RL17 with 175 SMK in 308 Range Report

[shoot4fun]

Weather was sunny with a temp of 68 degrees. My range is at around 400 ft above sea level. The rifle is a GAP, Schnider barrel, 1 in 11 twist. All loads measure 2.80" OAL. Powder charges measured with a Chargemaster and loads assembled with Forster Benchrest dies. Velocity numbers are based on 10 rounds of each load.
175 SMk
48.5 RL17
Fed 210 primer
Lapua brass
Average velocity 2689 fps
ES 38
AD 11

Same load as above EXCEPT used Winchester Large Rifle primer:
Average velocity 2731 fps
ES 34
AD 10
This load matches the velocity of my "standard" load (below) but requires more powder. It also does not shoot quite as tightly.

175 SMK
48 grains RL17
Winchester primer
Lapua brass
Average velocity 2628 fps
ES 24
AD 9
This load shot extremely well in my gun. Group average for two 5 shot groups was .334" @ 100 yds. and would have been in the low 2's if not for my lack of ability. One shot was slightly out horizontally of the nice round hole in both groups.

For comparison, here are results from my usual load:
175 SMK
45 Varget
Fed GM210 primer
Lapua brass
2.80" OAL
Average velocity 2730 fps
ES 37 fps
AD 12 fps

 

[kombayotch]

Re: RL17 with 175 SMK in 308 Range Report

Try 43gr. of Varget, you'll similar groups and the same velocity (same node). The Varget won't drift with temperature the way RL-17 does either.

 

[joseph diaz]

Re: RL17 with 175 SMK in 308 Range Report

i am going to try your load in my gap tatanium the i got form jroberts,this shoots like a laser i will try your load

 

[grandslam]

Re: RL17 with 175 SMK in 308 Range Report

Anybody else try RE17 in a .308?

 

[427Cobra]

Re: RL17 with 175 SMK in 308 Range Report

RL17 looks to be the powder for the heavy pills in 308, I wish I had some 208Amax's.

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: RL17 with 175 SMK in 308 Range Report

427- buzz me on your way home one day, and I'll get you some 208's. I have plenty for you to try.