First Loads with RL15.5 in .223

[Hohn]

Upshot: you most likely can’t get into crazy pressure with this powder in .223.

test barrel: criterion.223 match (.090 freebore).
bullet: 88 ELD
Primer: cci450
CBTO: 2.010, right at the lands.
Brass: Geco Swiss (rws)- 100gr typical case weight and less capacity than other brass.

Pressure ladder started at 24.0gr and stopped at 25.6 because it’s VERY compressed and I wasn’t comfortable going past where my oal was growing.

It’s definitely slower burning than RL15. The load data suggests it can still achieve good speed so the absence of pressure isn’t to say it’s not giving good mv.

I’ll break out the chrono next time now that I’m starting development for real.

 

[std7mag]

If you should happen to put it under some 69-73gr bullets, i'd be interested in those results also.

 

[Hohn]

If you should happen to put it under some 69-73gr bullets, i'd be interested in those results also.

Will do. I’d expect reasonable speed at pretty low pressure.

 

[std7mag]

Will do. I’d expect reasonable speed at pretty low pressure.

Wife's rifle is a 1:9 twist.
And Alliant powders are still fairly scarce in my neck of the woods.
Haven't even seen this new powder yet.

I think it may do well in my 250 Savage with 90-100gr bullets.

 

[Reloading Guy]

here is some reviews on Reloader 15.5
http://natoreloading.com/Rl155/

seems like this powder not good for 223, too compressed.

 

[Hohn]

It’s compressed and probably not great for things like mag length 77s. But long OALs with heavier bullets jammed into the lands might be another story.

 

[Reloading Guy]

If you check out that review, it has 2.400 OAL, and its still massive compressed, thats with 75 grain Berger Match VLD. hard to not compress when 23 grains is right up near the neck.

 

[Hohn]

24.0 is barely/not really compressed in my Geco brass. Not sure what brass was used but obviously I’m not ready to swear it off for .223. Not yet.

 

[karrarararararar]

24.0 is below the neck in LC15.

Shared album from Ryan

Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[Reloading Guy]

in that picture, that is going to take over 100 PSI to seat a bullet, even long. You have to compress that powder down way more than just below neck. I think I have the highest internal capacity brass you can buy, and its compressed even at 23.0 grains. May I ask please, can you fill up and level off with Ramshot TAC, or Accurate 2230 or 2460 to see how much fit in the case? With the Norma brass, you can put like 31.3 grains of Accurate 2230 in it. That is absolutely huge capacity.

 

[garandman]

It’s definitely slower burning than RL15. The load data suggests it can still achieve good speed so the absence of pressure isn’t to say it’s not giving good mv.

Interesting thought.... but..... how do ya get good MV without high(er) pressure?

 

[karrarararararar]

in that picture, that is going to take over 100 PSI to seat a bullet, even long. You have to compress that powder down way more than just below neck. I think I have the highest internal capacity brass you can buy, and its compressed even at 23.0 grains. May I ask please, can you fill up and level off with Ramshot TAC, or Accurate 2230 or 2460 to see how much fit in the case? With the Norma brass, you can put like 31.3 grains of Accurate 2230 in it. That is absolutely huge capacity.

I will have to see if I have any Tac left from a couple years ago. I am also loading 80's longer than mag length. Loaded 28 up last night and can still hear powder when shaking it. I know a shooter who has tested all the way up to 25.2 grains with 80's in a 223.

 

[Hohn]

Interesting thought.... but..... how do ya get good MV without high(er) pressure?

Different meanings of “pressure”. I’m looking for “peak pressure” signs. A slower powder can have a higher average pressure (BMEP) while having slightly lower peak pressure. That’s why we use slower powders.

 

[karrarararararar]

Tested it at 24.0 grains and Berger 80.5's with my service rifle (20" barrel, 4.5x scope) slung up at 300 yards on the NRA MR-63 target. Very happy with the results. Had 4 shots left that I chronographed with my magnetospeed at 2687 fps avg, 18 SD.

 

[karrarararararar]

Confirming 80s?

Yes, had to go back and edit. Berger 80.5's

 

[Hohn]

Yes, had to go back and edit. Berger 80.5's

Nice shooting!

 

[Cfshooter]

Tested it at 24.0 grains and Berger 80.5's with my service rifle (20" barrel, 4.5x scope) slung up at 300 yards on the NRA MR-63 target. Very happy with the results. Had 4 shots left that I chronographed with my magnetospeed at 2687 fps avg, 18 SD.

Nice! What was the COAL?

 

[karrarararararar]

in that picture, that is going to take over 100 PSI to seat a bullet, even long. You have to compress that powder down way more than just below neck. I think I have the highest internal capacity brass you can buy, and its compressed even at 23.0 grains. May I ask please, can you fill up and level off with Ramshot TAC, or Accurate 2230 or 2460 to see how much fit in the case? With the Norma brass, you can put like 31.3 grains of Accurate 2230 in it. That is absolutely huge capacity.

32.2 gr of TAC in Lake City 14 brass

 

[Reloading Guy]

thank you, this explains it. That is gigantic internal capacity for 223 brass. That brass is ideal with RL15.5 it appears. Thank you for sharing.

 

[karrarararararar]

Nice! What was the COAL?

2.415"