This was Interesting: RL-17 308 WIN

[DoneNOut]

I got a couple lots of the Berger 200.20X for FTR shooting. My attempts at shooting FTR, BTW!

308 WIN 30" CBI barrel. Lapau brass.

N135, N140, N540, Varget, AA2520, TAC all tried. Well, I glossed over RL-17 data in the Hornady manual for 308 Heavies all these years. I just got 8lbs of RL17 for .243 WIN. So I figured, why not.

Wow. RL17 ran like a champ. I could tweak the velocity very predictably with .5gr increment powder changes. Started 47gr @2750fps and ended up with a good load with 45.5 at @2650fps. This wa at 60 F. so I thin I will try 45gr RL17 for 2600fps and give this claimed not so stable temp powder some room to heat up when hooting hot conditions.

I need to load some in my 20" 308 and compare the barrel length performances. Can't wait!

 

[VinceMule]

Gingerman, wanted to let you know that the 17 will put fire cracks in your barrel in 400 rounds as 17 burns real hot! I learned this the hard way.

 

[DoneNOut]

Gingerman, wanted to let you know that the 17 will put fire cracks in your barrel in 400 rounds as 17 burns real hot! I learned this the hard way.

I was really pretty happy up until now...

 

[VinceMule]

I use it in hunting loads only, so no problem. I had a 31" 6 XC running some incredible speeds with 17, but fire cracked the barrel in 400 rounds, not real bad.

 

[DoneNOut]

What do you recommend for the 30" 308?

 

[VinceMule]

169g Sierra match king with a number of powders,3/4" at 300

175g tipped match king with 42g of xbr 8208, Lapua brass, cci 200 shoots a bug hole in my 30" Krieger

169g TMK also shoots tiny groups

I have a great load with the 155g TMK also, but I have a short freebore chamber

Keith

 

[DoneNOut]

169g Sierra match king with a number of powders,3/4" at 300

175g tipped match king with 42g of xbr 8208, Lapua brass, cci 200 shoots a bug hole in my 30" Krieger

169g TMK also shoots tiny groups

I have a great load with the 155g TMK also, but I have a short freebore chamber

Keith

Sorry, I only have the 200.20X for this. Second time I've seen those 169 Sierra listed

 

[bergara0256]

155gr lapua L-scenar is a great round for the 308! That n-135 would be a good powder for that bullets with some good speed in a 30 inch barrel.

 

[DoneNOut]

155gr lapua L-scenar is a great round for the 308! That n-135 would be a good powder for that bullets with some good speed in a 30 inch barrel.

Would you believe n135 39.5gr with the 200.20X shooting bug holes at 2550fps! 2550 in 25F and 65F. It's 100fps lower than I want tho

 

[DoneNOut]

 

[bergara0256]

That's pretty impressive! And if you say it's true then I believe it!

 

[VinceMule]

169 Sierra is a true 1000 yd bullet where the 168 was designed for 600 yard but can be stretched to 800.

I use a reamer where the shank/boat tail is .020 above the shoulder/neck junction of the case with supurb accuracy.

 

[ButterBean]

I love RL17 and don't sweat the fire cracks, you can't see em and she'll keep shooting just fine, Let Her Eat

 

[DoneNOut]

I love RL17 and don't sweat the fire cracks, you can't see em and she'll keep shooting just fine, Let Her Eat

Welp, I know you are no stranger to firecracks!