my first results with RE-17 and .243AI

[BlackHawk95]

Hello guys, Well I got my first pound of RE-17 today to try in my .243AI. So far these are the first few shots just to get a baseline on the charge.

The gun is a trued Win M70 with a 28' Broughton 7.5 twist 5C barrel. im a Manners T4 tactical stock.

the bullets I used are DTAC bare 115's and CCI br2 primers
the charges I used were 40, 41, and 42 grains of the RE-17. the velocitys were
40gr = 2989
41gr = 3050
42gr = 3129

Now whats seems a little weird to me is the 40gr charge had the hardest bolt lift! and the 42gr charge was easiest. Seems strange to me, but is this common with this powder?

As soon as i get a few more loaded ill post more results.
By the way, 3129 is the fastest Ive been able to pust the 115's so far without pressure.

Jerid

 

[BlackHawk95]

Ok, well i just tried the RE-17 with some 107MK's tried 40.5, 41.5 and 42.5. and a few more rounds of 42gr with the 115's

With the 115 and 42gr I did get pressure signs.

the velocitys for the 107's were
40.5 = 3122
41.5 = 3183
42.5 = 3259
All those loads i saw some pressure. again easier bolt lift the higher the charge.

Im thinking i need to try this powder with some fresh brass. that may be why im seeing pressure.

On a side note, my current load for the .243AI is 45.5gr RE-22 with a 105VLD. no pressure what so ever.

So far, untill i give it a go in some better brass I cant say yeah or neah.

 

[BlackHawk95]

Something else I got to thinking about is if the accuracy is there with the RE-17 at 40gr with a 105gr at 3050fps would that give better barrel life than a load of 45.5gr of RE-22 at the same velocity?

I should be able to do some more testing tomorrow and get a better idea of the kind of accuracy the RE-17 gives.

 

[number40Fan]

I am about to start working up a load for my AI with the 107s. Have you tried any RE-19?

 

[BlackHawk95]

40Fan,

No ive not tried any RE-19 in my .243AI. Ive just had such good results with the Re-22. I have tried H-1000, retumbo and now re-17.

I didnt get a chance to shoot anymore it this weekend. Hopefully tomorrow I can try out some loads of 39gr and 39.5gr with the 105VLD.

 

[number40Fan]

Just thought I would would see if you had and any results. The Sierra manual shows that RE-19 and RE-22 pushes a 107 SMK the same speed with almost identical charges in a regular .243. I do have both powders and seeing your results with the RE-22 it got me thinking of trying the RE-19 first to see if I could get the same kind of speed. When I get the chance to get out, I'll post some results as well.

 

[BlackHawk95]

40Fan, right now with 45.5gr Re-22 with the 105VLD im getting 3120fps. Another thing to think about is, with the slower burning powders it thought it may give a little better barrel life as there not supposed to burn as hot. Also, a friend of mine tells me Hybrid 100v is another good one to try, I havent had the chance though.


I also got to shoot some more of the re-17 with the 105VLD and came across a real sweet spot at 39gr. 3 shot groups in the .170's i didnt chrono them but am guessing around 3025fps. The accuracy is really close to what i get with the re-22. So im going to try both at 250yd and see what happens.

Jerid

 

[number40Fan]

Good point on the slower burning powders! I tend to forget about things like that.

 

[number40Fan]

Well, I didn't want you to think that I forgot about this, just been busy racing.

Finally got out last weekend with the .243 AI and the 107 SMKs. Loaded up 15 rounds with 46 grains of RL-22. Average velocity was 3214 fps. Grouping wasn't anything to write home about, but neither was the shooting conditions.

More to come.

 

[cliffy]

Alliant Reloder 22 was designed for 100+ grain .243 loads. It just does what it should with aplumb, while Hodgdon H4350 sizzles regarding 90 grain Swift Scirocco II loads. Fighting against these proven GIVENS merely frustrates one's efforts. I've attempted all sorts of combinations .243 wise. H4350 is the varmint powder that excels velocity-wise with light, frangible fare. RL-22 sends the heavy-jacketed big-boys downrange with true vengence. All other powders seem wannabees regarding .243 Winchester prowess at its most effectiveness. cliffy

 

[cliffy]

.243 Winchester Loads to Light-Up modern bolt-action Actions downrange: 90 grain Swift Scirocco II bullets lit-up with CCI 250 primers and 44.0 grains of Hodgdon H4350 fuel. This is the Pronghorn Antelope's worst nightmare out to 300 yards. Whilst 300 Winchester Magnums firing 150 grain fare work as well, why suffer excessive recoil that could make one FLINCH and miss? cliffy

 

[BlackHawk95]

40Fan, you might want to try backing down your charge a bit.. Try 45 to 45.5 grains. should be in the 3100+ range and see if the accuracy doesnt improve. and set your seating depth with the 107SMK's about .010 to .020 off the lands.

let me know what happens

Jerid

 

[cliffy]

Please TRY: Alliant Reloder 22! This is a powder designed for 100+ grain .243 fare. I find Reloder 19 too fast and much slower burners inferior, regarding .243 Winnie Pooh applications, especially concerning big-game applications. Alliant RL-22 is a state-of-the-ART .243 Winchester powder choice with 100 grain+ applications. Alliant RL-19 and Alliant RL-25 both MISS-THE-MARK regarding 100 grain .243 super-power loads. RL-22 is the CORRECT powder regarding accuracy and terminal strike-force. I.E. Nosler 100 Grain Partitions love 45.0 grains of Alliant Reloder 22 for accuracy and potential downrange. I even use slightly more powder! cliffy

 

[BlackHawk95]

40Fan, I got out today and tried some different loads of the RE-17 with 105 Scenars. I ran out of RE-22, so I figured id give it a shot.

40gr behind the 105's gave some really nice accuracy at 100 yards today. my chronos batt was dead so i didnt get any speed numbers. Im going to try that same load at 270 or 370 and see how it does.

Later,

Jerid

 

[number40Fan]

Blackhawk, I am going to back it down some. I just wanted to know first off what the gun would handle. Very light ejector marks on some of the brass with the 46 grain load with two different types of primers. When shooting over the chrony I was looking more for the ES/SD numbers then I was a group. Even though it wasn't horrible.

I have another 15 loads ready to go this weekend. Keeping the fingers crossed for good weather.