140 bthp match/RL-17

[sako.308]

Ok so as all of us 6.5 guys never finding 4350 powder I went straight for RL-17.

Being I am in Florida I dont get huge temp changes and upon 3 RDS of testing no issues or changes yet.

So my question is those of you that used or tested with it where was your max load (speed/grain) also what was your stopping reason -- heavy bolt lift, extractor marks, flat primers, so on?,

I have worked up 2 diff bullets and still have yet to reach what I feel is my "limit"

Parts used/load

Hornady/federal brass
140, eld match
140 a max
140 bthp match (current bullet)
Savage 10 action
Shilen 28" select match barrel

I have good accuracy node at 41.7-42.2 but have worked up to 42.5 @ 2970 fps and still no pressure or hard lift.

 

[domdoc]

RL17 gives the best velocity by far in that size case. Accuracy about as good as anything. If you shoot F-class, that is, 20-shot strings in heat, you will notice temperature sensitivity. You may not have bolt lift issues or blown primers, but you may notice your second 10 in every 20-shot string not scoring as high as the first 10. Try it and see what happens. If it works, your wind drift will get you some points.

 

[sako.308]

I shoot PRS and long range steel fun only. No f class. So no long strings