Reloder 17 / .30-06 / 180 Partitions

[RiverRider]

A while back I was crowing about a Model 70 Classic in .30-06 I had acquired in a trade. Since I never feel compelled to stick very close to a thread's topic, I mentioned my intention to try Re17 with 180-grain Partitions.

Finally, I got around to it. Quickload seems to be pretty spot-on on this combination. I was able to get to 2900 fps without any kind of pressure sign of any kind, and velocity closely matched the Quickload predicition. It was about 40 degrees F when I shot.

When I'm working with a new rifle or powder, my first go round is usually pairs rather than groups of three. It is my opinion that when you see two shots spread and inch and a half, a third shot is unlikely to improve it. I just regard the exercise as a hunt for the pressure limit, and if I don't find that limit (I don't really want to look down that deep dark hole if I don't have to) I might at least learn something about what's not gonna shoot and what might shoot. Happily, the charge that reached 2900 fps also happened to punch two holes about a tenth of an inch from each other. I'd say further testing is warranted!

 

[bobnob]

Sounds like it.

Serious speed too. 22" barrel?

 

[RiverRider]

I believe it's a 24-inch barrel.

 

[SJB358]

That is wicked speed. Rl17 is a great powder where it works. I'm a believer in it with my 348, 338, 35 Newton and 7x57. It is very accurate and produces speeds without much work.

 

[RiverRider]

I'm just a little apprehensive about what will go down when the temperatures get back up to the 90s later on. I had a scare using Re17 a few years back. It could have been a charging error on my part, I'll never know for sure. I don't even recall whether I was using my Chargemaster at the time or whether I was aware that a cell phone near the thing could cause erratic performance. I'll be on my toes, though, for sure!

I think I'm running about 62500 psi, or thereabouts.

 

[RiverRider]

Anyone else using QuickLOAD, if you care to run the combination and comment, I'd be grateful for any observations or comment. I THINK I've got my ducks in a row, but I'm subject to human error like anyone else.

 

[SJB358]

Here is what my data looks like..

Cartridge : .30-06 Spring. (SAAMI)
Bullet : .308, 180, Nosler PART SP 16331
Useable Case Capaci: 60.400 grain H2O = 3.922 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch = 84.84 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm
Powder : Alliant Reloder-17

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt B_Time
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-20.0 79 46.40 2340 2189 31418 8313 96.1 1.527
-18.0 81 47.56 2398 2298 33562 8530 97.1 1.486
-16.0 83 48.72 2455 2410 35854 8731 97.9 1.445
-14.0 85 49.88 2513 2523 38309 8915 98.6 1.402
-12.0 87 51.04 2569 2639 40937 9080 99.1 1.360
-10.0 89 52.20 2626 2756 43753 9226 99.6 1.319
-08.0 91 53.36 2682 2875 46774 9351 99.8 1.279
-06.0 93 54.52 2737 2995 50017 9455 100.0 1.241
-04.0 95 55.68 2792 3116 53502 9539 100.0 1.204
-02.0 97 56.84 2847 3239 57247 9617 100.0 1.168 ! Near Maximum !
+00.0 99 58.00 2900 3362 61281 9692 100.0 1.134 ! Near Maximum !
+02.0 101 59.16 2954 3487 65627 9764 100.0 1.102 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.0 103 60.32 3007 3613 70324 9832 100.0 1.070 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+06.0 105 61.48 3059 3740 75396 9897 100.0 1.039 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+08.0 107 62.64 3111 3869 80890 9958 100.0 1.010 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+10.0 109 63.80 3163 3999 86846 10015 100.0 0.981 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 99 58.00 3004 3607 74920 9300 100.0 1.053 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 99 58.00 2740 3001 49462 10052 98.5 1.242

Looks completely safe to me and not on the edge of anything. Seems really good to my eyes. I think most of the naysayers are going to say "it's not listed in any manual".. To them, it will never be because it is about the 60K PSI cap of 30-06 data.. If it's accurate, cases last 8-10 firings without stretching, and doesn't exhibit PSI sign's in your hunting conditions or practice session, RUN IT!!! HA!

 

[RiverRider]

Thanks Scotty. It's good to see that you get a similar result. I've run it over and over again, but one thing I've learned is that it's possible to make the same mistake over and over again!

My actual case volume averages 67.7 grains...I'm using some pull-down LC69 brass someone gave me.

