Reloader #19-Any Experience

[hrfunk]

A couple months ago I was getting desperate for some powder to load my match 30-06 ammo. None of the powder I typically use was available anywhere, so I ended up buying a 5 lb can of RL 19 figuring it was better than nothing. I have never used any of the RL powders prior to this, and I was a bit concerned that it might not work all that well. To my absolute joy, however, the RL 19 has proven to be extremely accurate in the '06. It out performed my previous load by a notable degree. Now I'm wondering why I don't see/hear more about it. Does anyone else use RL 19? If so, what are your thoughts about it?

HRF

 

[JBD56]

I use it in several rifles...300WSM with the 165-180 grain bullets, 338-06 with 225 grain deep curls and 257 AI with 110 grainers. Better velocity and groups in all three rifles than any other powders I have tried. It is stable for a wide range of temperatures -20 F to 85. It is not the easiest powder to run through a drop type measure, but it isn't bad if you trickle the last few kernels.

 

[CoronaGold]

I'm new to reloading and I too used rl19 out of desperation. I am using it in a 308 behind a generic 168gr hpbt. Overall it seems like a mild load compared to the Pakistani military surplus ammo I was shooting. That is a welcome change in a fifteen inch T/C handgun. My rl19 groups showed improvement over the other ammo. Rl17 is a little hotter and rl15 is a little hotter still. I suspect it doesn't have the juice to push out to 1000yds but I like it at 100.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

I have been developing loads for 30.06 with RL-19 and RL-22. I don't have concrete stats yet, but I do like the consistency in velocity with both these powders. I am working on figuring out a rebuild strategy for my 30.06, and have settled on RL-22 as my powder of choice, as it will have a long barrel. I have been working with a 24" stock barrel on my Rem-700. Contrary to many claims about Alliant Powders, I haven't found the Reloader series to be that affected by temperatures. I haven't done very extensive testing, but what I have done seems to be fine. I am using RL-50 in my 338LM, again with a long barrel-(34"). I'd go with the RL-19 for a shorter barrel 30.06, but in the 32-34" range, the RL-22 works out better.

I have bought more of each of these powders, as I like the results.

 

[pmclaine]

I loaded RL-19 30-06 at 56-57 grains and it makes really, really good ammo behind a 168 for my Spring 03's.

....but I also load 30-06 for a Garand and the burn rate does not work for the gas system in my Garand.

...and I can get good accuracy out of Varget/IMR 4064/IMR 4895 at +/- 46 grains. Using those three powders gives me a free round every 5th load compared to RL19 assuming close to same price per pound.

RL19 really packs the case, this may contribute to its accuracy. With my bolts only and no other powder available Ill buy more.

 

[hrfunk]

4064 behind a 168 grain SMK was my previous match load for my 1903A4-gery. But the RL 19 is more accurate. I did notice while doing my initial load work-up, back during the late winter and early spring, that RL 19 does seem to be somewhat temperature sensitive. During these warmer spring and summer days, though, it works very well. I'll stick to 4064 for my Garand, but I think my '03A4 has a new match load from here on out.

HRF

 

[6.5guy]

I love RL-19. I have loaded it in my 30-06 with 56 grains under a barnes 165 triple shock and the 168 TTSX with wonderful results. At 100 yards out of my savage 110 they make a little clover leaf size group. I also load RL-19 in my daughters 243 with 45 grains under a barnes 85 TSX and have watched her drop three deer in as many years with that load. This year we drew on antelope and I can't wait to see her drop one. I personally like the alliant powders. I use RL-25 in my 300 RUM with excellent ES and groups as well as the new power pro 1200-R in my 223 with a 50 grain blitzking. They play hell on rock chucks.

 

[hrfunk]

And here's the icing on the cake. It's a little cheaper than other powders!

 

[mb3]

Funny you should mention RL19. I responded to another post about 30 06 loads and was curious that no one had any 30 06 loads for RL19. I bought RL19 several months ago when I was searching for powder to load for my 1903A4. I am starting to settle on a load for the 168 SMK and have it narrowed down to 56.2 to 56.4 gr of RL19. The 56.4 has the same POA as the commercial Hornady 168 gr Match ammo the CMP sells, but the 56.2 (POI is 1/2 inch lower at 100) is sub 1/2 MOA. I am going to try 56.3 just for grins. I tested loads up to 57.2 but found the groups opened up to around an inch at 100 yards. I am also going to try some 175 SMK's, which I think will shoot better than the 168's because of the slowish nature of the RL19. I am going to be reloading for my Type 99 Arisaka and may try the RL19 with the 174 gr BTHP, not sure how its gonna work with the shorter case.

 

[HANDYMAN]

58 grains and a 180 Sierra soft point was my go to load for my 30-06 till RL-17 came out. Wicked accurate load but the velocity seemed to lack a bit in my 22in barrel.

 

[65guys_steve]

I'm glad I found this thread. I've got a nice match quality 30-06 on a trued Remi 700 action. I've run out of my powder of choice a couple of months ago (H4350) and have begun to use Varget as well as IMR 4895 to try and find another optimal load that works with this rifle. I'll have to pick up some RL-19 and see how it works out.

 

[Sniper Uncle]

I'm glad I found this thread. I've got a nice match quality 30-06 on a trued Remi 700 action. I've run out of my powder of choice a couple of months ago (H4350) and have begun to use Varget as well as IMR 4895 to try and find another optimal load that works with this rifle. I'll have to pick up some RL-19 and see how it works out.

I use Varget in my Garand, with great success. I also made hunting rounds for my buddy with a Winchester 30.06 and a 22" barrel. It tested very well in that environment. However, I found that RL-19 was better in my Rem700BDL. Good consistency over the chrony.