RL17 in 260

[trebark]

Hey Guys!
My custom 260rem is about to arrive. I'm beginning to give consideration to powders. There's plenty of conventional wisdom out there on a few powders. But, RL17 seems to be building momentum as the go-to powder in a lot of cartridges. So I'm wondering if anyone has already tried RL17 in the 260 or if you might have any thoughts on the combination.

As an FYI, my plan is to shoot various 140grain bullets and the rifle will be throated for them.

So let me know your results or thoughts - thanks!

 

[Buffalobob]

I haven't tried RL-17 but I am using IMR 4350 because I had a couple of pounds and no rifles to shot it and wanted to use it up. It seems to be working fairly well with the 130 grain Bergers in an XP

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

I considered it but that was it. I use H4350 pushing 140g AMAX 2967.

 

[trebark]

I considered it but that was it. I use H4350 pushing 140g AMAX 2967.

That's with a 260Rem...not an AI...right? How long is your barrel? can you provide more specifics on your load - grains of powder, primer, brass?

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

Sure can I just sold the gun to another member but here is the info.
Kirby built the rifle.

260 REM ( NOT AI)
27 3/4" Brux 1-8 RH
44.5g H4350
Rem Brass (formed)
Fiocchi LR primer
140g AMAX

2967 FPS 10' from the muzzle and 1/2" 5 round groups at 200 yards

 

[Freebore]

trebark

I tried RL-17 thinking it should be the ticket to run the 120Gr Speer Spitzer in a stock Savage 22" barrel 260 Rem. Could not get it to shoot with that powder accurately. A couple of ladder tests later found IMR4064 to be the ticket for that rifle <3/4 MOA at 100 and running at 2950fps. W-W LR primers, R-P brass. 2.790COAL.

This rifle just wanted a faster powder with that bullet. I did not try the heavies in this cartridge with RL-17. It's a 200 yard whitetail rifle for the woods.

 

[chris matthews]

Been using it in 6mm and 6.5 mm x 47s, pretty much interchangeable with H4350 loads (actually was able to go a bit higher with 17) Gave me about 100 fps faster velocities, so I would say it would work great in the 260 with the 140's...

 

[rhouser]

I am shooting RL-17 with CCI Large BR primers and Berger 130 gr's out of an 8 twist shileen select match varmint contour barrel. I am not where I want it to be yet. My last load was at 43.0 gr. I am going to shoot 43.5 and 44.0 gr. Still looking for a sweet spot. Pressure is ok, but, I wish I had more formal info from other sources. I may just call Alliant and ask. A sweet load may not be there. thanks rc

 

[~Ace~]

RL-17 in my .260 was insane... GREAT Velocities, Over 3000 FPS with 139's

BUT, it had 100 FPS changes with 40 degree changes in temps, loads that were shooting .4's one day were 1.5" the next... no Rhythm or reason... just Nuckin Futs. I aborted mission before I wasted any more time.


4831 SC or H4350 are Very Consistent, albeit Slower.

 

[Limbic]

It shot well with my 129SST's. I switched to VV550. Just about the same speeds but more consistent.