.284 Winchester 4831SC vs. RE17

[MoMallard]

I am trying to develop a 1000yd load for my Warner built .284 Winchester prone gun. I'm using Berger 180 Hybrids right now, and have had initial success with RE17, ie. good velocity (2900fps) with about .200 overall groupings at 100yd. I have yet to get that load out to 600yds and beyond, but expect good things. My issue is the paucity of RE17. I'm rapidly running out of it, but have found some 4831SC. The general question here is: What is a proven load for .284 Winchester using 4831SC, and which powder is overall the better of the two for this cartridge?

 

[GSPV]

Most people that I talk to prefer H4831sc or H4350. I have R17. Don't happen to live near Dayton, oH, do you?

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Depending on barrel length, H4831SC can perform quite well. At 32", look for 2880-2920 fps. Should be somewhere in there.

 

[sparky123321]

I had better luck with the 4831sc.

 

[sparky123321]

Check this link out for some .284 info.

http://www.6mmbr.com/7mm284.html#284win

 

[dragman]

I have lots of time with the .284 and the 180 bergers. I like the RL 17 the best but have had success with H4350 and H4831SC also. I think my H4831sc load was around 54.5 grains. but start lower as I don't remember 100%

 

[brxbrad]

I shoot a Bartlein 32" finished 284 Win. ,180 VLds, Lapua 6.5-284 necked up and turned with 54.5 grs of 4831SC. Average 2850fps.

 

[DennisH]

Berger 180 Hyb., 52.5 RL17, BR4's, .050 off.

28" 9 twist bull barrel.

ES & SD are consistently 8 or below, avg speed 2,900 to 2,925 fps.

I let a friend shoot it last Thursday and I believe he only dropped 5 points out of 600 @ 600yds. We had gust of 22mph during the practice match.

I have tried the other powders mentioned above, but did not get the FPS I was getting with RL 17, plus they were showing pressure signs once I reached the 2,800 fps area. RL 17 didn't show and still doesn't show any pressure signs at all. In fact, I made it over 3,000pfs with no signs, but the groups started opening up after 2,935fps.

Just to mention, I just changed the barrel on another rifle. I kept the same load. It also like the bullets being .050 off the lands, but the new barrel wants to be left alone at .002 off. Everything else remained the same. I still shoots .5 MOA groups @ 600. I am using the Berger Hyb. also in this rifle.

Dennis

 

[MoMallard]

Many Many thanks for the great information and suggestions. I think developing a load for BOTH powders is the prudent measure here based on your input.