Interesting day at the range

C.Smith

Handloader
Oct 11, 2006
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I was getting down to the last bit of RL22 I had from my original 4 lb keg (not enough for practice and hunting season anyway), so I broke into the new RL22. Now I dropped the charge down almost 10%, my other load was 66 grains I dropped to 60 grains to start with.

60 and 61 both seemed fine, both shot very well mind you and then at 62 grains it felt like a normal 66 grain charge (this also shot very well, under 3/4 of inch). I then shot two of the 3 at 64 grains and looked at the brass and saw very flat primers and a bright shiny mark from the extractor. Did not shoot the third round. I stupidly did not bring the chrono to see where I was there. But I found it interesting I only got to 62 grains with the same powder but different lot number. Can lot numbers very that much?

I'm going back out with the more at 62 grains and will take the chrono. I'm pulling the ones at 65 and 66 grains though. A month ago I learned the hard way with different lot number of brass why you should drop 10% and work up. I loaded my standard load into a Win case which is what I use and promptly blew the primers out of three cases. I also had to replace the extractor as it was stuck in the bolt (stupid, stupid, stupid) Thank fully that was al it was.

Corey
 
C.Smith":1f8i9nia said:
Can lot numbers very that much?

Yes, burn rates can vary dramatically. Remember, you're likely nearing the apex of pressure for the charge. Ergo, small changes in burn rate can be exaggerated as pressure spikes.
 
RL-22 can be real bad with it's lot to lot variations like you experienced. It's an awesome powder but like any other when changing lots always back off.

Bill
 
so from the lot to lot variation i'm assuming it's best to buy the large things of powder once you find a powder/bullet combo you like instead of just buying the smaller 1pound containers as needed?
 
Yes that is what I do. Back when you could buy powder at any sporting goods store I would always buy as many 1 lb bottles as possible of the same lot number.
 
When you find a load that works, get enough to last for some time to come. Five pound kegs of ReLoder powders can go surprisingly fast.
 
I had 4 lbs and it last several years. I'm hoping velocities will still be there tomorrow.

Corey
 
You'll be good Corey. Work back up to the speeds you were running and you should be in great shape. I haven't noticed that big of swings, but I usually run outta the 5LB jugs.

I do try to keep as much on hand as I can though.
 
As usual I had nothing to worry about. Speed and accuracy are the same with this rifle. This is two separate 3 round strings at 100 yards, letting the barrel cool between. Also started with a clean bore, so its looking pretty good I guess.





Corey
 
Yeah, I'd say it's okay! Plus, you save 4 grains per pound! Can't beat that!
 
Looking good. As Scotty noted, you will get an extra load or two out of a canister of powder.
 
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