Hello all,
New member here from near Helena, Montana.
I've been developing a few loads with RL17 in the 308, and 30-06. I've been achieving very good velocities without pressure signs too.
I use Quickload as an aid to load development. My top loads with 308/200s, calc 70-75K pressure on QL, but show none of the usual pressure indicators that typically show themself at around 65K pressure calc.
Interestingly, I ran some of the load data with RL17 on Alliant's website. Particularly the 300 WSM, and 300SAUM loads with the 180gr bullets. They calc in the 70-75K pressure range too, per Quickload.
I believe the properties of RL17, particularly the impregnated retardant lowering and extending the top of the pressure curve, are not clearly interpreted via quickload software formulas.
Anyway, here's the nuts and bolts of what I have been doing,
Rifle: Rem 700 VS LH, 308Win, 1/12 twist factory barrel cut to 20.5" and braked.
Brass: Win, fireformed/neck-sized
Primer: CCI 200
200 gr Accubond, moly’d
2.82" OAL (mag length, .130" jump to lands)
RL-17
48 gr - 2485 fps, very low pressure
50 gr – 2620 fps, heavily compressed, but no bullet deformation)
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200gr Sierra Game King BTSP
CCI 200
2.81 OAL (.140" jump)
RL-17
50 gr – 2620 fps
51 gr - 2670 fps
51.5 gr – 2700 fps
52 gr - 2720 fps (fairly heavy compression, just a hint of bolt resistance after firing, no ejector imprint or primer flattening).
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208 AMax
3.00" OAL (touching lands)
RL-17
46 gr - 2380 fps
47 gr - 2430 fps
48 gr - 2480 fps
49 gr - 2530 fps
50 gr - 2570 fps
51 gr - 2645 fps
A few pics,
The 308, McMillan A5, Leupold MK4 3.5-10x40, and a couple test groups. These were shot at 100 yds, in a full-value 15-25 mph breeze, so there is some horizontal spread showing.
The rifle is known to handle the heavies well despite the slow twist. This 15x25" steel was shot at 1120 yards, with 208 AMax started at 2480 fps via 44.5gr RL15. Wind was at my back, 10-15 mph,
Good Shooting, Shane