22-250 AI... RL23 vs RL26 ???

[284winner]

Seems the RL23 gives me a bit better accuracy than does the 26. The RL26 gets a bit more velocity but not real noticeable. What's your experiences with both these powders in the Ackley version ? I picked up 6 lbs of each. Either one works in my 6.5 cartridges so they'll be used either way. At this point it's looking like the RL23 gets the nod for me.

 

[swd]

RL23 is very temp stable RL26 is not. Depending on where you live that could make the decision for you. I shoot in everything from zero deg to 105+. It’s RL23 for me.

 

[B23]

No real surprise RL26 gets you the best velocity, it just seems to be one of those special powders that always achieves the best velocity, Viht N570 is like that too. I use RL26 in quite a few different rifles I have, in fact, I use more RL26 than anything else.

Can't really help you with any RL23 information but a powder that may split the difference for you and one I have used a bit of is RL16. I'm using RL16 in my 20-250 W/55gr Berger's and the accuracy has been exceptional. I haven't tried any RL26 in my 20-250 with those 55's but I suspect it'll probably give me a boost in velocity over the RL16 I'm currently using but it's shooting so tight with the current load, I hate to mess with it and I'm not sure chasing another 50-100fps is really worth messing with, especially in a 20-250 that already has a relatively short barrel life.

 

[Larryh128]

Big issue right now for most of us is finding any RL-26.

 

[B23]

Big issue right now for most of us is finding any RL-26.

Unfortunately, for many, RL26 may as well be called RL-Unobtainium, because it's become nearly impossible to find. I still have a few pounds of it, but considering I use it in so many different rifles, I'm always looking for a little more.

 

[284winner]

I have a reliable dealer that always has it in stock but only in one pound cannisters.

 

[284winner]

No real surprise RL26 gets you the best velocity, it just seems to be one of those special powders that always achieves the best velocity, Viht N570 is like that too. I use RL26 in quite a few different rifles I have, in fact, I use more RL26 than anything else.

Can't really help you with any RL23 information but a powder that may split the difference for you and one I have used a bit of is RL16. I'm using RL16 in my 20-250 W/55gr Berger's and the accuracy has been exceptional. I haven't tried any RL26 in my 20-250 with those 55's but I suspect it'll probably give me a boost in velocity over the RL16 I'm currently using but it's shooting so tight with the current load, I hate to mess with it and I'm not sure chasing another 50-100fps is really worth messing with, especially in a 20-250 that already has a relatively short barrel life.

Sounds like RL17. Runs the 284 at unbelievable velocities with heavy bullets. Not as accurate as some but still plenty for my use.

 

[thatguyshm]

Any specific bullet? I use 23 with 75gr ELD-M's, won't be switching a thing until the barrel is dead. Testing velocities I loaded in .5 gr increments across 2.5 gains, and they all went into an inch at 100 yards. Very consistent powder.

 

[284winner]

Any specific bullet? I use 23 with 75gr ELD-M's, won't be switching a thing until the barrel is dead. Testing velocities I loaded in .5 gr increments across 2.5 gains, and they all went into an inch at 100 yards. Very consistent powder.

Yes I'm using the 80 Amax. Figure since I have a 30" barrel I'm gaining some speed. May as well jump up to the 80. Plan was to run 75s but I'm getting over 3550 with the 80s so sticking with the 80s. RL23 seems to be the best in my gun.

 

[B23]

Big issue right now for most of us is finding any RL-26.

Hopefully some here were able to nab a few lbs before it was all gone, but Powder Valley got a shipment of RL26 yesterday. They had around 450 of the 1lb'ers and even a few 8lb jugs. The 8lb'ers were gone within minutes and they sold all the 1lb cans by end of day.

 

[284winner]

My little backwoods shop that sells powder ran out too. He said someone came in and bought it all. So much for the small rural secret spot. Powder valley it is. I can wait for a bit. Still have 5 lbs of it.

 

[B23]

Just saw Bruno's has 8lb and 1lb RL26 in stock so if anyone is still looking/needing some, better hurry up. Also, Alliant has a rebate going if you buy 4lbs or more.

 

[butler12]

Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone had tried reloader 26 with either 90 or 95 grain bullets.

 

[284winner]

Well as usual, I put my foot in my mouth boasting how my little backwoods reloading supply shop had a mini truck load supply of RL26. Even the smallest shops get exposed and now it's gone. I used up all I had and am in the same boat as the rest of you guys. I have some on back order and have for 8 months realizing then, it would disappear eventually. Still hasn't been filled and not available anywhere, yet Alliant is still advertising the reloader 26 powder as the magnum rifle powder preferred by shooters Nationwide. Tough to prefer something that's not ever looking like it's gonna be available. 8 months ago Alliant said they would have it shipped to all locations within that month. Oh well, I guess RL23 is my substitute till it's available.