Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters MD ?:Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR temperature sensitivity

Anyone have any experience with the temperature consistency from 30 to 90 degrees F. for 2000-MR? Is it comparable to Hodgdon Extreme powder? Where does it fit on a burning rate chart as I have been unable to locate a chart with this powder? Nosler loading data shows it as providing the highest velocity for 400 grain bullets in the 416 Ruger. Previously I have used R-15 but I have not been able to get any lately. I have been able to obtain 2000-MR. Thanks for the help.

Unfortunately, I've never tried PP2000, so don't know. You might try asking Alliant about its temperature resistance. They do offer some powders that are pretty good in different temps.

The other factor is that almost any powder will do reasonably well from 30-90. from zero down and from 100 above is where most of the advantage of the more temp-resistant powders comes into play.

MD: Thanks for the reply. I noticed that the Alliant description for R15 says "consistent at all temperatures" but there is no mention of this in the 2000MR description.

My local gun store (GA) has RL-10,15,19, and 25. About a dozen 1lb bottles of each. First time I've seen this much powder in over a year.

I use it in a 6-250 with 105-107 grain loads and it is just a bit slower than re-15, but gives the best velocity and accuracy in a single rifle. When you find pressure with this powder you will find it very fast. Seems OK for temperature sensitivity to me. I believe it is a St Marks powder and they are noted for uniformity

I can push a 105 amax at 2950 fps in the little 250 case and a 22" bbl. with great accuracy. It works for lots of folks in a 308 with 175 class bullets at some pretty high velocities.

I used re-15, varget data and worked up. No idea how it performs in a larger case, but betting it will give good velocities.

I tried it in an 06 with 175 MK and it shot like crap

bobmn,

The formula for R15 was tweaked to be more temp-resistant a number of years ago when it was submitted to the U.S. military for possible use. I don't think any of the other Reloder powders got the same treatment, but R15 did improve considerably.

10at6: Thanks for the warning about the onset of excessive pressure signs and burning rate.

MD: Thanks for the clarification on why R15 was tweaked. After reading your update on "Loads that Work" where you recommended R15 for the 416 Rem Mag, I used it for my first trip to Zim with the 416 Ruger because the case capacity is so similar to the 416 Rem. It worked fine but I have been unable to find R15 but have located a good quantity of 2000 MR. I will be sure to check the 2000 MR loads I develop just before I leave in August.

TAK: You are indeed fortunate. I agree powder and primers are noticeably more available but I have scoured the local suppliers and R15 is conspicuously absent. With the $27 HAZMAT fee, mail order is not practical because I only use R15 in the 416 Ruger.