284 RL17 data.

[slapdud]

So we went to the range with all of our reloading gear to do some load development on my buddies new rifle. I brought along a pound of RL17 to do some testing in my straight 284. My 284 is a 29" MTU contour 8.5 twist Brux and with 52gr RL17 she pushed the 180 grain berger across the chronograph at 3000fps. I went up in .5gr incriments until pressure signs were seen. Here are some rsults.

52gr 3000fps no pressure signs.
52.5gr 3047fps no pressure signs.
53gr 3075fps blown primer.

In conclusion RL17 is an awesome powder that allows me to get another 100fps out of a 284, but if you choose to play with this powder do so carefully because it will go from no pressure signs to catastrophic signs very quickly. I will be shooting some groups this weekend to see if the 180 will stay precise at 3050fps.

 

[slapdud]

Re: 284 RL17 data.

All of the loads were shot with 180 berger touching the lands.

 

[sortafast]

Re: 284 RL17 data.

what primers were you using and what was the OAL? Also, what action is this rifle built on?

I am in the process of deciding what caliber I am going to do up a savage 110 action I have and the 284win is at the top of my list. If I can get 168 or 180gr Berger hybrids up close to 3k I will probably pull the trigger on that. Just not sure how the 284win will do in the accurate mag DBM that I have. There's going to be a lot of airspace in front of the bullet I am thinking.

 

[slapdud]

Re: 284 RL17 data.

That was using BR2 primers. The OAL using the hornady OAL tool was 2.567". The action is a Stiller TAC300 and I use PTG bottom metal and a 300WM accurate mag DBM. They feed nicely from the mag but I always single load them.

 

[sortafast]

Re: 284 RL17 data.

sweet. Thanks for the info.