RL 17 and a good starting point for 140 A max

[vagrendlier]

I have a new 27" 1:8twist .260 and its time to work up a load. If anyone has good advice , I am all ears.

 

[K0na_stinky]

So far this is what I have. I just started working up a load on Saturday.

RL-17 starting at 37gr and working up to 42.5gr. Lapua brass, Fed 210 primer, Lapua 139gr Scenar.

Shot from a factory 24" Tikka at 69*F

37gr. - 2329 FPS
38 - 2374
39 - error
39.5 - 2487
40 - 2523
40.5 - 2530
41 - error
41.5 - error
42 - 2720
42.5 - 2725

At 42.5 gr I didn't have any pressure signs so next time out I'm going to try to work up to 44gr and see what happens. I'd like to get at least 2800 FPS.

 

[dworrel]

you will probably get more than that. Some are getting 2900fps+ with RL-17 and 140's.

 

[K0na_stinky]

I went out again today. I tested up to 44gr.

43gr - 2791
43.5 - 2830
44 - 2874

Shot again at 69*F. The primers are starting to flatten but no cratering what so ever.

Looks like I will have to shoot another ladder test going to 45 or 45.5gr but looks like I have a node starting at 43.5 - 44gr.

 

[TravelingMan]

Please report back on the kind of powder sensitivity you may see with this powder, with temp a concern.. I have excess to RL17 and would like to run for velocity in 6.5lapua, over H4350.. Thanks

 

[Wildboarem]

2850 fps with the 140 class bullet is pretty good speed. My node was right around 43.8- 44.2. It's pushing 2950 so no need to work up higher for me.

 

[K0na_stinky]

Please report back on the kind of powder sensitivity you may see with this powder, with temp a concern.. I have excess to RL17 and would like to run for velocity in 6.5lapua, over H4350.. Thanks

So far 44gr at 69*F got me 2874fps and at 85*F got me about 2880-2890fps.

Thats about the best I can do until I get a good load going and wait until winter temperatures.



I went out on a hotter day to do a ladder test. It was 85*F and I got my first pressure sign at 44.3gr.

When I was shooting a group with 44gr I started with no pressure signs but when the barrel heated I started getting ejector marks. So it looks like 44gr is slightly above max for me. I backed off to 43.3 and I will try again.