Anyone Tried Alliant's New Higher Velocity RL17 Powder Yet?

Len Backus · #1 12-25-2008, 08:49 AM

This powder is made in a new way and allows much higher safe velocities in many cartridges.

6mmBR Article-1

6mmBR Article-2

BountyHunter · #2 12-25-2008, 09:20 AM

300 WSM, RL17 and the TTSX = WOW

Len

I have tried it and it smokes for the WSM! I only had a short period of time to work up loads before leaving on a hunt and it greatly exceeded my expectations to say the least.

That TTSX also flat hammers deer at mid ranges at least also. Only went out to around 460 this last time.

BH

Len Backus · #3 12-25-2008, 09:52 AM

BH, thanks. Any sense for its temp stability...how much do velocities vary with ambient temps?

BountyHunter · #4 12-25-2008, 10:12 AM

I have not done any weather change testing over a chrono yet, but drops were right out to 400 on from 70 degree testing to zero confirm at 20 degrees.

I have been a little leary of RL powders after I got that super hot lot of RL22 a few years ago, but I was more than pleasantly surprised by RL17 so far.

BH

Len Backus · #5 12-25-2008, 12:30 PM

Just thinking...I could be shooting at 80 degrees or zero degrees. Quite a swing.

Michael Eichele · #6 12-26-2008, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Len Backus

Just thinking...I could be shooting at 80 degrees or zero degrees. Quite a swing.

I cant speak for RL17 but I tested Rl25 a couple weeks ago between 71 degrees and -2 or -3 and the difference was 20 FPS even. 3 shot average for each load. I say this lightly because I have learned over the years that sensitivity can be minimal or great with ANY given powder depending on caliber, case load density, and bullet weight. Some may see 20 others may see 100. You just never can guage it for any given powder.

Len Backus · #7 12-26-2008, 01:59 AM

That is very minimal. Much less than their competitor would want you to think.