bought some RL-17 today,,,,

romex2121

Beginner
Mar 13, 2009
243
0
im gonna give RL-17 a try in my 30/06 and a 270wsm in hopes of some good groups :lol: im seeing where alot of people are very happy with this powder,,, if you have any good loads please dont be shy :wink:
 
I have a couple of lbs. of RL 17 that I am going to try later in my 7Mag and also a few lbs. of RL 19. I sure hope that both of these powders perform as good as 4350 does in my 7 MAG.





7 MAGS Forever!
 
romex2121:
What bullet & weight do you plan on loading for? I have pet loads for RL-17 for 150gr NBTs, 168gr SMK, 175gr SMKs, 178gr A Max, and 180gr NBT. If you want me to post them I will tomorrow night as I will be on the range most of the morning tomorrow (Good Friday) clocking the loads I worked up for the 178gr A Max. Got a bunch of "honey-do" jobs to take care of in the afternoon.

Happy Shooting
Ryan46
 
Ryan46":qpmu37h7 said:
romex2121:
What bullet & weight do you plan on loading for? I have pet loads for RL-17 for 150gr NBTs, 168gr SMK, 175gr SMKs, 178gr A Max, and 180gr NBT. If you want me to post them I will tomorrow night as I will be on the range most of the morning tomorrow (Good Friday) clocking the loads I worked up for the 178gr A Max. Got a bunch of "honey-do" jobs to take care of in the afternoon.

Happy Shooting
Ryan46

thanks buddy,,, at the moment im using the 165gr nosler partician ,, im wanting to get the 165s dialed in then work on a load for the 180s ( same bullet ) ive got a few different bullet brands for the ought 6 but id like to get the noslers shooting first :wink: as soon as i get the 30/06 done then im gonna start with the 270wsm :roll:
 
Ryan46":3j2eqdva said:
romex2121:
What bullet & weight do you plan on loading for? I have pet loads for RL-17 for 150gr NBTs, 168gr SMK, 175gr SMKs, 178gr A Max, and 180gr NBT. If you want me to post them I will tomorrow night as I will be on the range most of the morning tomorrow (Good Friday) clocking the loads I worked up for the 178gr A Max. Got a bunch of "honey-do" jobs to take care of in the afternoon.

Happy Shooting
Ryan46

Ryan46,

Welcome to the forum, glad you are here.
Post your range results with RL 17, we would all like to see how it is performing for you.

JD338
 
Hey Guys:

Here is the result of my testing of the 178gr Amax and RL-17 powder this past Friday:
All loading data was taken for 180 gr bullets

Date: 2 Apr 2010
Temperature: 7AM 60* went to 78* during session.
Wind: 3-5 mph and bright sunshine.
Rifle: Winchester M70 Featherweight’
Caliber: .30-06 Springfield
Barrel Length: 22 in.
Case: RP (2-3 times loaded).
Bullet: 178gr Hornady A Max.
Powder: Alliant RL-17
Primers: CCI Benchrest LR.
COAL: 3.310 in.

4 different loads were tested with 5 shots each.

Load 1: 53.5 gr RL-17

1. Error
2. 2682 fps
3. 2636 fps
4. 2749 fps
5. 2677 fps.

Avg of 4 shots: 2686 fps. Throw out the high & low and the average becomes 2679.5 fps.

Load 2: 54.0 grs

1. 2761 fps
2. 2730 fps
3. 2696 fps
4. Error
5. 2697 fps

Avg of 4 shots: 2721 fps. Throw out the high & low and the average becomes 2713 fps.

Load 3: 54.5 grs

1. 2778 fps.
2. 2769 fps.
3. 2819 fps.
4. 2778 fps.
5. 2811 fps.

Avg of 5 shots: 2791 fps. Throw out the high & low and the average becomes 2789 fps.

Load 4: 55.0 grs

1. 2854 fps.
2. 2858 fps.
3. 2838 fps.
4. 2851 fps.
5. 2815 fps.

Avg of 5 shots: 2843 fps. Throw out the high & low and the average becomes 2847 fps.

Comparison of RL-17 with other powders listing book MAX LOADS for 180gr bullets.

Hodgdon: H4350- 57.5grs- 2798fps RL-17 – 2847 fps.
IMR- 4350- 56.5grs 2752fps RL-17-2847 fps.
IMR-4064- 48.7grs 2700fps. RL-17-2847 fps
Hybrid 100V- 57.0 grs 2742 fps. RL-17- 2847 fps.
W760 53 grs 2725fps. RL-17- 2847 fps.
H414- 54.5 grs. 2762 RL-17- 2847 fps.

Nosler #6: RL-22 61.0 grs. 2762 fps. RL-17- 2847 fps.

Keep in mind that clockings were taken with a 22 in barrel and at 15ft from muzzle. The Nosler manual used a 24 in test barrel. The Alliant manual used a 22 in test barrel for the .30-06 Springfield. The Hodgdon manual does not give barrel length but through deductive reasoning I believe it to be 24 in. Reason be:
Alliant Manual: .30-06 Springfield: RL-22 – 62.0grs – Vel 2721 (22in barrel).
Nosler Manual: .30-06 Springfield: RL-22 –61.0grs – Vel 2843 (24in barrel).

