Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles RL 15 in a 35 Whelen

I have bunch of 250 gr Hornady SP loaded over 58 gr of RL 15 ready to go for our upcoming deer/bear season. I have used nearly 400 of these, in a 700 CDL, over the past year, without any sign of a problem.
I loaded up a few rounds with same charge & primer, but under the 250 gr Hornady RN. Tried them on the range yesterday, and got some serious signs of excessive pressures. Wonder if whatever is going on here is the reason that Alliant backed off their max load rec.?
Groups were ok and point of impact was on top of the Interlocks.
I have never shot anything with a roundnose, thought I might try it this season. However, that plan is now on the back burner.

The pressure results from differing bearing surface between the two bullets. You changed a component (the bullet) which means that you need to work up your load to avoid pressure problems.

fishdog

The 250 RN is a very good bullet in the Whelen but I'd drop that powder charge a bit and try again. Seems a tad hot in my experience with that combination. I know some guys use 59+ grains but all rifles don't like the same feed.

Did you use the same can of R-15 or a new one/different lot number? Seems like the newer stuff might be a bit faster/hotter.

Just my 2 cents worth.

WN

I agree with whelennut. The last can I got was hotter.