RL26 substitute?

[TXAoudadKlr]

Since RL26 is unicorn dust, what powder would make a good substitute to RL26? VVN565?

I worked a load up for my 300AX last fall with RL33 and the HH 181. I found RL33 is just a bit too slow for it. 108gr it was full and 110 was compressed but just barely showed any hints of pressure signs. With that I feel I still have throttle left just need to find a more appropriate powder for it. I felel RL26 would be it but can't find it and am now willing to look for a substitute to it that is more readily available.

 

[couesaddict]

I think you're on the right track with n565. It seemed really close to 26 in my 270 sherman with the small test I did. H-1000 is right there with them burn wise but generally doesn't produce quite as much speed as the other two. Retumbo may be a good option for you to try as well if you haven't already.

 

[codyadams]

N565 would be pretty close, h1000 will be a little slower and take roughly 2 grains more for the same velocity, and take up a little more room than the same weight of reloder 26. Retumbo is another step slower, almost like reloder 33 if I remember correctly, but still a little faster.

I would go with N565 for a Reloder 26 sub.

 

[TXAoudadKlr]

I get great velocity with RL33. I ran out of room as it was still climbing 40-50fps a grain. I feel there's a good bit of throttle left to tap.

 

[couesaddict]

Have you tried using a drop tube to get more powder in the case without being compressed? I made one the other day out of a 12" piece of copper tube between my powder funnel and one of the adapters off of an old powder measure I don't use. Can definitely get more slow burning powder in the smaller cases without it being compressed. Kinda rednecked the end that goes into the bottom of the powder funnel with a bunch of electrical tape but it works. I'll do a nice one when I get more time.

 

[fmuguira]

Ditto H1000.... similar burn rate, slightly less velocity. One of the MOST consistent/stable powders I ve loaded.

 

[Wachsmann]

How about RL23. I think its like H1000 as well.

 

[Greyfox]

For 6.5-.308's I've tested, Retumbo, while a bit faster then R26/N565, seems to be the next highest velocity choice of the Hogdon powders.

 

[fmuguira]

Retumbo is slower than R26. H1000 is slightly slower than R26 also. (Retumbo slower than H1000 slightly)

 

[TXAoudadKlr]

Haven't tried a drop tube. I'm tempted instead of starting from scratch again. I did notice the higher the load went the tighter my groups got. When 108 printed 1/3 moa and clocked nearly 3500 I stopped.

Drop tube helped that much? 110 did 3585fps which would be that much more awesome if it stayed accurate.

 

[TXAoudadKlr]

Just H1000 and retumbo don't net the velocities like RL33 and maybe RL26

 

[tdot]

For 6.5-.308's I've tested, Retumbo, while a bit faster then R26/N565, seems to be the next highest velocity choice of the Hogdon powders.

You must mean Varget? Those powders are too fast to compare to Retumbo.

 

[couesaddict]

I'd bet in a case that size a long drop tube will get you another grain or two before compression. Maybe more. I don't know that much about them yet but I know the Sherman Short shooters are pretty high on them and I just put this one together for my 25sst to stop the crunch I was getting without it loading n565 in virgin brass.

 

[codyadams]

Drop tube helped that much? 110 did 3585fps which would be that much more awesome if it stayed accurate.

In my relatively small capacity .260 AI, a drop tube made nearly 2 grains difference with the same case fill and Reloder 26, and that was with a 6" Forster drop tube. In your case it would likely be significant. Just trickle it slowly into the case and it helps alot with extruded grain powders. Worth a try.