Re23/22 and Re25/26 Similarities

[South Pender]

I'm having difficulty in locating any Alliant Re22 and Re26 these days in Canada. I'd like to try both in my 6.5x55 Swede--Re22 because it seems to be a favored powder in the Swede and Re26 because QuickLoad indicates real velocity gains. However, I have a decent supply of Re23 and Re25--both, for some reason, easier to find.

So my question is (a) how similar is Re23 to Re22 and (b) how similar is Re25 to Re26. Unfortunately, I can't find much loading data for either Re23 or Re25 for the 6.5x55 cartridge. I'm wondering whether I can expect roughly equal results with Re23 as with Re22 and with Re25 as with Re26.

I've consulted a number of burning-rate charts, and have found inconsistent results regarding these powders. Some charts show Re23 slower than Re22 and Re26 slower than Re25, whereas other charts have these reversed.

So what have your experiences and insights been with these powders?

 

[Ranger188]

I've found RL23 is an excellent powder. Very stable and in a wide range of uses.
I'd develop a load using it, since you have it. Don't chase something you don't have
looking for that unicorn. You might already have it...

 

[Murray Brook]

No experience with the 6.5x55, but have used a good bit of RL-25/26 in several cartridges. In every instance I've found RL-25 the be 2-3 grs slower than RL-26 although I have gotten better velocities with RL-26. Accuracy depended on the rifle. In the one instance ( 25/06 ) I used RL-23 vs RL-22 I found, again, the RL-22 was slower than RL-23. JME

 

[46and2]

No experience with the 6.5x55, but have used a good bit of RL-25/26 in several cartridges. In every instance I've found RL-25 the be 2-3 grs slower than RL-26 although I have gotten better velocities with RL-26. Accuracy depended on the rifle. In the one instance ( 25/06 ) I used RL-23 vs RL-22 I found, again, the RL-22 was slower than RL-23. JME

This.

I've tried 23 vs 22 and 25 vs 26 in several different cartridges and without fail concluded that 23 is faster burning than 22 and 26 was faster burning than RL25