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Reloader 17 in a 16" barreled Semi-Auto

LongArm

Problem Solver
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 30, 2007
1,206
21
Corpus Christi, Texas
I am looking to get more velocity out of my LR308 it has a 16" barrel and adjustable gas block on it. I am currently running 168 AMax's with 43.5gn of Varget @ 2400fps. This is a very light load. I went all the way to 45.5gns of varget w/o pressure.

I did not chono the loads as they did not shoot well. I only chrono's the best which was 43.5grns. I am asking about RL17 because I am not sure if it is to slow of a powder for a 16"

I am trying to find out if RL17 would help get 178 AMax's to 2550 or more. Anyone have in experience with RL17 and short barrel gas guns?
 
Re: Reloader 17 in a 16" barreled Semi-Auto

LR-308 16" JP Match barrel.

CFE223 + 178 Amax
47.4 gr
CCI BR2
Win brass
2593 fps average
ES 17 fps
68F no pressure signs
 
Re: Reloader 17 in a 16" barreled Semi-Auto

Not with the 178

But H4895, a faster burning powder + 168 Amax
43.3 gr
2557 fps average, 19 ES
Everything else the same stuff
2.814" OAL
80* F
Nice accuracy .340" 3 shot group yesterday out of mine.
 
Re: Reloader 17 in a 16" barreled Semi-Auto

Reloader 17 might be a little slow, it would be better for heavier bullets. 2000MR and CFE223 would be great for your application.
 
Re: Reloader 17 in a 16" barreled Semi-Auto

RL17 has given the best consistent accuracy to date out of my 16 and 18" Larue OBR.

In Fed brass with 210M's:
-48.8 gr. under a 175 Barnes Match Burner loaded to 2.820" @ 2580fps
-48.5 gr. under a 190 SMK loaded to 2.820" @ 2570fps

I love the 190 SMK load. Better than 1/2moa accuracy. Velocities are from the 18" barrel.
A bullet lighter than the 175 and you wont be able to get enough powder in the case. The 175 really seems too light. The 190 SMK seems to shine.
If you use Winchester brass....it has more capacity and can hold about .6gr. More but with no velocity gain.
 
Re: Reloader 17 in a 16" barreled Semi-Auto

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 00bullitt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">RL17 has given the best consistent accuracy to date out of my 16 and 18" Larue OBR.

In Fed brass with 210M's:
-48.8 gr. under a 175 Barnes Match Burner loaded to 2.820" @ 2580fps
-48.5 gr. under a 190 SMK loaded to 2.820" @ 2570fps

I love the 190 SMK load. Better than 1/2moa accuracy. Velocities are from the 18" barrel.
A bullet lighter than the 175 and you wont be able to get enough powder in the case. The 175 really seems too light. The 190 SMK seems to shine.
If you use Winchester brass....it has more capacity and can hold about .6gr. More but with no velocity gain.
</div></div>


What kind of velocity did you get out of your 16"
 
Re: Reloader 17 in a 16" barreled Semi-Auto

Never chronoed or validated. I will venture to guess 30-40fps slower. Typically 15-20fps per inch of barrel.

I would be curious to know what RL17 does with the 178 AMAX.
I think it will be a good combo.
 
Re: Reloader 17 in a 16" barreled Semi-Auto

I think I will try it. I would like to get it going faster than varget. The problem with using other powders is I already use RL-17 in my 300WSM and don't want to be buying a ton of different powders.

I will be using GGG Lithuanian mil-spec brass so I think it'd be less capacity than winchester. I think the chamber on this rifle is bigger than most cause I went all the way to 45.5 of varget without pressure signs.