RL 26 and the 284 Win?

[pslater]

So, I was hacking around in Quick Load checking out different powders (I usually use RL 17)for the 284 Win when I ran across a reference to RL 26. I checked it out and was surprised. Using a 3.11 COAL (.285 bearing surface seating depth) and Berger 168 VLD Hunting bullets, I got 2993 fps at 56,341 psi using 58.2 gr which is 100% load density.

Using the same COAL and 52.2 gr of RL 17, I get 2950 fps at 60,685 psi and 91.9% load density.

Does anyone have experience with RL 26 and the 284? Plus almost 50 fps and minus 4,300 psi seem like a really good deal - if the accuracy is there.

 

[Rtheurer]

Keep this stuff to yourself for awhile until I can win a couple more matches with it.

SHHHHHH!

 

[Drop Port]

A 6" drop tube should get you 2 more grains and 60,000+ then you will really be cooking with fire

 

[Sean Haggerty]

I'm just trying to find RL26 to give it a try. I have 7828 loaded up for some tests

 

[dannyjbiggs]

What would RL16 do for you?

Dan

 

[pslater]

What would RL16 do for you?

Dan

Lower max chamber pressure by 4,300 psi and increase velocity by 50 fps. Easier on the gun? You bet. Faster? You bet. More accurate? Remains to be seen - but Rtheurer's reply above gives me hope...

 

[Rtheurer]

SHHHHHHH!

 

[pslater]

SHHHHHHH!

Sorry...

 

[tclaunch]

I have a Brux barrel that was threaded for a BAT, chambered in Shehane, I sold that rifle so set it back to fit a Stiller, I think I want to try this powder in it. I shoot 168`s also. Its now 28 1/2", and am looking forward to testing this powder.

 

[Nvreloader]

I have been running it in my 284 SP Pistol,
18" bbl @ 2900fps+ with a 140gr Nosler Part,
for the last year or so, for hunting loads.

Cut my groups in half from RL-17 powder.
From 3" down to 1-1/2" average etc.
Shhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

280 AI SP Pistol is next along with the 7 Mag.

Tia,
Don

 

[jlc204]

Has anyone compared RL26 and RL23 in the 284? I've been eyeing both of those powders for my new 284.

 

[ShootDots]

RL-26 is very close in burn rate to H1000. RL-23, from my limited experience with this powder, is that it is about the same burn rate a S-L-O-W lot of H4831. If you are using the Berger 195, the RL-26 might be the ticket. However, in my opinion, using the Berger 180 Hybrid, you would be better served with RL-23. Do I think that RL-26 would work in a .284 with 180 Hybrids>>> it may very well work. I just believe that using powders that are more suited for a given cartridge / bullet weight will "generally" give better results.. But these powders are new and I have limited experience with RL-23 and NONE with RL-26.

 

[jr600yd]

Just tried some RL-26 in my 284. Didn't chrono any loads but tried it against a known H-4831 load with 180 Berger Hybrids. Shooting in a 30" Brux 1/9 and Fed 210 primers. Lapua 6.5/284 brass necked up. Testing was done at 300 yds.
183 SMK = 0.0664" group
180 Berger HB = 0.0637" group
These were 5 shot groups. I know many don't place a lot of faith in only 5 shot groups but hey...... Gotta start somewhere.
The RL-26 load consistantly shot about 1" high as compared to the H-4831sc load. Looks very promising!

 

[Rtheurer]

Shhhhhh!

 

[Nvreloader]

Rtheurer

I do think the cats out'a the bag..........

On to RL-16, as soon as I find somewhere..........

Tia,
Don

 

[jlc204]

Just tried some RL-26 in my 284. Didn't chrono any loads but tried it against a known H-4831 load with 180 Berger Hybrids. Shooting in a 30" Brux 1/9 and Fed 210 primers. Lapua 6.5/284 brass necked up. Testing was done at 300 yds.
183 SMK = 0.0664" group
180 Berger HB = 0.0637" group
These were 5 shot groups. I know many don't place a lot of faith in only 5 shot groups but hey...... Gotta start somewhere.
The RL-26 load consistantly shot about 1" high as compared to the H-4831sc load. Looks very promising!

What would be a safe starting load with the 180s?

 

[tclaunch]

I picked up some RL26 today, and dropped 61 grains in a fireformed Shehane case, the powder was just above the body/shoulder junction. This was with no drop tube.

 

[jr600yd]

Jlc204, I was told 59grs RL-26 pushing a 180 Hybrid with a OAL of 3.20. That seems high to me. I started at 54 and went up to 56. That was the node I shot the test in. My barrel is throated for 180 HB with a .220 free bore. They shot best at -.025 off lands

 

[kyreloader]

Jlc204, I was told 59grs RL-26 pushing a 180 Hybrid with a OAL of 3.20. That seems high to me. I started at 54 and went up to 56. That was the node I shot the test in. My barrel is throated for 180 HB with a .220 free bore. They shot best at -.025 off lands

I started at 56 and went up to 57.5g without pressure. (Same .220 freebore with 180g Hybrids)

 

[pslater]

What would be a safe starting load with the 180s?

Using the same load I started this discussion with, a Berger Match VLD (#28405) over 58.2 gr (100% fill) of RL 26 and a 3.19 COAL (which puts the bottom of the bearing surface at the bottom of the neck) QL shows 2946 fps @ 60,782 max psi. Max pressure for the 284 shows 63,817 psi. 57 gr of RL 26 shows 98% fill, 2890 fps at 56,269 max psi or more than 11% under max psi for the cartridge. I hope this helps.