Reloader 17 for .300 Winchester Magnum

[ChrisG]

So I have a boatload of RL 17 as it is what I use exclusively in my .375 H&H. However, has anyone used it in a .300 win mag? Did you get anywhere close to the claimed velocity and how did it shoot? pressure signs I need to be aware of? I want to load my M70 classic in .300 WM with it and I was looking for some insights. Thanks

 

[Shootist43]

Chris, I'm sure others will be replying to your question with field tested data but in the meantime I ran a QuickLoad mockup of a 300 Win. Mag. using a 24 " barrel and 180 Gr Nos. AB and 70.2 Gr of RL -17 (a max load) for 3,063 FPS. Maybe not much help but it's a start.

 

[ChrisG]

Chris, I'm sure others will be replying to your question with field tested data but in the meantime I ran a QuickLoad mockup of a 300 Win. Mag. using a 24 " barrel and 180 Gr Nos. AB and 70.2 Gr of RL -17 (a max load) for 3,063 FPS. Maybe not much help but it's a start.

That is helpful! I am actually using 165 grain bullets. I forgot to mention that. I will likely be shooting a 165 grain Barnes TTSX in it and I am hoping to get a moderate pressure load that produces around 3,100fps with it. I cut the barrel back and recrowned it at 23.75" so 24" should be pretty much the same ballistics. Thank you!

 

[meigsbucks]

Alliant Powder’s website shows 72.5 grr of RL17 for 3200 FPS with a 165 go Speer SBT.

 

[Shootist43]

Reran QuickLoad with Barns 165 TSX. Max load is 71.3 Gr. for 3150 FPS.

 

[Divernhunter]

My 300win mag Ruger M77 liked it with 150gr Nosler Partitions. Shot very tiny groups using 74grsof RL17 and a mag primer(I use Fed215 or Win mag)It gave me 3316FPS and an SD of 6. It was also the fastest of any I shot that were accurate.
I also tested IMR4831--76grs-3261FPS-- SD12
H1000--85grs--3261FPS--SD11
IMR4350--74grs--3277FPS--SD9
These are listed in order of accuracy that I got.

 

[Shootist43]

Chris, sorry for not using the correct bullet. Just ran QuickLoad again with the Barnes 165 Gr TTSX, results are 3174 FPS with a max load of 70.9 Gr of RL 17. From my experience QuickLoads's estimations are very close. As an experienced reloader you know the drill, i.e. drop a few grains and work up from there. Hope this helps, good luck.

 

[Divernhunter]

For the 165gr TTSX or TSX Barnes shows RL17 start 64.4grs for 2927FPS and max 71.6grs for 3213FPS

 

[ChrisG]

Chris, sorry for not using the correct bullet. Just ran QuickLoad again with the Barnes 165 Gr TTSX, results are 3174 FPS with a max load of 70.9 Gr of RL 17. From my experience QuickLoads's estimations are very close. As an experienced reloader you know the drill, i.e. drop a few grains and work up from there. Hope this helps, good luck.

Thanks for all your help! I am gonna load up a few rounds increasing a half a grain between them until I am where I wanna be. I really should invest in quikload one of these days

 

[Shootist43]

QuickLoad really is a helpful tool. I worked with an AH member that lives in Pretoria South Africa to verify loads for my 6.5 x 55 and my 35 Whelen. After working with him for about two years I finally bought my own. It's database includes all the common calibers and most if not all of the uncommon ones. I've also found that it doesn't include every powder under the sun although it has data for most of them. The program itself is relatively easy to use.

 

[Michael Dean]

RL17 is my go to powder, I use it in a few rifles, including my 7x57 Mauser. The only thing to note is that the powder is tempeture sensitive. You'll want to adjust your load for the hot summer months.

 

[ChrisG]

RL17 is my go to powder, I use it in a few rifles, including my 7x57 Mauser. The only thing to note is that the powder is tempeture sensitive. You'll want to adjust your load for the hot summer months.

Oh. I have used it for years in a .375 h&h and never noticed any difference in pressure or over my chronograph from summer to winter (the difference from coldest to hottest in the Adirondacks is over 100°F). Alliant actually worked with another company to develop it as a more temperature insensitive slightly slower version of RL15. However I haven't loaded it in anything else besides a 6.5x55 and the results there were really disappointing in the velocity department due to the fast burn speed. I will do some more testing. I have a friend with a strain gauge setup so I will try it out.

 

[nchungryhunter]

I don't push velocity with mine but 68 grains of RL17 with 180 accubonds gives me 2975fps out of my 26" rem 700. Sub MOA groups, most accurate load I have shot through it.

 

[ChrisG]

I don't push velocity with mine but 68 grains of RL17 with 180 accubonds gives me 2975fps out of my 26" rem 700. Sub MOA groups, most accurate load I have shot through it.

It's funny you say that. I worked up to 68.5 today. It gave me 3030 fps (23.75" barrel win m70) but only shot about 1.75MOA. I am gonna have to work on it.

 

[nchungryhunter]

It's funny you say that. I worked up to 68.5 today. It gave me 3030 fps (23.75" barrel win m70) but only shot about 1.75MOA. I am gonna have to work on it.

Yeah every gun likes something different. Had a buddy try that load in his 700 with a heavier contour barrel and a bit shorther (I think 24") and was getting 2" groups. If I do my part I can put 4 holes in 0.7".

 

[Milehighshooter]

It's funny you say that. I worked up to 68.5 today. It gave me 3030 fps (23.75" barrel win m70) but only shot about 1.75MOA. I am gonna have to work on it.

What kind of jump to the lands are you using? I had a TTSX load go from 1.25" to .2" by seating deeper in slow steps

 

[ChrisG]

I

What kind of jump to the lands are you using? I had a TTSX load go from 1.25" to .2" by seating deeper in slow steps

Am seating as long as I can in the magazine. The jump to the lands is 0.12" which is max length for the magazine.I did some more load development and 69.0 grains dropped my group down to 1.1". That's more than good enough for me and my velocity was around 3,100 fps. That more than adequate with a 165 TTSX for anything inside 350 yards in the lower 48.

 

[Milehighshooter]

If you're happy with that load then that's great. If you want to play more though, maybe try a couple loads at like .14 and .16 etc.

 

[AB2506]

So I have a boatload of RL 17 as it is what I use exclusively in my .375 H&H. However, has anyone used it in a .300 win mag? Did you get anywhere close to the claimed velocity and how did it shoot? pressure signs I need to be aware of? I want to load my M70 classic in .300 WM with it and I was looking for some insights. Thanks

I don't see why not, it works well in my 300 WSM. I shoot Barnes 168TTSX, CCI200, Federal cases. A non-max load produces 3100FPS. If I shoot my Kimber Montana well, I can get 3 shots very close to 0.5". Considering my goal is 1" groups, what isn't to like? I shot critters from 24C to -30C, 100-400yds with no noticeable difference in effect

 

[ChrisG]

If you're happy with that load then that's great. If you want to play more though, maybe try a couple loads at like .14 and .16 etc.

I will give it a shot