178 AMAX / RL22

[desertrat1979]

I picked up some 178 AMAX's and all I had on hand was some RL22. The RL22 works great the the 190SMK's as my "go to" combo. I used the load data in my manual for the 180. I loaded up 25 total 5 round loads. Started at 57.0gr and worked up to 59.5 (my charge for the 190s). I did some research and now I am thinking RL22 might be too slow. This is in my 30-06.

 

[johnAE308]

Re: 178 AMAX / RL22

Cartridge?

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: 178 AMAX / RL22

You might try more powder if you have the room for it.

My go-to 30-06 load is 61gr RL22 under moly'd 208 AMax. Norma brass, neck-sized only, 3.45" oal. 2700 fps via 22.5" bbl.

 

[desertrat1979]

Re: 178 AMAX / RL22

I went to 60.5 with the 190s and started to get a sticky bolt on some. Might just have been the PMC brass I used. Never had an issue with the winchester or federal brass. I tried to find the 208's but all that was left was 175 SMKs and 178 AMAXs.

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: 178 AMAX / RL22

I hear ya. Supplies are pretty tight.

RL22 is probably a tad slow for optimum with the 178. I don't think you could get enough of it in a 30-06 case to get into dangerous pressure with the 178.

 

[desertrat1979]

Re: 178 AMAX / RL22

Actually there is a small gun shop near me that has powder, most of the common Hodgdon, IMR, Accurate, and Alliant types. He has a very small inventory, I picked up 2lbs of varget for my friend, it was his only 2lbs he had. My issue now is funds. If it isnt one thing its another.