How close are RL17 and H4350?

While they are almost the same in burn rate, I would much rather have H4350, because of temp stability. I used to load RL17 in a 257roberts AI, and it was terribly sensitive.

If you have h4831sc, that would even be a better choice for a med/high capacity cartridge. It's quite a bit slower burning, and very stable, giving the best chance of a full case, without over pressure. The only way it wouldn't be as good, is if you are shooting it in a short barrel, or a lower capacity cartridge.
I load more cartridges in h4831sc than I do h4350, just because it's so versatile.
 
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.
I would not use data from RE-17 for H4350 or vice versa. RE-17 is a double based powder, H4350 is not. Keep in mind that the chart is RELATIVE BURN RATE. Things can change dramatically depending on case capacity and bullet weight. Only use confirmed data for your bullet weight and powder.
 
Last edited:
I have a related question. On the burn rate charge I have, RL-16 is 123, H4350 is 124, and RL-17 is 125. I understand that RL-16 is very temp stable.

I have 8 lbs of RL-16 and no H4350. How do these 2 compare?
Very close but RL-16 will produce more velocity. In my 6.5 CM, both are just as accurate but almost 100 fps difference. I have a second 6.5 CM that doesn't seem to like RL16 and it's possibly due to the barrel itself or barrel length of 18". It likes H4350 very much and Varget would probably be a candidate for that barrel length. I would also use H4350 in heavier bullets over RL16.
 
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.
I have a 300 AX ( custom build 30 cal built on necked down 338 Lapua case). I shoot H1000, you might consider this one too.
 
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.
SPORTSMANS WAREHOUSE WAS 49.95 IN STOCK. Have been able to get 4 at this price in two weeks. Thay had 8 lb at 366.95 but left it on shelf, had all I need for now.
 
Top