RL23 and range reports

[Taco280AI]

145LRX
3067 vs 3097 fps
Both sub half inch @ 100 and will shoot at 300 next for groups.

Now this is what I'll use for Idaho deer and elk. Temps could range from 20 degrees in the morning up to 70 degrees mid day. Which would you choose to take with the info given? Temp sensitivity might be an issue, might not. I've read RL is more temp sensitive, but have seen a test that showed it barely changed at all from 8 degrees to 80. Different cartridge and bullet however.

What say you?

[Jason]

I would use the H4831 just because it's way more stable in the temp range as you mentioned.

[Karl Blanchard]

30fps isn't enough speed to spit at and H4831 is bomb proof.  Ive burned 50lb or more of the stuff so it gets my vote every time

[hogslayer]

RL23 and 16 is the only “stable” RL powders.  I use 23 and really like it.  But it’s almost same exact burn rate as 4831SC.  Both are a great option.  Tweak your seating depth to bring it together a little more.

[huntnphool]

RL23 and 16 is the only “stable” RL powders.  I use 23 and really like it.  But it’s almost same exact burn rate as 4831SC.  Both are a great option.  Tweak your seating depth to bring it together a little more.

 I’ve not had issues in the extreme cold of Montana with 4831SC.

[huntandjeep]

Another vote for the 4831 . I have never noticed a difference from here to Montana

[jasnt]

4831

[b23]

Conventional wisdom would suggest H4831 as being the overwhelming choice.  BUT, in Alliant's defense RL16, RL23 and even to a large degree RL26 are nothing like their older powders with regard to temperature stability.  I think either would be a good choice but if you have any concern go with H4831.

[hunterofelk]

Are these velocitys from chronogragh or reloading manuel?

[Taco280AI]

MagnetoSpeed Sporter. I had great accuracy with IMR4350, but it's sloooooooow compared to the book. Different lots, different chronos.

[Taco280AI]

Well RL23 it is. Tried to shoot a "group" @ 200 with H4831, but didn't work out so went straight to RL23.



With a seating depth of 3.31" and 3.33" (3.30 wasn't as good), I grouped about 1.16" and 1.18" from a bipod with a rear bag. The two shots touching were .22" and .25". For reference those are 2" dots. Ground was hard pack dirt and very uneven, with a fine layer of practically dust. Did have some flyers with other groups, but think it was a combo of me and the ground, with a lack of consistent bipod footing. On the right target the first shot was in the orange. Don't know if I need to work on seating depth more, or find a better shooting surface, or just get better behind the trigger - or all three. Or bedding.

Of the three I chrono'd they ran 3097, 3092, 3092.

[hogslayer]

I froze some RL23 last weekend and tested it against 70 degrees.  There was zero FPS change.  Did this test a few weeks ago with RL26 and there was 30 FPS in 40 degrees.

[Magnum_Willys]

2 shots together and flier everytime  I would want to shoot 5 shot groups to see whats happening.  Suspect rifle can do better if you can find culprit - stock clearance not enough, seating depth, bedding, screws tight.  ?

Same group equally spaced I would be happy  but You might be just one change from a real tack driver.   Kind of stuff that makes us wear out barrels looking for the answer.  Hehe. 

[Taco280AI]

I froze some RL23 last weekend and tested it against 70 degrees.  There was zero FPS change. 

That's good to know 

Picked up three more pounds, same lot, in Naches a few days ago.

[Taco280AI]

Took the stock off and tightened it back down. Fired one shot through the chrono to start, 3096fps. After four rounds on three different days it's 3097, 3092, 3092, 3096.

Little breezy out and didn't feel great about the shots so didn't want to look at the target until I was right in front of it (as opposed to being disappointed while walking up to it still). Got there and was like, that's not too bad... was expecting worse. Top to bottom is a little over 1.4" @ 200 yards and if you get rid of that bottom shot everything else is sub 1". Time to fine tune, set zero, shoot a few groups farther out, and have it ready to hunt.