.308Win - RE16

[Nomosendero]

nomosendero posted on this topic in another thread. Maybe you guys can be trailblazers.

Yes, I have researched this matter a little since that post. It appears that despite the #16, the rate is closer to H4350, so it is good for the CM but a little slow for the 308, it might work with 175 gr. and heavier.

 

[DRock]

I use RL 16 anywhere I used H4350 but get ~100fps increased velocity. I reduce my H4350 load about 10% then work up from there. H4350 is a great powder. The only reason to switch to RL16 is if you cant find 4350. You probably wont go back to H4350 because RL16 is just as temp stable and accuracy is about as good and you get the extra 100fps....? RL 16 seems more available right now so if you are having trouble finding other powders, I think you might be surprised by this powder. I was so much that I have tried it in everything from my 6Creed to my 340 Wby.

 

[Nomosendero]

I am thinking about trying it in my 30-06 with 165's, this is a woods rifle so the 165 works.

 

[LVJ76]

Like others mentioned Varget is you best friend with 150gr bullets in the good ol' 308

 

[Varmint Hunter]

Interestingly enough, Hodgdon doesn't recommend H4350 for any weight bullet in the .308Win.

 

[MLN1963]

Interestingly enough, Hodgdon doesn't recommend H4350 for any weight bullet in the .308Win.

With the bore to case capacity ratio of a 308 Winchester the burn rate isn't optimal for H4350 or other powders like RL16 that are in the same burn rate class.

 

[rammac]

Neither RL16 nor H4350 are very good .308 powders, both are too slow and they are very inefficient. You can make some really light recoiling loads around 45 grains but the velocities wont be all that great and when you get the higher velocities you will have highly compressed loads. - which is why people are recommending magnum primers. There are far better powders available.

 

[Ronald W Schaefer]

Varget for 150 gr, RL-15 for 165gr seems to work great.

 

[Nomosendero]

With the bore to case capacity ratio of a 308 Winchester the burn rate isn't optimal for H4350 or other powders like RL16 that are in the same burn rate class.

Yes, that is what I concluded

 

[MLN1963]

Yes, that is what I concluded

Just trying to present it in another way that people may understand. Not trying to take anything away from your comments.