So far RL-16 is looking real promising in my 30.06 and 270.
My "Go to" load in 30.06 was 58gr of H4350 with a 165gr Nosler Accubond. 3 shots with this load(confirmed several times)would go 0.58" to 0.75" at 100 yds. Chronographed velocity was always consistent at 2860 fps no matter what temp it was outside(from 20 deg. to 85 deg. during my testing). I'd have been happy to shoot this load for the rest of my life but due to the unavailability of H4350 the past couple years I figured I better try something else, just in case the shortage continues.
Tried RL-16 for the first time this past weekend after looking over published data on the Alliant website for 30.06 and 270 win. Glad I did cause my 30.06 is printing nice little 0.6" 3-shot groups at 100yds and average velocity is 2915 fps!( 165gr Accubond pushed by 57gr RL-16)Alliant's book max for 165gr bullet is 57.4gr. My rifle shoots that 57.4gr max at 2945 fps! First 2 shots went into 1 ragged hole with the 3rd pulled 1 inch to the right. I need to shoot both of these loads again to confirm accuracy but it looks like I may have a very accurate 165gr Accubond load moving along at just shy of 2950 fps! ES and SD on both these loads were in the single digits which tells me this powder is very consistent.
Accuracy and velocities in the 270 win with both 130gr Partitions and 140gr Accubonds is looking very promising also.
H4350 may not be needed in my future.
Leftybolt
