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Long Range Hunting & Shooting
338 Allen Xpress, RL33 load development
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<blockquote data-quote="Fiftydriver" data-source="post: 856669" data-attributes="member: 10"><p>That could explain it, may have a loose throat. Are the pressure signs your described using Retumbo or RL33? Kind of hard to tell from your post but I assume they were from Retumbo but do not want to assume. Whichever powder used seeing those signs, I would say its a good comfortable pressure load.</p><p> </p><p>I would think there would be more room to grow with RL33 but can not say for sure without seeing the load development in person and reading the pressure signs of the rifle. </p><p> </p><p>In the 338 AX test rifle using the 300 gr Beger, when loaded to what appeared to be similar pressures(a bit less for RL33 I would estimate but close), we topped out at 7 grains more powder using RL33 then Retumbo.</p><p> </p><p>You are 5 grains over where your Retumbo load is. I would bet that going up a couple more grains would show you nearly the same 80-100 fps increase in velocity over Retumbo but again, that is your call. I am not seeing your pressure signs and I NEVER recommend increasing a load if there are any real pressure signs present. That is a judgement call on your end.</p><p> </p><p>As far as listed loads, most all load data is developed using match grade test barrels that have min spec chambers and throats. 97.5 gr of RL33 in the reloading companies test barrel may well pressure out in that tight chamber and throat but in a factory barrel be WELL under top working pressures. Again, its a judgement call on your part and if your comfortable pushing things over listed loads. Some are not.</p><p> </p><p>Velocity is simply a function of pressure and time. Pressure created by a given powder charge and time dependant on the length of the barrel that the bullet travels through. Add more pressure, you get more velocity (within reason), add more time (Barrel length) and you get more velocity.</p><p> </p><p>Things are pretty consistant as far as what pressure it takes and amount of time is needed to get X amount of velocity. The variable is the powder charge and chamber/throat dimensions. Some rifles need more powder to get the same pressure level, some need less.</p><p> </p><p>The most valuable information in most loading manuals is VELOCITY. That tells you what a certain combo of bullet, powder, primer and case design is capable of with safe pressures. It does not however mean that the listed powder charges will get you anywhere near the velocity they are reporting but they are telling you it should be a safe velocity level to reach.</p><p> </p><p>If your not seeing any pressure issues with RL33 I would personally work up slowly and see what happens. I would also recommend doing this testing on a warmer day just to make sure that things are safe. Not smart to develop loads when its cool out and then take them out when its hot to find out what they do. The opposite direction, develop when hot and test when cool to see what changes in velocity is the safest method.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Fiftydriver, post: 856669, member: 10"] That could explain it, may have a loose throat. Are the pressure signs your described using Retumbo or RL33? Kind of hard to tell from your post but I assume they were from Retumbo but do not want to assume. Whichever powder used seeing those signs, I would say its a good comfortable pressure load. I would think there would be more room to grow with RL33 but can not say for sure without seeing the load development in person and reading the pressure signs of the rifle. In the 338 AX test rifle using the 300 gr Beger, when loaded to what appeared to be similar pressures(a bit less for RL33 I would estimate but close), we topped out at 7 grains more powder using RL33 then Retumbo. You are 5 grains over where your Retumbo load is. I would bet that going up a couple more grains would show you nearly the same 80-100 fps increase in velocity over Retumbo but again, that is your call. I am not seeing your pressure signs and I NEVER recommend increasing a load if there are any real pressure signs present. That is a judgement call on your end. As far as listed loads, most all load data is developed using match grade test barrels that have min spec chambers and throats. 97.5 gr of RL33 in the reloading companies test barrel may well pressure out in that tight chamber and throat but in a factory barrel be WELL under top working pressures. Again, its a judgement call on your part and if your comfortable pushing things over listed loads. Some are not. Velocity is simply a function of pressure and time. Pressure created by a given powder charge and time dependant on the length of the barrel that the bullet travels through. Add more pressure, you get more velocity (within reason), add more time (Barrel length) and you get more velocity. Things are pretty consistant as far as what pressure it takes and amount of time is needed to get X amount of velocity. The variable is the powder charge and chamber/throat dimensions. Some rifles need more powder to get the same pressure level, some need less. The most valuable information in most loading manuals is VELOCITY. That tells you what a certain combo of bullet, powder, primer and case design is capable of with safe pressures. It does not however mean that the listed powder charges will get you anywhere near the velocity they are reporting but they are telling you it should be a safe velocity level to reach. If your not seeing any pressure issues with RL33 I would personally work up slowly and see what happens. I would also recommend doing this testing on a warmer day just to make sure that things are safe. Not smart to develop loads when its cool out and then take them out when its hot to find out what they do. The opposite direction, develop when hot and test when cool to see what changes in velocity is the safest method. [/QUOTE]
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338 Allen Xpress, RL33 load development
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