SHERMANS AND RL23

[elkaholic]

More and more clients are reporting good results with RL23 in cartridges from 6.5 through 300, and would likely work well in the 6 and 25 sst as well. It may not reach the velocity as RL26 in some cases but on the other hand, it may be as much at a high accuracy node. A case will hold around 2 grains less of 23 but that is about the same as it takes for equal pressure. Also, it is advertised as better temp stability.
GIVE IT A TRY and keep sending data into Idahotrecker when you have something.......Rich

 

[SMK1000plus]

I've had excellent results with RL-23 and both, 212gr and 215gr bullets in five of my 30-06s. Also have had great results in several of my 7mm Rem Mags with 162gr and 168gr bullets. I would certainly expect RL-23 to produce great results in various Sherman cartridges, particularly with heavy for caliber bullets.

 

[lancetkenyon]

Since RL26 is non-existent, and I have personally seen big pressure spikes above 85°, and it routinely hit 85°+ in AZ on several of our hunts for pronghorn, and early deer/elk, I opted to try some RL23.

I use H1000 and CCI BR2 in my personal 6.5SS with 140 HVLD @ 3140 and 150 SMKs @ 3117. I have loaded for a couple others with similar results using the same components.

I got a 6.5SS that was not liking this combo.

For mine, and others, it was very close to the same build.
Same 26" 1:8" barrel length/twist
Same ADG brass w. Same weight range
Same case dimensions after fire forming
Same CCI BR2 from the same brick of 1000
Same H1000 from the same 8# jug
Same 140 HVLD from the same 500ct box

Mine, and others, get around 3140fps w. 58.5gr H1000 and 140 HVLDs. The latest only got 2950fps.

Well, we don't build a 6.5SS to run 2950fps. So I had to switch it up to try and get some more speed. Accuracy from the Axisworks built rifle was superb at 2940ish, but we were feeling the need for speed.

ADG fully formed 6.5SS brass
Fed GM215M
140 HVLD
2.230" CBTO
RL23:
54.5gr @ 3061fps
55.0gr @ 3068fps
55.5gr @ 3093fps
56.0gr @ 3118fps
56.5gr @ 3141fps
57.0gr @ 3166fps
57.5gr @ 3201fps

BR2 & H1000:
55.0 @ 2870fps
56.0 @ 2908fps
57.0 @ 2920fps
58.0 @ 2940fps
58.5 @ 2952fps

If you are not getting the speed you want, or are having a hard time finding RL26 (or worried about temp swings), try RL23.

 

[elkaholic]

Good reporting Lance!!

 

[lancetkenyon]

Hopefully, I can add some 127 LRX load information in the next couple weeks too.

 

[waspocrew]

I may have to give RL23 a try! I still have 1.5 lbs of RL26 left to burn through. Nice to see a great alternative.

 

[Mike AVM]

I shoot RE23 in a .270 Win with Barnes 140 TSX-BT. It's a lightweight Kimber and if I do my part it will shoot under a half inch at 100 yards. I also shoot the 130 TTSX with RE26 with consistent sub-MOA performance. I shoot in Florida and have never seen pressure spikes with RE26. I shoot in 90+ to 55 degrees and the velocity is +/- 20 FPS. I also shoot RE26 with a 200 LRX in 300 WM with not pressure issues. You won't get the same velocity with RE23 as RE26 but it's within 75 FPS or so in a 300 WM.

 

[Capt RB]

Since RL26 is non-existent, and I have personally seen big pressure spikes above 85°, and it routinely hit 85°+ in AZ on several of our hunts for pronghorn, and early deer/elk, I opted to try some RL23.

I use H1000 and CCI BR2 in my personal 6.5SS with 140 HVLD @ 3140 and 150 SMKs @ 3117. I have loaded for a couple others with similar results using the same components.

I got a 6.5SS that was not liking this combo.

For mine, and others, it was very close to the same build.
Same 26" 1:8" barrel length/twist
Same ADG brass w. Same weight range
Same case dimensions after fire forming
Same CCI BR2 from the same brick of 1000
Same H1000 from the same 8# jug
Same 140 HVLD from the same 500ct box

Mine, and others, get around 3140fps w. 58.5gr H1000 and 140 HVLDs. The latest only got 2950fps.

Well, we don't build a 6.5SS to run 2950fps. So I had to switch it up to try and get some more speed. Accuracy from the Axisworks built rifle was superb at 2940ish, but we were feeling the need for speed.

ADG fully formed 6.5SS brass
Fed GM215M
140 HVLD
2.230" CBTO
RL23:
54.5gr @ 3061fps
55.0gr @ 3068fps
55.5gr @ 3093fps
56.0gr @ 3118fps
56.5gr @ 3141fps
57.0gr @ 3166fps
57.5gr @ 3201fps

BR2 & H1000:
55.0 @ 2870fps
56.0 @ 2908fps
57.0 @ 2920fps
58.0 @ 2940fps
58.5 @ 2952fps

If you are not getting the speed you want, or are having a hard time finding RL26 (or worried about temp swings), try RL23.

It's always impressive when your testing stuff. Again nice shooting Lance!!

 

[Glen8338]

Mike AVM

Can you give me the load data for your .270 using RL 23. I have been using RL 22 at 58.5 grains behind 140 Hornady SST. I use Fed. 215 primer seated about .20 from lands. It is temperature sensitive so I have been wondering if RL 23 is worth the purchase?

 

[Mike AVM]

Mike AVM

Can you give me the load data for your .270 using RL 23. I have been using RL 22 at 58.5 grains behind 140 Hornady SST. I use Fed. 215 primer seated about .20 from lands. It is temperature sensitive so I have been wondering if RL 23 is worth the purchase?

In MY RIFLE, note disclaimer, I use 60 of RE 23 with the Barnes 140 TSX-BT. That's with a Winchester std primer at 3.36 OAL. 3125 FPS from a Kimber barrel

 

[xsn10s]

I've had excellent results with RL-23 and both, 212gr and 215gr bullets in five of my 30-06s. Also have had great results in several of my 7mm Rem Mags with 162gr and 168gr bullets. I would certainly expect RL-23 to produce great results in various Sherman cartridges, particularly with heavy for caliber bullets.

What are your results for the 30-06? Thanks, John

 

[Glen8338]

Thanks Mike AVM!

 

[SMK1000plus]

What are your results for the 30-06? Thanks, John

Using Reloder 23 and the Berger 215gr Hybrids in my three 22" factory barreled Rem 700s 30-06 I'm getting around 2,465 fps @ 78°F SD: 14 ES:20 and just over 1/2 MOA accuracy. With my semi-custom 24" Bartlein barreled Winchester M70 30-06 Classic, I'm getting 2,494 fps @ 73°F, SD: 12 ES: 16 and it's almost always below 1/2 MOA, barring gusty winds. My other 30-06s produce similar results but, the groups are right at or just below 1 MOA at 200 yards.

With the Hornady 212gr ELD-X and RL-23 I'm getting about the same results with @ 35 fps increase in velocity. Accuracy is slightly less than with the 215gr Bergers but, without shooting at least 4 five round groups and measuring, its really hard to see the difference.

Mike AVM, what part of FL? I'm in the Jacksonville/St. Augustine area.