Quick powder choice question for 18" barrel

[pepperbelly]

I have been trying to decide which powder to use on my 18" barreled DPMS SASS. I know some powders used in a 24" bolt rifle will not burn completely in an 18" barrel- right?
Is an 18" barrel short enough to be concerned about burn rate?
I was planning on using RL-15 or Varget. I have both on hand.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: Quick powder choice question for 18" barrel

I would look at RL-15 or IMR 4064. Varget will most likely not give you the velocities you desire. Or perhaps TAC is a likely contender.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: Quick powder choice question for 18" barrel

I remember something about TAC from a while ago. I thought the consensus that it wasn't very good. I think I looked into it when I couldn't find Varget or RL-15.
I bought Varget for .223, but it seems like a lot of people like it. The RL-15 seems to be less sensitive to temperature changes. Here in Fort Worth it can change 25 degrees from one day to the next- it's 45 now but was 85 Monday and Tuesday.
I will try the RL-15 again. I have some load data for it and it seemed consistent in my Savage. I wanted to be sure the shorter barrel didn't require something different. I have never loaded for anything under 24". I know there is a slight velocity loss with a shorter barrel.

Jim

 

[blklabs]

Re: Quick powder choice question for 18" barrel

I use vargay in by 18.5" bolt gun. Either Rl15 or vargay will work for you.

 

[k2peaker]

Re: Quick powder choice question for 18" barrel

I'm a heavy TAC user out of a 18" barrel using heavies (77 gr. SMKs). I've had solid performance from this combo (1/2 MOA out to 400 yds). It's my main 3-gun load. It's becoming a very popular powder in those competitive circles.

And, because it meters so well, it's a great powder to use with a progressive press. I haven't experienced temp sensitivity to a great degree.
I guess it depends upon your application.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: Quick powder choice question for 18" barrel

K2 I will be loading for a .308, not a .223. My barrel has a 1 in 10" twist rate so I can use the 175gr SMKs that I have a lot of.

Jim

 

[jbailey]

Re: Quick powder choice question for 18" barrel

I use a lot of RL15 in 18" barrels and really like the powder. I have been researching the temp sensitivity of the powder and am waiting for a really cold day here in VA to get some chrono data.