Question for Nosler (or whoever wants to answer)

[Guest]

I have the Nosler #4 manual and in researching where to start with load workup for my .243 Winchester and 55 grain Ballistic Silvertips I noticed that the folks at Nosler said in the intro to reloading the cartridge that IMR 4350 and RL 15 were a couple of their favorite powders for this cartridge.

Further study revealed that the data only had RL 15 listed for the 55 grain bullets. It was not listed as the powder with the fastest velocity, nor was it listed as their most accurate powder (H414 was).

With that being the case, what make RL 15 so special as to be named one of the two "favorite" powders listed? Especially in light of the fact that is was only used for the one bullet weight.

I don't raise this question to be a burr, but I am torn at this time between purchasing H414, H380 or RL 15. I know, not a life and death decision, but I like to be informed to the best of my ability before I buy my powders.

Thanks.

 

[FOTIS]

http://noslerreloading.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=390

 

[Guest]

POP,

Thanks, I read through that thread earlier, but didn't really find the information I was looking for in relation to RL 15.

 

[FOTIS]

Honestly, I never used RL 15 for the aforementioned application. But with H380 and H414 the 243 was a super star!

 

[Guest]

Thank you.

 

[longwinters]

I have noticed the same thing with several reloading manuals concerning multiple calibers. Never could figure it out.

Long

 

[steelwkr]

I have used h 380, and h 414 in my 243 wssm, and they both grouped very well, but varget was definitly the best powder! that was in my ssm. i don't know how it would do in a regular 243. i would by a sample bottle of powder and give it a shot.

 

[Swift516]

I love the RL 15 in my .243 and Swifts... Using the 70 gr. BT's, it is awesone. No, it's not the fastet powder, but is very consistent. If it will shoot in a finiky Swift, it will shoot many other calibers.... Good shooting...

 

[NOSLER]

300winnie,
I just spoke to the guy who worked extensively on Nosler Manual #4 and he said that the reason why IMR 4350 and RL 15 were singled out was the consistency and accuracy. He also stated that he really likes RL-15 because it flows so well, gives good velocity, and accuracy. But like any other caliber it all depends on if your rifle likes the combination also. The guys who replied all made good suggestions. Hope that helps.
Start low and work your way up.

 

[bcallawa]

I have a heavy barreled 6mm Rem, not a .243. I have found H380 to be absolutely the best powder for 55 grain ballistic silvertips. I just shot a one hole 5 shot group at 100 yds with my recipe. H380 flows like water and the cosistency is outstanding. Incidentally, I am getting some pretty amazing ballistics using the C-T bullets, but I don't know where to go for published data on them. Any help out there? :?