Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

[SPAK]

Hey Guys,

I had some work done on my rifle so I did a ladder test yesterday to rework my load development. At least to get a starting point to do my OCW testing. 217 yards was the furthest I could shoot yesterday. I would have liked to be out at 300 yards but I'll take what I can get.

Here are the results:

Velocities:

RL 22 cci 200 new lapua brass 208 amax .02" off the lands
217 yards

56.0gr 2673 fps
56.5gr 2671 fps
57.0gr 2709 fps
57.5gr 2703 fps
58.0gr 2743 fps
58.5gr 2757 fps
59.0gr 2780 fps
59.5gr 2803 fps
60.0gr 2832 fps Ejector Mark on case, very slightly stiff bolt

RL 17 cci 200 new lapua brass 208 amax .02" off the lands
217 yards

51.0gr 2688 fps
51.5gr 2697 fps (Not sure what happened, shooter error??)
52.0gr 2727 fps
52.5gr 2729 fps
53.0gr 2743 fps
53.5gr 2787 fps EJ Mark on Case.

The only thing I forgot to do was run the boresnake after shooting my RL 22 loads before testing the RL 17. I've heard that powder residue from different powders can affect accuracy. I'm going to redo the RL 17 after running the snake through it. Has anyone else had that experience? Or should different powder residue in the tube not make a difference??

I'm thinking about fine tuning with the RL 22 at 57.0gr-58.5gr load and I'll find something after I redo the ladder with the RL 17.

Any thoughts?

 

[SPAK]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

I just found out my form 4 for my suppressor got approved!!

any thoughts as to whether or not I should re do the ladder tests??

 

[Falar]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

You've got me rethinking which powder to use when my .30-06 is done being built, I've seen other comparisons where RL-17 came out on top. What is your barrel length?

 

[bohem]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

I use 22 for my 30-06 and I get very good velocities from it. I am guessing that your barrel length is probably in the 22-24" range since I'm at 26 and outrunning those values by 75-100 fps.

I just got some 17 to try out in the 7mm/270 but I've wanted to give it a go in the 30-06 for a while with the 208's, I'll have to give it a whirl and see what I get. I'll put my results here when I get to it so that it's easy to compare.

 

[SPAK]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

I'm using a 22" mcgowen barrel. It's interesting, before I had the work done on my rifle RL 17 was showing better accuracy and consistency, now it seems like RL 22 might be the powder to go to. At least from the preliminary ladder.

 

[flyboy]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

With a shorter barrel, you're not really using all the powder in the barrel and I would suspect that there's a sizable flame coming out of the muzzle each shot. A slightly faster powder might help regain some velocities.

 

[SPAK]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

ok, guys I tried my hand at an OCW test from 56.1gr to 58.5gr. I did the test with the can on, as that's how I'm primarily going to shoot.

Test was a little difficult by the 3rd round robin, groups started to open up. The mirage was getting heavy and the guy next to me was shooting a crazy old gatling gun!

I didn't mind, but it made it just a little more difficult to concentrate.

Just about all the shots off the group are from the 3rd round. Barrel was getting pretty warm by now. Needed to finish up to get home to the kids...I know, I know, bad form and I didn't do myself any favors but none the less here's the report:

Here's the velocity report with the can on:

56.1gr
2672
2694
2692

56.4gr
2668
2690
2691

56.7gr
2705
2691
2710

57.0gr
2725
2702
2724

57.3gr
2736
2733
2739

57.6gr
2738
2732
2783 called flyer

57.9gr
2748
2754
2694

58.2gr
2753
2762
2646

58.5gr
2783
2770
err reading sl sticky bolt

Any input would be great. I'm not sure how exactly to interpret this. but I'm thinking that the ocw might be somewhere around 57.3-57.6 gr?? Any thoughts would
be helpful.

Thanks!

 

[SnkBit]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

Judging by that target alone I would say the 56.7 looks to be the most accurate. You are looking for the least vertical spread. The horizontal spread can be attributed to wind.

 

[vinconco]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

Here is a load I've been using with RE-17 and the 208 Amax.
26" 1-11.25 Rock barrel. COAL 3.390" No ejector marks but certainly pushing it. I haven’t tried it on a really hot day yet but tomorrow looks promising.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

Based on the shots, I would now survey the area betweew 56.8 and 57.5 in increments of 0.1 gr.

 

[SPAK]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

Mitch, run through those charges the same way as the ocw test I assume? 3 rounds round robin?

Thanks.

 

[doc76251]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

Frog,

While RE-17 certainly showed me higher velocities the ES was WAY outside my limits simply because I could not fill the case. RE you photo of RE-22 I would put your OCW at 58gr and play w/ seating depth to round out your groups as you are probably at the warmest point of Alaska now.

Your groups from the RE-17 are inconclusive as there is a "thrown" shot in most groups. If I "had to gues 56.5 would give you good service.

Remember the OCW isn't about group size it's about location.

Cheers,

Doc

 

[SPAK]

Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

hey doc, the es in the loads from 57.0-57.3-57.6 seemed to be the lowest. When I triagulate the groups there, it appeared to my eyes that that would be closer to my OCW.

Am I missing something that you see??

I agree about the RL 17, I can't get enough powder in it before I hit pressure signs.