How close are RL17 and H4350?

[atl5029]

I'm currently doing some looking into the best powders for the 338 RCM, and I am seeing a good bit about RL17. Problem is I can't find any right now. Last week I picked up some H4350 just because I know it is pretty versatile, and I see now that it is right next to RL17 on IMR's burn rate chart with H4350 being #124 and RL17 being #125. I'm curious to know if these two powders behave similarly in cartridges like the 338 RCM and if I could work up with H4350 from a start load of RL17. Thanks!

Also I'm all ears for powder suggestions for the 338 RCM. I have H4831SC, Varget, IMR3031, TAC, and the aforementioned H4350 that might make good candidates.

 

[ButterBean]

You can never go wrong with H4350

 

[Carlos88]

On a burn rate chart:

H4350
then
RL17

 

[atl5029]

On a burn rate chart:

H4350
then
RL17

Yeah….I stated that in the OP.

 

[ButterBean]

Yeah….I stated that in the OP.

H4350 is far superior to RL17

 

[atl5029]

H4350 is far superior to RL17

In what ways? I've never used either. Are starting charges similar? How interchangeable are they, if at all? Do they produce similar velocities?

 

[ButterBean]

In what ways? I've never used either. Are starting charges similar? How interchangeable are they, if at all? Do they produce similar velocities?

Don't get me wrong as RL17 is a great powder but H4350 is one of the most versatile powders of all time as well as being super temp stable

 

[Roughrice]

In what ways? I've never used either. Are starting charges similar? How interchangeable are they, if at all? Do they produce similar velocities?

I've tried RL17 in several different calibers and it usually got better velo than H4350 but temp stability and group consistency results always went in favor of H4350.

 

[Rick Richard]

I will take either one that is available, but would rather H4350 since it is stable as mentioned.

 

[atl5029]

I've tried RL17 in several different calibers and it usually got better velo than H4350 but temp stability and group consistency results always went to H4350.

So what about charge weights? Are they roughly equal in any given cartridge?

 

[Rick Richard]

So what about charge weights? Are they roughly equal in any given cartridge?

1 - 2 grains difference for me in my 300 WSM.

 

[Weaver93]

Hornady manual

 

[atl5029]

Hornady manual

View attachment 366012

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What's it say for 250 grainers?

 

[.30-06]

I bought two pounds of 17 at a local gunshop, price was right. The description was deceptive. "All weather conditions" verses temp insensitive. I bought a pound of 4350 two days ago for under 100 bucks.