I got about an inch at 100, and velocity-wise it was an average of 2902 fps and ES was 21 fps (2892 low, 2913 high). I didn't see any signs of excessive pressure showing up and am going to try magnum primers to see about bringing that ES down a bit.

With RL22 & 165 gr SSTs I got an average of only 2684 fps w/ what Nosler lists as a max load of 63 gr, and an ES of 20 fps. That group, however, was as close to a geniune one-holer as my lightweight '06 has ever surrendered. IIRC its a 22" barrel.

With over max loads of RL19 I was getting 1" groups (sometimes better) and 2900 fps. I don't have notes on those loads cuz I've since tamed things down and don't make a habit of going over max; just don't see the need.

All that having been said, I'll take the 200 fps from Hunter over RL22 for an "all around" load. On Michigan deer hunts I'd not need the speed though...

I've never run H4350, but got only about 2770 fps from a max load of IMR and just ok groups. Again, I could go higher cuz there were no signs of "warmth" which is where I stop (as opposed to geniune heat).

Mine is a European rifle so it isn't 22"... I think 23.6"?

 

[Guest]

efw,
Thanks, that's good information. I also believe you really don't have to press the envelope beyond max as well. Right now I just want to see good tight groups. I may give Ramshot Hunter a try with CCI250 Primers when I get the chance. H4350 has given me what I need for now.

Don

 

[efw]

My pleasure, Don. I'll post up results of my RL17 tests and of what I get from Hunter & Win-LRMs next week.

I understand completely on the H-4350. If it ain't broke...

If you're interested in playing with the Springfield check this article out. You'll love it:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/newsletters/May_2009.html

 

[Guest]

efw,
Good article, spot on too.

Thanks,
Don