30-06/6.5 Creed reloaders - try RL16

For you 30-06 reloaders out there running Reloder 19 or other less temp stable powders, do yourself a favor and grab a lb of Reloder 16 to try out. I've had great success with 4 different 30-06 rifles now (Fieldcraft, XPR, 700, Savage) and all have shot RL16 as good or better than previous loads worked up with Reloder 19 or IMR4350. Mainly tested in the 175-180 grain range (VLD, EDLX, Accubond, Partition) and most liked around 54.5 grains (56 max published by Alliant). Every rifle was shooting over 2800fps and managed single digit ES/SD per the Labradar once dialed in.

I've also had great luck with RL16 in the 6.5 Creed. The 6.5 seems to really like this powder with 140/142/143 grainers at slightly over published max loads. All were running 2800+fps and seated over SAAMI. This is a fast and very accurate powder in my experience. For those that haven't tried it, hopefully you'll have similar results.

I just started playing with rl-16. I can say I've been pleased with the results. I'll never go back to rl-17. My SDs have been very good. Right now my best load is 41 grains of rl-16 in peterson brass under a 140 eld-m. 2863 fps sd of 4. I was trying out the 150 smk the other day and got 2745 fps sd of 10 with 40.5 grains of rl-16 in virgin ADG brass. Still room to go up too as there was zero signs of pressure. Also tried the 130 berger and now 130 eld-m and 43 grains in virgin adg brass produced 3008 fps. I've been busy lately waiting for all this snow to leave so I can go shoot long range again

Anyone have load data for 6.5 Creedmoor using RL16 and 135 Grain Classic Berger?
Thanks

Yep 44gr works well. Might want to start slightly lower...or not.

I turned one of my good friends and shooting competitor on to R16 in the 30-06 and he's been kicking my butt with that load ever since

How would you compare it to H4350?

H4350 is noted as one of the lowest temp sensitivities around. Do you suspect RE-16 shows the potential to knock H4350 off the pedestal? Lord knows the swings in temperature between where I test compared to where I hunt are huge, so this is very important if you think it is really better than H4350!

been using the rl 16 with berger 140g elite hunters with lapua brass with 450 primers even the br4 with single digit es and very accurate. havent touched the h4350 for the 6.5 just use for the 243

I don't know if it's better than H4350 in the temp sensitivity dept but it seems to be close and usually gets you a little more speed burns clean what's not to like. It does seem to be just as hard to find these days but I bought enough to last several years when it first hit the shelves.

I just shot rl-16 and the 147 at 1,000 yards yesterday. Started out at 30 degrees and when it ended it was in the 20s. I chronoed that load in the 50s and the velocity was still spot on according to my drops. I'd say it's fairly stable. If I was using rl-17 I would have to adjust my numbers

have been using RL-16 in my 284 win. from 27 degrees with a windchill of 19 to 57 degrees I have a difference of 12 fps. that is with Hornady brass, Hornady 162 bthp. and 210 primers with a 2832 fps avg. in a 25 inch barrel. not a hot load but it is an accurate load. max was 2875 fps.

I just started trying re16 with 166 hh bullets in my -06, just started so I'm not sure of groups yet but my 22" barrel maxed out at 3000fps

I've been using RL16 in my 6CM with 103 and 108 ELDs. Very easy workup and shoots well in two different rifles.

RegionRat said:

How would you compare it to H4350?

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For me it's been every bit as temp stable as H4350 and other "extreme" powders. It is every bit as accurate as H4350 has been with the added benefit of more velocity and no additional fouling...dare I say maybe even less??

I haven't had a chance to test it in summer heat but have been out in temps ranging from 50s down to teens with no appreciable difference in velocity or impact shift.

I have been using RL-16 in .270 Win with same results with 130 gr BT's. Low SD and ES and higher velocities at less powder.

That'd be great to try RL16, if it were available?!