RL23 and 7 SAUM

I'm the new owner of a 7 SAUM Savage SA and currently collecting brass and bullets. I already have some H4831 on hand but was interested in the RL23. I don't see much discussed about RL23 but the lack of temp sensitivity makes it a desirable powder to me.

I've seen a few people on here mention RL23. I'm likely going to start with Berger 175gr Elite Hunters off the bat too. Just another component that has little data or support online.

I know the 7RM and SAUM are decently close in water capacity and would just drop down to a safe load below the recommended start for 7RM.

Anyone have some info? I'm thinking a start around 61.5-62gr RL23 would get me on the right track.

The 280 AI has basically the same case capacity as the 7mm SAUM. So, loads for it would be closer to SAUM than the 7mm magnum. Better, check the Berger site for load data or phone them.

I don't know anything about RL23. I'm using RL26 for 2900 fps with the Berger 180. Relatively temp stable under 70 degrees or so. Bruce

I agree rel26 between the two of those.

I've sent an inquiry to Berger. I'm looking for a nice balance of velocity and temp stability. In PA summers it can get hot when I'd shoot it more recreationally, and if I carry it for hunting it can get pretty cold. If I can get away with one load that's acceptable at 10F and 90F that's what I'm trying for with RL23. It's my understanding that RL 26 speeds up quite a bit over 70.

I am in Va so right next door and a bit south. If I am worried I about pressure and temp I set the load one node down from max in the cooler months and set a max node in the hotter temps just in case this usually covers it.

I do not think you can use a temp/fps scale as it can not work that way. Just too many differing variables. Now one cartridge and specific bullet yes it certainly can work but that could not transfer to a different caliber and bullet.

I have had no issue with rl 26 if its not a terribly overbore cartidge. Its been on the lower end for me .35 per degree. The average from what I can tell is around .55-.60

If you are really looking for max stability then Hogdon powders are your one stop shop.

The new Alliant powders, RL16 and RL23 are beginning to get reports of temp stability being great. I've seen RL16 temp stability claimed to be as good as or better than H4350 and better velocities. If RL23 faster and close to as temp stable as the likes of H1000/4831 then I think it's worth looking into further. I couldn't find many stating they're using RL23 with 7SAUM except one guy on accurateshooter. Just wondered if others here might have been using RL23. I had a can in my hand but knew I can get it cheaper elsewhere. Instead I walked out with a Forster trimmer for $35.

Here's what I got for the 7mm 175gr Elite Hunters.

For those that suggested RL 26:
COAL 2.853"
Start 58.0gr max 60.9gr 99% fill 2760-2897fps

RL 23:
COAL 2.853"
Start: 55.5gr max 58.3gr 104% fill 2687-2810fps

These were given to me from Berger through quickload and we're deemed conservative.

Smokinghole said:

I'm the new owner of a 7 SAUM Savage SA and currently collecting brass and bullets. I already have some H4831 on hand but was interested in the RL23. I don't see much discussed about RL23 but the lack of temp sensitivity makes it a desirable powder to me.

I've seen a few people on here mention RL23. I'm likely going to start with Berger 175gr Elite Hunters off the bat too. Just another component that has little data or support online.

I know the 7RM and SAUM are decently close in water capacity and would just drop down to a safe load below the recommended start for 7RM.

Anyone have some info? I'm thinking a start around 61.5-62gr RL23 would get me on the right track.

Click to expand...

I built a load with the 168gr Berger Classic Hunter, 60gr RL23, Norma brass, CCI 250 primers, .015 off the lands
2900 fps ,very accurate, Full custom with 1-9 Schneider barrel. No pressure.
ShortMag3

Was the load compressed at 60gr?

ShortMag3 said:

I built a load with the 168gr Berger Classic Hunter, 60gr RL23, Norma brass, CCI 250 primers, .015 off the lands
2900 fps ,very accurate, Full custom with 1-9 Schneider barrel. No pressure.
ShortMag3

Click to expand...

Smokinghole said:

Was the load compressed at 60gr?

Click to expand...

I don't believe it was.
I'll verify this weekend.

Any other experiences with rl23 and the 7 saum?

I haven't picked up a can yet. Maybe tomorrow I'll head out and grab a pound to play around with. I'm also looking to get IMR8133 when it comes out. On Hodgdon's site it is listed for 280AI and has nice speeds published with the data. I emailed a request for 7SAUM data too and they might get around to doing it. They said they might have been waiting on cases or something to run the SAUM 8133 data.

H1000 has been extremely good in my 7 RSAUM.

Produces more velocity and has been equally accurate as H4831sc for me.