RL-17 beat the highest listed Hodgdon velocity (H4350) by 45fps which was the closest to RL-17.
It beat IMR4064 by 143fps.

All in all, I had a great fun day plus a bruised shoulder on a beautiful spring day here in Alabama. But most important to me is that this info become useful to you guys if you have been considering using RL-17. For the accuracy of these loads please check my original post. I am sold on it.

Happy Shooting
Ryan46
 
Here is my testing data for the 150NBT & Rl-17>
> I am at home now and have my reloading logs in front of me. I was a long time
> user of IMR-4350, IMR-4320, and RL-19 before reading about the new
> RL-17. I always believed the old 06 could be loaded consistently
> above the magic 3000fps barrier. I was always looking for that
> magic load that could achieve this along with good accuracy. When
> RL-17 hit the market, along with the accompanying ads, I started
> researching this powder and found that the independent experts who
> tested it stated the claims were true. I bought 5lb and was hooked
> on this powder and have never regretted it.
>
> Here is the data:
>
> 1st. Reading on Crony
> Rifle: Savage Tact 10 24" barrel .30-06 Springfield.
> Powder & charge: RL-17 60.0gr (this is 2gr above book max. I
> started at 56gr and worked up to this load. Book max of 58gr
> seemed to be very mild).
> Case: Remington
> Bullet: 150gr Nosler BT
> Primer: CCI Benchrest LR.
> Readings were taken 15ft from muzzle and three shots were fired by me.
> 1. 3215fps
> 2. 3179
> 3. 3202 avg vel 3198.6 fps
>
> 2nd. Charge of 60.5gr RL-17
> 1. 3260
> 2. 3251
> 3. 3210 avg vel 3240.3 fps
>
> 3rd. Charge of 61.0 gr RL-17
> 1. 3298
> 2. 3275
> 3. 3259 avg vel 3277.3 fps
>
> 4th Charge of 61.5gr RL-17 (this one really "thumped my old shoulder)
> 1. 3254
> 2. 3242
> 3. 3320
> 4. 3369 avg vel 3333 fps (after this load, and all loads were
> used with unfired brass, I only got 2 more loadings before primer
> pockets became too loose to use).
>
> As you can see this powder will push the .30-06 into .300 Win Mag
> velocities when used with a 24" or longer barrel. The 22" barrel
> on my Win Model 70 naturally did not get this high but the 60gr
> load did push the 150gr NBT to near 3100fps. I only recorded in my
> log the 61.5gr load with the 150NBT they are as follows.
>
> 1. 3183
> 2. 3177
> 3. 3183
> 4. 3005 (don't know why this one was so low, must have read
> powder scale wrong)
> 5. Average of 3181fps vel. (The M70 is a featherweight and weighs
> only (sans scope, sling, and ammo) 6 ¾ lbs. Brother it hurt me to
> shoot this load.
>
> This data is for the Savage Tact and 168gr Sierra Match Kings
> I started at 55gr and worked up to 59gr of RL-17. All the components were the same as above. The data is for
> the last 3 loadings.
>
> 58.0 gr
> 1. 2964
> 2. 3042
> 3. 3043
> 4. 3017
> 5. 3041 avg vel 3021.75fps
>
> 58.5gr
> 1. 3059
> 2. 3062
> 3. 3094
> 4. 3095
> 5. 3065 avg vel 3075
>
> 59.0gr
> 1. 3109
> 2. 3099
> 3. Stopped firing because of blown primer (Note: These were cases that had
> been reloaded about 6 or 7 times each. My bad).
>
> The "sweet load" for the 168's was 56gr of RL-17 using same
> components as above I have shot 3/8th inch gp. And many 7/16th
> in gps with it. Still looking for the magic one ragged hole gp.
>
> I sincerely hope this helps you.
>
> Hope I have been of help to you.
Happy Shooting
> Ryan46
 
Ryan,
That is a very good and detailed report .... some very good info. Thanks. You spent some time and effort developing it. Sharing it is going to be most useful to many of us on this board.
 
Ryan46, I've got to ask a question according to Alliant site

58gr/R-17 with 150 gr bullet is a max load @3006fps
56.5gr/R-17 with 165gr max load @ 2874fps
54.5gr/R-17 with 180gr max load @ 2762fps

All you loads are over max then?
 
Yes, the loads are over book max. I started with the low book load and worked up to max. The book max load was very mild so I took it further in 1/2gr increments until I saw pressure signs and then backed off 1-1/2 gr. I am no fool and don't want my face blown off any more than anyone else. I would suggest to anyone who wants to try it to start low and work up until pressure signs are seen. I did this over a period of 3 months or so of testing. My hunting load for whitetails is 60gr RL-17 behind a 150gr NBT. This is a very accurate load. The 61.5gr behind a NBT is also very accurate. I seat the bullets about .005" off the lands.

