I have been shooting RL17 in my 338-06 and have been quite happy. Nothing magical, but still pleased. For the limited tests I have done, it has been very accurate and basically equaled H4350 velocities when at 1-1.5 less grains of powder. There is no published data to go off of so I don't know how much more I can safely push things. I'm at 2720 with 62 grains of RL17 pushing a 210 Scirocco II out of a 22" barrel. The same day I was at 2590 with a 215 Gameking at 62 grains of H4350. Interestingly, the same 62gn H4350 load (same lot of powder, same brass, etc) shot 2645 (all are 3 shot avgs) a week ago across the same chrono at the same distance. Not sure what to make of that. 60 grains of RL17 with 225 Accubonds gets ~2600 and shoots very nice groups (.292, okay that one was probably lucky, but still others are ~.5-.6). I'm thinking that will make a very nice hunting load. Loads at ~2700 with the Scirocco II result in ~.6'-.7" groups which I'm very happy with as well. Either matches the ballistic plex reticle very well making them quite user friendly in the field. With both retaining over 2000fps and 2000lbs/ft of energy beyond 500yds when elk hunting they are more than adequate.
Last edited by prm; 01/20/09.
