Aliant RL-16 Comparable to CFE 223 or Hogdon BL-C (2)?

[Ernest T]

I've been using RL-16 for 6.5 Creedmoor, but I'm almost out and can't find any on line. It looks like RL-17 is also out of stock in most places. CFE 223 is one spot lower on the burn rate chart and BL-C (2) is one place higher on the chart. Are either a suitable sub for RL-16? My Hornady book doesn't have loads for either in 6.5 CM with 140 grain bullets.

 

[Beiruty]

Comparable to H4350

 

[6MMsteve]

cf223 is closer to varget, accurate 2700 might be a good alternative maybe

 

[Laurie]

I looked at H4350 alternatives for European handloaders (we lost H4350 permanently and many other powders through regulatory changes three years ago) here:


http://www.targetshooter.co.uk/?p=3624

http://www.targetshooter.co.uk/?p=3657

http://www.targetshooter.co.uk/?p=3683

Re17 is made by Nitrochemie Wimmins a.g. in Switzerland for Alliant, and sold in the UK / EU as Reload Swiss RS60. Nitrochemie supplies a large powders range here under the Reload Swiss brand name and this company has allegedly (not verified) suspended deliveries to the handloading market as its powders are (allegedly) being diverted into military ammunition production for the Russia - Ukraine war. Nitrochemie has promised an update to its consumer customers on its website, but this has yet to appear.

I wouldn't ever consider CFE223 or H. BL-C(2) as alternatives to the 4350s despite what some relative burn rate charts show - they're much faster burning, likewise Vihtavuori N150 and N550 which many charts also show as having equivalent burn rates.

This burn rate chart

https://www.lhs-germany.de/fileadmi...e_Abbrenngeschwindigkeit_Export_Feb._2018.pdf

is better (ie less inaccurate) than the Hodgdon one for the two Hodgdon powders, but still badly 'out' for N550.

 

[jdnphoto]

Try using N555

 

[Ernest T]

Comparable to H4350

That’s hard to find too!

 

[Ernest T]

Try using N555

That seems in short supply too. It’s funny that I’ve been able to find pistol and .223 powders, but all the recommended powders for 6.5 CM in the Hornady book are out of stock.

 

[Adam in WI]

Powder valley usually has Sta-ball 6.5 in stock. No idea if it's any good but I'm sure it beats not shooting.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

IMR 4350 shows up very often.

 

[L.Sherm]

That’s hard to find too!

I've seen H4350 alot last couple of months, if your willing to be quick and pay the price

 

[358WCF]

Powder valley usually has Sta-ball 6.5 in stock. No idea if it's any good but I'm sure it beats not shooting.

Staball is an acceptable 6.5 Creedmoor powder & there is data. IME it's not as wonderful as RL16 with 120s or RL26 with 140s, but much better than nothing... or a sharp stick in the eye.

 

[PhilC]

IMR4451.

 

[Ernest T]

I've seen H4350 alot last couple of months, if your willing to be quick and pay the price

I am. I’ll keep looking.

 

[6MMsteve]

n150 and n160 are around also, n555 is a ghost powder you may find it you may not

 

[bsekf]

I am unhappy with the price of Alliant powders. I really liked RL16 for its temperature stability, but not at $45 to $50 a pound. I am going to try Staball and maybe some Accurate 4350. Not going to try anything till I can get some primers for less than a dollar each!

 

[6MMsteve]

I am unhappy with the price of Alliant powders. I really liked RL16 for its temperature stability, but not at $45 to $50 a pound. I am going to try Staball and maybe some Accurate 4350. Not going to try anything till I can get some primers for less than a dollar each!

I know right they went from .006 cents to .10 to .15 cents a primer

 

[Ernest T]

I know right they went from .006 cents to .10 to .15 cents a primer

I found some locally, but still $96 for 1000.

 

[Ernest T]

I managed to find a few lbs of Staball 6.5 which is listed as a load for 6.5 Creedmoor. It’s fairly inexpensive compared to others like N555 which I also found. Even though it was over $60 a lb I almost bought some in case I can’t find more RL-16 or Staball

 

[MUP]

I've been using RL-16 for 6.5 Creedmoor, but I'm almost out and can't find any on line. It looks like RL-17 is also out of stock in most places. CFE 223 is one spot lower on the burn rate chart and BL-C (2) is one place higher on the chart. Are either a suitable sub for RL-16? My Hornady book doesn't have loads for either in 6.5 CM with 140 grain bullets.

If you were coming to Tennessee anytime soon I have RL 16 I could set you up with.

 

[MUP]

I've been using RL-16 for 6.5 Creedmoor, but I'm almost out and can't find any on line. It looks like RL-17 is also out of stock in most places. CFE 223 is one spot lower on the burn rate chart and BL-C (2) is one place higher on the chart. Are either a suitable sub for RL-16? My Hornady book doesn't have loads for either in 6.5 CM with 140 grain bullets.

Btw, I shoot the Hornady 140 gr ELD-Ms in my 6.5 Creedmoor RPR and have had very good success using Hodgdon Superformance powder. Might be worth a try. It's not listed even close to RL 16 but I've been getting some good accuracy with it out to 1000 yards, some sub .5 MOA groups. It's not a barn burner but it is producing some good accurate groups. Here's some 600 yard test group shooting.