Happy Shooting
Ryan46
 
Ryan46":31ie6klt said:
Yes, the loads are over book max. I started with the low book load and worked up to max. The book max load was very mild so I took it further in 1/2gr increments until I saw pressure signs and then backed off 1-1/2 gr. I am no fool and don't want my face blown off any more than anyone else. I would suggest to anyone who wants to try it to start low and work up until pressure signs are seen. I did this over a period of 3 months or so of testing. My hunting load for whitetails is 60gr RL-17 behind a 150gr NBT. This is a very accurate load. The 61.5gr behind a NBT is also very accurate. I seat the bullets about .005" off the lands.

Happy Shooting
Ryan46

I stopped at 54.5gr/R-17 with 180gr Speer bullet in my 30-06 got 2790fps wasn't too impressed with that powder compared to my other loads. 56.5gr/H-4350 and 180gr bullet @ 2846fps and thats over published velocity but not max loads. That pretty much how that lilja barrel does.
 
thanks Ryan46,,,, im very excited to try the RL-17 in two of my rifles
( 270wsm and a 30/06 ) im wanting to go out to the range today cause theres no wind FINNALLY but its easter and were doing family things,,,
besides i need to make up some loads anyway :lol: my new brass is in so it wont be long till i get to shoot some of the RL-17 :wink:
 
I threw some in some 7mags lsatnight with 160 gr ABs on top we shal see it didnt like RL25 or retumbo but I think that is because I only have a 24" barrel
 
RL17 works good with the 200 gr AccuBond in the '06
300yd.jpg
 
Ryan46":darwg2lq said:
Here is my testing data for the 150NBT & Rl-17>
> I am at home now and have my reloading logs in front of me. I was a long time
> user of IMR-4350, IMR-4320, and RL-19 before reading about the new
> RL-17. I always believed the old 06 could be loaded consistently
> above the magic 3000fps barrier. I was always looking for that
> magic load that could achieve this along with good accuracy. When
> RL-17 hit the market, along with the accompanying ads, I started
> researching this powder and found that the independent experts who
> tested it stated the claims were true. I bought 5lb and was hooked
> on this powder and have never regretted it.
>
> Here is the data:
>
> 1st. Reading on Crony
> Rifle: Savage Tact 10 24" barrel .30-06 Springfield.
> Powder & charge: RL-17 60.0gr (this is 2gr above book max. I
> started at 56gr and worked up to this load. Book max of 58gr
> seemed to be very mild).
> Case: Remington
> Bullet: 150gr Nosler BT
> Primer: CCI Benchrest LR.
> Readings were taken 15ft from muzzle and three shots were fired by me.
> 1. 3215fps
> 2. 3179
> 3. 3202 avg vel 3198.6 fps
>
> 2nd. Charge of 60.5gr RL-17
> 1. 3260
> 2. 3251
> 3. 3210 avg vel 3240.3 fps
>
> 3rd. Charge of 61.0 gr RL-17
> 1. 3298
> 2. 3275
> 3. 3259 avg vel 3277.3 fps
>
> 4th Charge of 61.5gr RL-17 (this one really "thumped my old shoulder)
> 1. 3254
> 2. 3242
> 3. 3320
> 4. 3369 avg vel 3333 fps (after this load, and all loads were
> used with unfired brass, I only got 2 more loadings before primer
> pockets became too loose to use).
>
> As you can see this powder will push the .30-06 into .300 Win Mag
> velocities when used with a 24" or longer barrel. The 22" barrel
> on my Win Model 70 naturally did not get this high but the 60gr
> load did push the 150gr NBT to near 3100fps. I only recorded in my
> log the 61.5gr load with the 150NBT they are as follows.
>
> 1. 3183
> 2. 3177
> 3. 3183
> 4. 3005 (don't know why this one was so low, must have read
> powder scale wrong)
> 5. Average of 3181fps vel. (The M70 is a featherweight and weighs
> only (sans scope, sling, and ammo) 6 ¾ lbs. Brother it hurt me to
> shoot this load.
>
> This data is for the Savage Tact and 168gr Sierra Match Kings
> I started at 55gr and worked up to 59gr of RL-17. All the components were the same as above. The data is for
> the last 3 loadings.
>
> 58.0 gr
> 1. 2964
> 2. 3042
> 3. 3043
> 4. 3017
> 5. 3041 avg vel 3021.75fps
>
> 58.5gr
> 1. 3059
> 2. 3062
> 3. 3094
> 4. 3095
> 5. 3065 avg vel 3075
>
> 59.0gr
> 1. 3109
> 2. 3099
> 3. Stopped firing because of blown primer (Note: These were cases that had
> been reloaded about 6 or 7 times each. My bad).
>
> The "sweet load" for the 168's was 56gr of RL-17 using same
> components as above I have shot 3/8th inch gp. And many 7/16th
> in gps with it. Still looking for the magic one ragged hole gp.
>
> I sincerely hope this helps you.
>
> Hope I have been of help to you.
Happy Shooting
> Ryan46

Seriously fast loads
 
I have only used RL17 in the 6.5 CM, but it as been very accurate over several loads and faster than my H4350 loads.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I use my 30-06 and rl17 just a little over book max with 165gr ABs. 2950fps. I have not had good success with 180s and rl17. YMMV
 
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