RL-17 and .308win

Duck_Hunter

Duck_Hunter

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I'm working up a load for 165gr. accubonds and went to alliants site, for a 165gr. bullet they have 50gr. RL-17 listed (planning on working up to it!). I put 50gr. in a case and it left approximately .100-.150" of room in the neck for the bullet.
Anyone try rl-17 in their .308's yet? I'm thinking I'm not going to get enough powder in the case to realize the velocity claims of this powder.
 
That was the plan.......I'm still wondering how the hell you get there max load in a .308 case. You'd have to use flat base bullets. The boat tail would take up to much room! haha or compress it like crazy?? One thing is for certain a long throat is needed.
 
I just tried five rounds with 48grains under 168gr SMK. I was getting 2815fps on average, but with flattened primers. The bullet just started to compress the powder but not too much. I will be working other loads soon.
 
Duck_Hunter said:
That was the plan.......I'm still wondering how the hell you get there max load in a .308 case. You'd have to use flat base bullets. The boat tail would take up to much room! haha or compress it like crazy?? One thing is for certain a long throat is needed.
Click to expand...

A drop tube might help...I think RL17 may be a tad slow for the .308, as its closer to 4350 than anything, and I wouldn't use that either for a 150gr or 165gr bullet. 180gr maybe...

RL15 was made for the .308...
 
I just finished trying RL17 in a Model 7 with 18.5" barrel. 168 TSX, win brass, 210M primers. Started at 42 grains, up to 50 grains. Loaded to 2.83" OAL, loads were compressed at 47.5 gr. I believe (did not write it down) up to a HEAVILY compressed 50gr. load. Velocities were from 2180 to 2505 fps. meausured 10 ft. from muzzle. I cannot say for accuracy, as I shot at 50 yds., simply to check fps. and pressure signs. Looking at alliants site, I think it needs heavier bullets in the 308 to work well.
 
For my .308, I use RL15, Varget, or IMR3031. I think the RL17 is a bit too slow burning for the .308 My best results were with RL15, with Varget being a close second. Shooting 175 or 168 SMK bullets.
 
Remington 700, trued action, 17.5" MacLennan barrel, Robertson GP hunter Stock, Old Weaver t 10X.
Using Federal brass, federal 210M primers, 165 gr. Accubonds. at 2.830" OAL
Results.............
worked up 45-47grs. RL-17 in .5 gr. intervals. Shooting 3 shot groups.
largest group from 45.5-46.5 was in the low .200's at 46.5 grs it shot a .170" with a velocity of approx 2480fps. chronographed.
-Started showing pressure signs at 47 grains.

In comparison to RL-15 I'm seeing about the same velocities at 2500fps but the accuracy doesn't seem to be as good. (definately acceptable)

Varget wasn't impressive accuracy wise, and showed pressure signs quickly.

I think the 46.5 gr. load of RL-17 is showing some good promise in this gun, I'm going to load up some more and see if it performs as good again!
 
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