Reloader 17
I was just load testing Re-17 in my 6mm Rem (24" barrel) Running 90 gr. Speer SP/FB's up to 3500 fps. I started with the load I normally use for the 95 gr. Berger which is 45.5 gr. of H4350x. So, starting at 45.5 and working up in .2 gr. increments of two cases each level. I went up to 46.7 gr. The lowest load produced 3325, and the next load was 3360. 45.9 produce 3450 avg. 46.1 gr. went 3505/3515. All the way up the groups stayed at 3500-ish. The powder does as advertised and retards burn when pressures get too high. I never did notice flattened primers. They had the little cratering 'splash' but no flattening. Maybe the CCI primers are harder than the Win LR's I've used for so long. I plan on starting a starting load of 44.5 for the Berger 95 gr. VLD's.
Long and short of it is, in my mind, 3500 is too fast for 90 gr. Speer flatbases out of a 6mm Rem or .243. But the loads didn't show pressure signs. The best accuracy came from the 46.1 gr. @ 3450. So, even though the burn retardant is integral throughout the powder instead of just coating the kernels, it still tends to go erratic once you pass a threshold. Groups were typically side by side with the 46.1 group touching, to 1.5" on the last couple. One ladder doesn't tell all but that tells me enough about going too high with the load.
Long and short of it is, in my mind, 3500 is too fast for 90 gr. Speer flatbases out of a 6mm Rem or .243. But the loads didn't show pressure signs. The best accuracy came from the 46.1 gr. @ 3450. So, even though the burn retardant is integral throughout the powder instead of just coating the kernels, it still tends to go erratic once you pass a threshold. Groups were typically side by side with the 46.1 group touching, to 1.5" on the last couple. One ladder doesn't tell all but that tells me enough about going too high with the load.
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Has anyone tried RL17 in the 338 win mag with a 200 gr bullet? If so what were the results is it proving to be better than RL19 or IMR 4831 for this caliber 0 -
wow no one can help on this?Well is reloader 19 any good for the 338 then? 0 -
JKB57,
Bear in mind that this is right in the middle deer hunting season and a significant number of members are hunting rather than reading the forums. It's also right before the holidays and some folks are already on vacation with family.
I use a lot Re-17 in several cartridges but I haven't had the time to test it in the .338 Win. Mag. It is a terrific powder from my testing and it should fit right in with the .338 WM. This is a recommended load from the Alliant website:
338 Winchester Magnum
Speer 200 gr SP
Winchester Case
OAL = 3.3"
Barrel Length = 24"
Federal 215 Primer
Reloder 17 / 71 grains
Muzzle Velocity = 3,002 FPS.
Best.0 -
I can't say for any 338, but it has done wonders with my, ok my son's, 270WSM. I thought it would be a tad too fast but the groups were great for both 130 and 140 gr bullets that I tried. No chrono data yet, just had one given to me. I'll post results, but testing gets a back seat this time of year, if you know what I mean. 0 -
RL-17 might be a bit 'fast' for the .338 & 200 gn bullets. my favorite load for my .338 is 78.5 gns of RL-19 & a Nosler 200 gn. b.t.(max. load).just shot this cow with it at 500 yrds. + 
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