Re: RL-17 w/178 amax in 30-06?
Went out today and tried my previous loads of 51.5 of RL-17 with the 208 amax's and got repeatable results with groups. Also, I tried finding a higher node and upped the charge. I used up to 54.5 grains of RL-17, and I got a little flattening of the primer at that load. 54 grains got me a nice tiny group about 1/2" ctc, but like MuleHunter was asking I think the temp sensitivity is an issue. On the cold bore shots the RL powders shoot very well, but when you shoot a while and throw one in a hot chamber it looks like pressure increases enough to throw your groups out of wack.(by like a few inches.) I think it would be a ok hunting load especially here in Hawaii, where it is usually between 80 and 90 degrees. Cold bore shots would be dead ringers. I guess I will be going back to the 4350's. That is always the most consistent powder for the 06, it seems. Too bad tho, cause those RL powders hit hard!
