Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles My Reloader 17 Results

I was able to get a hold of some RL17 and did some testing with my 7mm Saum and .300 Saum New Years day, I must say I am very pleased.

The loads I like for the 7mm are:

140 TTSX
60gr RL17
Fed 215
Avg Velocity = 3325 fps

160 Partition
56.5gr RL17
Fed 215
Avg Velocity = 3075 fps

.300 Saum

168 TTSX
64gr RL17
Fed 215
Avg Velocity = 3245 fps

180 Partition
62gr RL17
Avg Velocity = 3150 fps

Both rifles were 24" barrels and accuracy was under 1/2 inch @ 100yds for all loads.

I was most pleased with the 168 TTSX load. I was able to gain 245 fps over my previous load of 62 gr of IMR4350. I was only able to get 3000 fps with that load before seeing pressure signs.

Also, I never saw any pressure signs with any of the RL17 loads. So I maybe able to squeeze a little more out of it, but I think I am near max though. I did several loads in 1 gr increments and I never flattened a primer or had a stiff bolt. Very impressive.

Thanks for the detailed report. Very interesting.

Dude, those numbers are smoking!

RL15 would let me get to 2970 or so with 168TSX's before pressure. (24" M700)

Where did you get load data?

I just looked on the alliant website and they have nothing.

and, does it work with the 300 Win Mag, as well?

Those 7mm velocities look like 7mm Wby. territory.

data is here:

http://accurateshooter.net/Blog/reloder17data.doc

I have not used it with my 300 WM yet, perhaps this weekend.

Give RL17 a try, you will not be dissappointed.

Please do one with the 168 TSX. I'd really like to see how that pans out.

AWESOME!!!! I use quickload alot and usually I can't quite get the velocity that it shows...close but usually I come up shy. Anyhow just for fun I asked quickload what the fastest "known powder" is for the 300 saum and a 165 class bullet at 65,000psi. It said that with a 24" barrel the fastest powder would not excede 3154 fps. SO....IT APPEARS THAT the hype is for real with re17. Sounds like the '06 is about to move up to win mag performance and possible the 300 win mag may move towards the wby.
Combine this with the newer better lighter bullets like the tsx and the e-tip and we will get a whole new generation of performance out of these mid class cartridges. Kind of a fun way to start the new year!!

I'll be looking to find some now after reading all this. I wonder how it would do in a 308.

My top speeds with the .300 saum were:

168 TTSX
65gr RL17
Fed 215
Velocity = 3302 fps

180 Partition
63gr RL17
Fed 215
Velocity = 3193 fps

These were both just a single round with no signs of pressure.

Sure would be nice if we had actual pressure measurements to compare it against known loads.

I hope the hype is real, but am skeptical.

3245 is about all I can run my 300 wby ul at with a 180 grainer. A partition or accubond will lose about 40% of it's wt soon after impact. A tsx most likely about 10%.
So, here you have a saum that runs 3245 with a retained wt of 150 grains and a wby with a wt of 108 grains at the same speed.
I realize it's not apples to apples exactly but I think I can say without blinking that the saum can now possible excede the performance that made the wby famous 20 years ago before all the new bullets. Pretty cool. Now lets see a powder that will do the same for my 30-378....I'd kind of like to run 150's at about 3900 fps instead of that pokey old 3700!!

I'm betting on higher pressures!

This must be wonder powder........................

Or astonomical pressure. I'll take number 2.

Huh?
I'm just a slow country boy so I need you fellers to spell this out for me.

The data in the attached Word document and at the Alliant website appears to me to be in line with max velocities available with other powders.

Two that I noticed were for the 270WSM and 30-06. The 130 and 150gr WSM velocities are in line with what one would expect from Magpro or RL22. The 180gr 30-06 is right where RL22 runs.

I notice in the RL17 info page they claim the powder performs well in extreme weather. Something they don't claim for the other Alliant slow burners.

In reloading, like economics, the first rule is TANSTAAFL (there ain't no such thing as a free lunch).

So if I'm missin something, please set me straight.

405wcf

I have no doubt that this new powder will offer more velocity but some of these numbers seem way high!

I created a thread on this powder a few weeks back.
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...lat/Number/2649741/page/1/gonew/1#UNREAD

I think the doubters should read the details found in this above thread, which contains several links. This powder is made differently and has unique performance.

1fstdcs I am envious of you having some RL-17 in your hands!
I see you are in Az where did you find some?