I had forgotten about the temperature variation QL allows, so I ran that. It says the load that gave me 2900 could push up to around 64500 psi in 90 degree temps, so I will be keeping that in mind. Might have to have a load for warmer temps too if I'm going to run that hot. I still have to see about where the accuracy charge is, though. I might have to settle on 2870 when it's all said and done. :wink: It's not that I just *have to* have 2900 fps, not at all---I was just pretty amazed that it could be done!!

 

[Guy Miner]

That's good stuff.

2700 fps with a 180 is pretty much considered "standard" for .30-06 ammo.
2800 fps with a 180 is very possible with several different powders.
2900 fps is treading Very Close to published .300 Win mag factory velocity (2960 fps)

And I like that your two-shot "group" is so nice and tight. It's just an indicator, but it's a good indicator.

According to this source: http://www.lasc.us/SAAMIMaxPressure.htm

The max pressure for the .30-06 is limited to 60,000 PSI, however the .270 Win is set at 65,000 PSI, so I don't know what's up with that - other than that the .30-06 was of course chambered in the M1 Garand, a limitation not experienced by the .270 Win. Given that info, I wouldn't fear to tread a bit above 60,000 PSI - but... I don't have any way of really measuring pressure.

I'll stick to my H4350, Ramshot Hunter, and RL-22 loads for the .30-06 & 180's. They're plenty "good enough." That RL-17 info sure is interesting though...

Regards, Guy

 

[6mm Remington]

That is pretty impressive. My 165 gr. in my 30-06 with 57.4 grs of IMR in a 26" barrel gives me 2940 and you are getting that with a 15 grain heavier bullet. I've just stuck with IMR4350 and this load because it is pretty darn fast, there are no pressure signs, and it shoots like a champ.

Nicely done.

 

[RiverRider]

Yes, the velocity IS impressive, but in the end I might have to drop back ten and punt...if I have to go to H4350 for accuracy, that's fine. I think the 180 at 2700 or 2800 should make something just as dead. Then I'll have all that Re17 to play with in a few other rifles.

I've already loaded up for my next range session and it's just a question of WHEN I can get away on a suitable day for some accuracy testing. It could be a while, though.

 

[preacher]

Power...more Power! Love it!

 

[preacher]

I want to know what the top is on anything I have, be it car, truck or rifle! ha I may "need it" some day even if I never use it regularly...I think Ackley Improveds did this to me!

 

[bobnob]

I did some 30-06 load tests yesterday waiting for the barrel of my 223 to cool. Rifle was a stainless Zastava with a 23.5" spout.

Using R17 and the 180g Interlock, I shot four x three shot groups with charge weights of 53, 54, 55 and 56 grains.

56 grains gave me 2780fps and the same POI as my existing load using H4350. No pressure signs and accuracy was good.

I think when I've used up my current loaded 30-06 ammo I'll switch to R17 as I'm now using it in a number of cartridges. Great powder!

 

[DrMike]

ReLoder 17 certainly has a place in the powder magazine of the true gun crank.

 

[FOTIS]

I have never gotten it to work in any of my 30-06's

 

[bobnob]

That's a shame Fotis, I'm using it almost exclusively in the 250 Sav AI and the 270 Win, and was doing so in both the 338 WM and 25-06 before I offloaded them.

 

[RiverRider]

I fired some more of these Re17 loads this morning. The 2900 fps load shot 1-1/2" for five shots and was the best of the loads that clocked 2860-2920 fps. I am going to see what varying seating depth can do for me now. If it doesn't dial in, there appears to have been a node back in the neighborhood of 2800 fps that might be worth revisiting. That'll be my Plan B. Plan C is a few pounds of H4350...but I bet I won't be needing it!
:mrgreen:

 

[pharmseller]

Find some Hunter.

Put 59.0 grains in a case (work up, of course) over a WLRM

Seat a Partition at 3.340"

Done




P

 

[RiverRider]

Find some Hunter.

Put 59.0 grains in a case (work up, of course) over a WLRM

Seat a Partition at 3.340"

Done




P

I did consider this powder since I have 3/5 of a pound on the shelf. It looks like a viable alternative, but does not seem to be optimal for a handful of reasons.

Using QuickLOAD, I determined that 1.) it will be about 40 fps behind Re17 at equal pressure, and 2.) you won't get 100% burn with Hunter with a 180-grain in the .30-06. But the MAIN REASON I did not even try it---it would be my luck to find a *lights out* humdinger of a load and never be able to find the stuff on the shelves again. The only Ramshot offerings I have seen available in the last four years have been a little TAC, some Zip, and I think I saw Magnum once a while back and none of those supplies lasted very long. I'm glad I laid in an adequate supply of X-Terminator a long time ago!