The powder has finally hit the market. Did some comparative testing this morning. Was curious if 4000 MR would best RL-17's performance.
Two 7 Rem Mags were used. 24" and 30" barrels.
Original loads:
24" barrel. moly coated 150 nos bt, 67 gr of RL-17 vel 3260
30" barrel. Moly coated 140 accubond 66 gr of RL-17 vel 3400
Temperature for testing was mid 80s.
Worked up loads for 24" barrel, with two cases per 1 grain increments using same components/loading methods except for change in powder
66 gr vel 3046 3047
67 gr vel 3077 3106
68 gr vel 3151 3163
69 gr vel 3186 3183 max load for conditions
70 gr vel 3254 3264 hint of bolt lift/ shiny extractor mark
30" barrel again same components/loading methods
66 gr vel 3351 3287
67 gr vel 3356 3386
68 gr vel 3402 3403 hint of bolt lift bullets touched
69 gr vel 3452 3450 same bolt lift bullets touched
70 gr vel 3501 3477 accuracy fell off/harder bolt lift
71 gr vel 3521 3527 same as 70 gr
Impressions: this powder didn't surpass RL-17's velocities in the short barrel but duplicated and slightly surpassed RL-17 in the longer barrel. Some velocities were very similar as seen above. Has accuracy potential.
The extruded kernels are smaller, approx 1/2 the length of RL-17 with same diameter. Even with the max loads there is an air space between the powder and base of bullet.
That is it for now. I intend to try 160 accubonds next.
