Reloader 17 Pros/Cons

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Kevan

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Has anyone tried Reloader 17 in 308 size cases or larger ( 270 or '06 ) ?
I picked up a can...not cheap at $ 49.99 per so I thought I'd ask for any feedback, good bad or otherwise.
Would it be too slow burning in a 223 case with heavy bullets ?
 
On the jug it says that it is a magnum powder for the newer WSM cartridges, I'm sure you can find data for it on Alliants web site for a variety of calibers. FS
 
$50 for a can that's pretty steep. I believe that this is more of a wizzum powder heard that some people had good success with their 260rems. The alliant website has loads using this new powder. Where in the LM did you pick it up from?
 
In loading for my 300 WSM/180 grain Nos AB, I found that MV's were better with no signs of excess pressure compared to what I had achieved with other powders. Accuracy is ok, but there is plenty of room to bring groups under MOA. I have generally not had success with the 180 AB in my rifle so am trying 180 Nos Ptn next. Just have to get out to the range. I think any load appropriate for the 4350 class of powders would be worth giving RL17 a try.
 
308BAR said:
$50 for a can that's pretty steep. I believe that this is more of a wizzum powder heard that some people had good success with their 260rems. The alliant website has loads using this new powder. Where in the LM did you pick it up from?
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$50??!!! :eek: Where you buying it from? You are being fleeced!! This is what the dealer is doing to you... :kickInTheNuts:
 
Ltbull01 said:
$50??!!! :eek: Where you buying it from? You are being fleeced!! This is what the dealer is doing to you... :kickInTheNuts:
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Yes, unfortunately I knew that but it was the only place I could find a can of it so I grabbed it. Don't normally buy there because of their prices and certainly won't go back. :mad:
 
All powders locally are in a similar price range. I paid $47 yesterday for one pound of RL17. Many Hodgdon powders are priced similar.

I also ordered 21lb of Vihtavuori Powder from Higginson for ~$30 to $32 per pound shipped. Better powder at a notably lower price.
 
OKTREE said:
All powders locally are in a similar price range. I paid $47 yesterday for one pound of RL17. Many Hodgdon powders are priced similar.

I also ordered 21lb of Vihtavuori Powder from Higginson for ~$30 to $32 per pound shipped. Better powder at a notably lower price.
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This is what I pay locally...
 
When I queried the price, I was told it was a matter of "supply and demand", and that it could possibly become much more expensive should the demand necessitate.... :(
 
I have been working with RL17 in my 21" barreled 375RUM and 260gr Accubonds.

My load before I found RL17 was 95grs IMR4350 which gave a velocity of 2820fps but after switching to RL17 and working up to 95grs with the same 260gr Accubonds I had a velocity jump of 210fps to 3030fps, pressures seemed to be about the same with the same excellent accuracy that I expect to get from 375 cal bullets.

I haven't had a chance to chrono my RL17 300gr loads yet and was almost out of the lbs I bought, I had to go to Alberta and was away for the last 8 days looked everywhere for more and finally found more at a small shop in Merritt, BC that used to be called PowderKeg Outdoors but is now being called Nicola Valley Outdoors by the new owner.

He had 7 lbs of it I bought 3 lbs and didn't care that it was $150 something for it because I now have enough to last a while.

He has 4 lbs left... ;)

A 200 + fps velocity gain with the same pressures makes it worth a few more dollars too me...
 
I have tried RL 17 in a few things and so far its velocities are mazaing without signs of pressure, but the accuracy has not been very good. N560, 4831 and 4350 are all staples of the trade and who cares how fast it flies if it aint accurate!
 
Likely had the first cans of this stuff in Canada cause of all the hype in the US. Put it into my 6.5 mystic behind 139gr Lapua.

Yes, I got more speed - 3000fps vs 2900+fps but accuracy was poor AND I did get pressure signs. When accuracy returned velocity was pretty much identical to my H4831SC loads so I have not bothered to test it further.

Burn rate is right between H4350 and H4831SC. I wish someone would do some real pressure testing with this powder when they claim higher speeds. If you look at Alliant load tables, Re17 loads are not very fast. In some cases SLOWER then conventional powders and they are trying to market this stuff as best as possible.

I believe the pressure curve is different enough that it doesn't cause conventional pressure signs BUT the pressure is still there.

Now you have the added issue of DURATION of that pressure which may put more load on the action then desired.

I am really hoping all this new tech leads to powders that will deliver more velocity per gr burnt but my limited testing has not been very impressive.

Jerry
 
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