Please check this tread out to understand why 2505fps is needed with a 286gr bullet.
IAnyway, I was finally able to get my hands on RL-17. My initial idea was to load 320gr Woodleigh softs but after some research and advise from my PH I decided to load a bullet of stronger construction like Barnes TSX/Peregrine VRG3 or similar monolithic.
I first had a look at the Barnes TSX, but because they are so long I was sceptical because the bullet would take up so much space in the case, space that is needed if I was going to reach 2505fps. My second choice was Peregrine VRG3 bullets, a local monolithic bullet made here in South Africa. Unfortunately they would not cycle in my CZ550. The third bullet I tried was the 286gr woodleigh hydros, still a long bullet but not as long as the TSX, or so I thought... hydros with the cap on are basically the same lenght of the TSX. My rifle would not cycle them without the cap on.
Nevertheless I started to do load development with the Hydros. Surprisingly I was able to reach 2515fps without any pressure signs. Obviously I was very pleased and reported my results to my PH. He was also very surprised to hear that 2500fps+ is doable with a 9.3x62. He however suggested that I only use the Hydros for follow up shots and suggested a good expanding bullet for the first shot.
Because the Hydros with the cap on are the same lenght as the TSX I I thought I might try loading some up. Theoretically should also be able to reach 2500fps+- as they are both 286gr, same lenght, and both have a driving band type design. Any thoughts on this?
Does anyone have decent load data for 286gr TSX's with RL-17?
I think you're on the right track, but also think you are pushing your 9.3x62 pretty hard. "able to reach 2515fps without any pressure signs" You likely meant to say you didn't observe signs of unsafe pressure. Just because primers are not flat or cratered, or the bolt isn't difficult to lift doesn't mean its actually a safe load. If it was me, for confidence that I was in fact not stressing the action and cases too much with such stout loads, I'd load up a magazine full of those maximum loads, shoot them, reload the same cases, repeat 5 times. If your four or five cases survive that without expanded primer pockets and no excess stretching you likely do have a safe load. Good luck on your buffalo hunt.
I don’t think you’ll find a chronograph at the airport to check your loads.
Just make a “factory label” sticker that lists whatever numbers are needed to make the Namibia government happy and paste it on your hand load’s ammo box. Have fun with the name, “Ol’ Off-to-Hunt Ammo Company.”
Make the loads, keep them safe in your rifle, and go enjoy your hunt. The buffalo isn’t going to know if you have 5400 joules or 5300. Having the same point of impact with the TSX and Hydros would concern me more.
If you died tomorrow, what would you have done today ...
How long is your barrel? What is your OAL your CZ will like? I use 286 partitions at 3.44 oal in my CZ 550, 20.5” barrel
If you can afford a buff hunt you should be able to afford quickload
What is the max pressure you want to run at? 56k is the spec’d pressure Some guys are running at 60k (+p) some 64k (+p+) A 270 max pressure is 65k for comparison
Based on a 24” barrel length I think you can get there right at 56k
I have had Very good luck w R17 in the 9.3, loaded between 52-64k psi depending on application in a CZ550
There is some concern with temp stability, one study on a different caliber shows 1fps per 1d F so you want to optimize your load to the anticipated temp. Hence test loads on an 80d day if you predict 80d temps. Don’t leave the cartridges laying in the sun at the range, then load and shoot.
With 286g partitions, 3.44” OAL, 20.5” barrel, 52k psi (calculated)r17, I am getting 2500fps for comparison, Much less than 1” groups on a factory stock CZ550, that is my go to load, I have loaded hotter but groups open up
Thx for everyone's feedback. I think I might just back down half a grain to be safe. I am planning to load either TSX or A-Frames for the initial first shot followed by these hydros.
Well I just modified your case size to 75.3g H2O and makes my data off
61g gets you 55.8psi, 2488fps
62g gets you 59k. 2528fps
63g gets you 62.3k 2568fps
78g h2o was the default
Again use at your own risk, just trying to help
Thanks MtnT,
Your afrikaans is not bad at all. Quickload is available in SA but expensive so I just use Gordons. I dont think Gordons is as accurate at quickload though.
Do you think Swift A frames will be a better choice, perhaps easier to get to 2500fps with less pressure.
which is better? I don't know, I was a bit surprised that the a-frame doesn't produce more velocity at a given pressure, for fun I just ran Nosler Partition at 64.7g and QL generated 56.3k psi pressure and 2543fps, using your parameters, 5570 joules, 4100ft-lbs. SAAMI spec load. my go to 286g is the Partition running at 2500 fps out of a 20.5" (520mm) barrel. 3/4" groups with that load
which is better? I don't know, I was a bit surprised that the a-frame doesn't produce more velocity at a given pressure, for fun I just ran Nosler Partition at 64.7g and QL generated 56.3k psi pressure and 2543fps, using your parameters, 5570 joules, 4100ft-lbs. SAAMI spec load. my go to 286g is the Partition running at 2500 fps out of a 20.5" (520mm) barrel. 3/4" groups with that load
Thanks for the info MtnT,
That is surprising. A Frames and Nosler partitions are are very similar in consruction and lenght so I am quite curious as to why A Frames would produce so much more pressure than Partitions?
have you considered GS bullets? being in SA they be available
They would have been a great choice. GS Customs have great bullets, I believe however they have moved their opperation to the US. Another source told me that they have issues with their machines. Its very difficult to get hold their bullets.
My opinion is the Barnes TSX is too long for this application, secondly my experience and other's experience has been that the performance is not as billed if you cannot get top velocities with the Barnes.
A couple guys that go by Mule Deer and CZ550 really know their stuff, if you do a search, there is a fair amount written about the 9.3, one guy loads to 60k the other to 64k, one likes R17, one ahs concerns about temp stability, my interpretation is it is an accuracy concern
If I was in your shoes, I would stick with the R17 powder and go with the Swift A-Frame if that is the bullet that is readily available. I would ladder load up to your required velocity and a then a bit more, maybe up to 2530fps, see what shoots the best accuracy, and go with it.
My opinion is the Barnes TSX is too long for this application, secondly my experience and other's experience has been that the performance is not as billed if you cannot get top velocities with the Barnes.
A couple guys that go by Mule Deer and CZ550 really know their stuff, if you do a search, there is a fair amount written about the 9.3, one guy loads to 60k the other to 64k, one likes R17, one ahs concerns about temp stability, my interpretation is it is an accuracy concern
If I was in your shoes, I would stick with the R17 powder and go with the Swift A-Frame if that is the bullet that is readily available. I would ladder load up to your required velocity and a then a bit more, maybe up to 2530fps, see what shoots the best accuracy, and go with it.
Thanks MtnT.
I have done just that. I have loaded of 286gr Swift A frame's. Going to shoot them this coming Sunday. Will report back on POI vs the Hydros and speed/accuracy obtained.
I was told by a top gunmaker with a lot of actual handloading and regular almost daily shooting experience at the range that RL17 is temperature sensitive and has experienced issues. Don’t know myself, haven’t used it that extensively. Yes or no. Would like your comments please. Just trying to learn.