BalisticsNut
Beginner
- Oct 29, 2010
- 51
- 0
Ok, new to reloading and very recently purchased a Tikka3 .300 WSM 24" stainless barrel.
Have been reloading for the past month of so with RL-19 and recenlty RL-17 exclusively. Have to say the RL-17 performs very well with lower weights. A couple weeks ago, shot a 4 shot group .878" at 200 yards with RL-17 64.5 with 168gr BT 3050FPS. Trouble is, it was the last of the 168 I had and the last in stock anywhere locally. Sure, I can purchase online but was looking for an alternative for local purchases. I switched to the 165gr AB and recently purchased 165gr BT because the ballistics match the AB but much cheaper for target shooting. Since my move, I have yet to shoot consistant shot groups with the 165s. Can shoot 3 shot 2" groups but always seems to throw one of the three outside that group by more than 2".
Here are my findings with RL-17 165gr BT at 200 yards.
65.5 gr 3073 fps shot 4 shot group 2" threw two additional shots outside by 2"
66.0 gr 3110 fps shot 4 shot group 1.7" group but threw the 5th one plus 2" out
66.5 gr 3173 fps 3 shot group, 2 in same hole, third shot low and left by 3"
The reason for the inconsitant qty for testing is based upon what I had loaded the week before for testing. Decided 3-5 shot groups for testing depending upon accuracy.
Using benchrest and manual trigger pull. So, this may be the reason for the thrown shots.
I have seen many recommendations to move to the 180gr Partition for a flatter more consistant trajectory. Any thoughts on the above or the 180's?
Would love to hear from anyone else using the RL17 or comparing the RL-17 to another powder for performance.
Moving from a 168gr to a 165gr require more or less powder or is the change insignificant for slight change in weight?
Will be testing more next week, will post the results.
Have been reloading for the past month of so with RL-19 and recenlty RL-17 exclusively. Have to say the RL-17 performs very well with lower weights. A couple weeks ago, shot a 4 shot group .878" at 200 yards with RL-17 64.5 with 168gr BT 3050FPS. Trouble is, it was the last of the 168 I had and the last in stock anywhere locally. Sure, I can purchase online but was looking for an alternative for local purchases. I switched to the 165gr AB and recently purchased 165gr BT because the ballistics match the AB but much cheaper for target shooting. Since my move, I have yet to shoot consistant shot groups with the 165s. Can shoot 3 shot 2" groups but always seems to throw one of the three outside that group by more than 2".
Here are my findings with RL-17 165gr BT at 200 yards.
65.5 gr 3073 fps shot 4 shot group 2" threw two additional shots outside by 2"
66.0 gr 3110 fps shot 4 shot group 1.7" group but threw the 5th one plus 2" out
66.5 gr 3173 fps 3 shot group, 2 in same hole, third shot low and left by 3"
The reason for the inconsitant qty for testing is based upon what I had loaded the week before for testing. Decided 3-5 shot groups for testing depending upon accuracy.
Using benchrest and manual trigger pull. So, this may be the reason for the thrown shots.
I have seen many recommendations to move to the 180gr Partition for a flatter more consistant trajectory. Any thoughts on the above or the 180's?
Would love to hear from anyone else using the RL17 or comparing the RL-17 to another powder for performance.
Moving from a 168gr to a 165gr require more or less powder or is the change insignificant for slight change in weight?
Will be testing more next week, will post the results.
