Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles RL-17 is going to be a very interesting powder

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one getting significant velocity increases.

In the 308 Win (20.5" bbl), I'm getting,
208 AMax to 2645 fps, (3.00" oal)
200 SGK to 2720 fps, (2.81" oal)

In the 30-06 (22.5" bbl), 208 AMax to 2760.
In the 30-06 (24" bbl), 130 TTSX to 3430 fps.

Hey Montana Marine, if you were trying 165grn Sierras in a 22.5 " barrel where would you start and what do you think would be the max. amount and velocity with RL-17? I know you are guesstimating and it is all my responsibilty to work up the load. Buckfever 1

Buckfever, I haven't worked up anything in 165 or close to it.

My max loads without pressure signs on the brass were 56gr for the 208 AMax, and 67gr under the 130 TTSX. Max for the 165 would probably be around 60-63 gr in my rifle, and probably somewhere around 3000 fps. Just guesses.

Keep in mind I'm using fairly roomy Win and Norma brass, and moly coating my bullets.

Thanks Montana Marine. I will stop @ 60 grn. if tolerated by my firearm which should give me 2900+ fps with non-Sierra bullets. I use relatively new Win. brass and no moly. With the Sierras I like to use less velocity because they have a long bearing surface and pressure will be a problem earlier. That long bearing surface is part of the reason for their great accuracy. The most effective fps for bullet upset @ target is 2700- 2000, don't need extra velocity. Thanks for your help I will try RL-17 with my other bullets. Buckfever 1