Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles RL-16 and 7-08

I've been trying different charges of RL 16 in my 7 08 along with 140 and 150 gr Nosler BT's. My rifle definitely has a preference for the 150 gr BT bullet with the RL 16..Not sure what the velocity is, and just to be honest, I don't really care. I rarely have shots over 150 yds.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/galleries/12865434/rl-16

Thanks for posting that. I hope to load up some 150 gr partitions with RL-16 in the next few weeks. I should be able to post some velocity data.

Please do...

Nice shooting...what rifle?

Thanks...Ruger American. I needed a rifle for my grandson so I bought something that wouldn't matter a whole lot if it got "roughed up" a bit. As you can see it'll shoot.

The velocity will be disappointing, based on Alliant's published data - at least that's what I'm expecting, based on my results.

Digging this thread up because I finally tested these loads last Sunday. Winchester M70 Classic Compact 7mm-08, 20” barrel.

150 gr Nosler Partition
1x Fired Winchester Nickel Brass
CCI 200 Large Rifle primer
RL16

I have an Oehler chronograph. Wasn’t working too well until I remembered to move the unit away from the muzzle a bit more.

44.0 gr, 6 rounds, 2525 FPS
45.0 gr, 6 rounds, 2573 FPS, E 30, SD 13
45.5 gr, 6 rounds, 2600 FPS, E 33, SD 14
46.0 gr, 6 rounds. 2641 FPS, E 43, SD 14
46.5 gr, 4 rounds, 2663 FPS, E 13, SD 6

No pressure signs. Accuracy was very poor. First time I have ever shot this rifle, although the guy I bought it from said it was very accurate with some factory ammo. I forget something every time I go to the range, this time it was targets. I used some slightly used ones that were up, but they weren’t the best for precision measurements. Groups were about 4”, tightening to 3” at 46.5 gr - max per Alliant’s website.

Alliant’s data indicated 2852 FPS for 150 gr bullet at 46.5 gr max load of RL16. Even assuming they used a 24” barrel and loss of 20 FPS per inch for my 20”, I was still over 100 FPS below their velocity. Some could be attributable to the brass - Alliant’s load used Federal and I used Winchester. As I recall, Winchester usually has greater capacity.

I may work up a couple grains, but I don’t think I have a winner here. Will probably look for a different powder.

Big Game.

‘Nuff said.

Thank you, I think that was right near the top of the list.

140 gr Partition or Accubond or BT
47.5 gr Big Game
WLRM
2880 FPS


150 ELD-X
46.2 gr Big Game
WLRM
2790 FPS

The above loads are max so work up. The 140 Partition/Accubond have killed elk, deer, and antelope, elk to 350 yards, deer to 550 yards.
The 150 Eldx has killed elk and deer, elk to 409 yards.





P

Very kind of you, thanks, Pharm.

Standard rates, I get 10% of all backstrap, cut and wrapped.



P

I've had great luck with Big Game with 150 eld x as Pharmseller noted but not so well with 120's or 140's. RL-16 and RL 17 has been great for 140's, IMR 4350 is awesome with 120's.

You guys ever try Ramshot Hunter?

I started seeing pressure signs in my tikka 7mm-08 with 44.5gr of Big Game behind the 150 gr ELD-X, so caution is advised.

Alliant data is with a 24" barrel and a 150 Sierra ProHunter not a Nosler Prt. Mule Deer has suggested that if a Partition does not shoot well to try a faster burning powder. Good luck.