Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles RL 17 chrony results; 300 WSM!

Finally, I got some RL17 to try out. Found a loading to duplicate which is posted on the "reloadersnest" site (load # 5506 at the bottom), using the 155 gr hunting Berger VLD. My components were all the same with the exception of the primer, as the poster used the Federal magnum.

His rifle is a 24" barreled M/70; 69 gr of RL17; COAL of 2.88"; 155 gr Berger VLD @ 3380 fps.

Since I use the VLDs mainly for hog hunting, this was the only loading I found which combined RL17 and a Berger VLD. Started at 65 gr and worked up to 69 gr.

My components and results;

Cartridge...............300 WSM
Bullet..................Berger VLD
Weight..................155 gr
Powder..................RL 17
Charge..................69 gr
Primer..................WLRM
Case....................Win
COAL....................2.88"
Barrel length...........16.5"
Rifle ..................M77 Ruger Frontier
Scope...................1.5-5x20 VX111
Group...................0.784" OD (3 shot)
MV......................3234 fps aver (chrony 8' from muzzle)
ES......................11 fps

Very close to max with no need to go any further. No sticky bolt lift, no ejection marks or primer issues.

3380-3234 = 146 fps; divided by 7.5" of shorter barrel = 19.46 fps (per inch), or an overall difference of minus 4.32%.

The Alliant site lists 69.3 grs of RL 17 as max using a 150 gr Speer giving about 3345 fps. Taking into consideration the shorter barrel, I am extremely impressed with this RL 17 result. I suppose that`s one way to grow the barrel, changing the powder!

Previous best was 3118 fps with the 150 gr SST. A very good increase.

Pretty impressive, but dang that sucker has got to be loud with a 16.5" barrel!

.........It certainly is loud all-right!!!!.....But alot of fun!....I have good muffs for the range and good plugs for my hunts. Extra noise is not a problem!

When the range gets crowded, nobody will bench shoot next to me though!!.....:D......Good! More room for my stuff!!!.....