Anyone else using rl-17?

[Wheatgerm]

Did you notice a spot where it started showing more pressure? Right now im 4grains under max load and where I hunt it doesn't get over 80° in october. Just curious if I stay well under max load if I will see more pressure in higher temps? Id hate to give up this powder because like you said its very hard to find anything else that will match these speeds in a wsm

 

[Coach Hunt]

Howdy,

Here is a copy of a post I did some time back detailing my experiments with RL17. Hope this helps.

"In my 7WSM I shoot H4831 and H4350 with a variety of 140 grain bullets. I tried RL17 and had the following results... THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT I RECOMMEND YOU TRY THESE LOADS. They just happened to be safe in my rifle, 24" bbl Win. mod. 70.

Nov. '09 50.6 degrees F Sierra 140 gr. GameKing #1905 Reloader 17

62 3103 fps ES 23 poor grouping
62.5 3131 fps ES 22 1 1/4 group @ 200 yards
63 3111 fps ES 12 1 1/2 group @ 200
63.5 3173 fps ES 2 1.08 group @ 200 two in one hole, three others horizontal. Wind I guess
64 3222 fps ES 37 1 " group @ 200
64.5 3240 fps ES 26 3/4 group @200

April '10 97.7 degrees F same bullet and powder Temperature test
63 3207 fps ES 7 0.35" group @200
63.5 3243 fps ES 37 1" group @200
64 3281 fps ES 44 1.5" group @200

In the three different loads I shot in both tests, for an increase of 48 degrees, velocity went up: 94 fps, 70 fps, and 59 fps while ES went from 12 to 7, 2 to
37, and 37 to 44.

Interpret this data anyway you wish, I just shoot it!"

I chose to stay with a better temperature stable powder.


Hope this helps in some way, and good shooting.

Coach

 

[TOM H]

I'm using 56.6gr/R-17 with 160AB @ 3091fps in a 280AI also 52.5gr/R-17 @ 2983fps same bullet in a 284 both have Lilja barrels and groups 5 shot 1/2" to 3/4" at 100yds.

I also worked up a load using 60.5gr/IMR-7828ssc with 160gr AB @ 3058fps in the 280AI.

Gun club I belong too is covered so far haven't had any problems with the Temp. Couple years ago was out east on antelope hunt with the 270WSM and things were slow so shot few PD on/off for couple hrs and it was in the mid 80's didn't have any problems with R-17 I was using.

I don't run my stuff over a chronograph till I get a good load so most time it take me maybe a year of shooting varies yardage to get use to one.