RL-16 for 280 Ackley?

[SavageHunter11]

A fairly well known member here suggested I load my 280 Ackley with RL-16 and magnum primers for 140gr bullets and stating pretty good results. After looking at all my reloading manuals (none of which had RL-16 info in it) I found one that used H4350 which I heard had a very similar burn rate but it's only one load out of my 9 reloading books it was hardly enough information for me to be confident in using RL-16 especially with magnum primers. It was suggested to start with 53gr and work wup in half grain increments and that they had best results with 56gr. I have a fair amount of trust that this member wouldn't purposely steer me wrong but my gut is telling me to double check before I try these RL-16 loads with magnum primers just to be sure. What do you all think?

 

[jreagle]

FWIW.... im using fed 210 in my 06 w/ 53.5 RL16.
usually go with a mag primer when charge weights are 60-65 grains and above; my own rule of thumb.
you could try loads with both and see which one produces the best groups and ES.

 

[RockyMtnMT]

We like the mag primers with Hammers since the engraving pressure is lower than conventional bullets. The mag primer just gets the bullet going a bit quicker. We usually see lower es with the mag primer, but nothing is written in stone. You will probably see about 30 fps increase in vel over same charge weight with standard primers.

 

[can1010]

I use RL-16 in my 284 win with the 162 eld. 51.2 gr with fed 210s. it is the most consistent powder day in day out no matter what the temp. I know it is not your 280ai but it is close. starting at 53.0 with 140 should not be a problem. looks like 54.0 will be a good start should pressure out around 57.0-58.0

 

[big_matt_duq]

I use RL-16 in my 284 win with the 162 eld. 51.2 gr with fed 210s. it is the most consistent powder day in day out no matter what the temp. I know it is not your 280ai but it is close. starting at 53.0 with 140 should not be a problem. looks like 54.0 will be a good start should pressure out around 57.0-58.0

I was thinking about trying it in my 284 with 168 bergers. What kind of velocity are you getting? Also was looking at rl26.

 

[can1010]

I was thinking about trying it in my 284 with 168 bergers. What kind of velocity are you getting? Also was looking at rl26.

51.2gr RL-16 with a 25 inch barrel 162 eld-m is between 2825-2835 from 32-75 degrees. I did try RL-26 with the 165 sierra gamechanger and the 175 berger elite hunters and you can expect to gain 75-100 fps.

 

[L.Sherm]

Get you some RL23, 140 should get you in the neighborhood of 3200fps and a 162 around 3050 all out of 24" tubes

 

[stx]

Tagging in

 

[SavageHunter11]

Get you some RL23, 140 should get you in the neighborhood of 3200fps and a 162 around 3050 all out of 24" tubes

How temperature stabile is RL-23? The big appeal of trying RL-16 is it's reputation of being consistent in it's velocities across most temperatures.

 

[stx]

How temperature stabile is RL-23? The big appeal of trying RL-16 is it's reputation of being consistent in it's velocities across most temperatures.

I've read that RL16 and RL23 have the same temp stable properties....check out the Alliant sight for more info.

 

[big_matt_duq]

I may order some of both in to try. I have heard 26 being used in some different cartridges

 

[SavageHunter11]

I may order some of both in to try. I have heard 26 being used in some different cartridges

I'm half tempted to try 16, 23, and 26. My local Scheels has all three on hand currently

 

[L.Sherm]

No proof by me but I here people say 23 is more stable than 26.

 

[VernAK]

My 22" 270W throws 130TTSX at 3200fps when loaded with 55 grs RL16