Powder substitution and Quick-Load.

[NORZ]

Which Vihtavuori powder has the most similiar burning carectaristics as compared to Reloader 17?

And..... how can I uppgrade my bullet database in Quick-Load. I need the 208gr .30cal A-Max in there?

 

[NORZ]

Thank you for that, Gunamonth.

Anyone have any input on my powder question?

 

[Laurie]

Which Vihtavuori powder has the most similiar burning carectaristics as compared to Reloader 17?

NORZ,

Viht N550 is likely the closest to Re17 with a similar bulk density and an apparently slightly slower burning rate - in small cased cartridges at any rate.

As several people have pointed out on other posts, Reloder 17 works differently to conventional deterrent surface-coated propellants, so comparisons are neither valid nor safe. or perhaps that should read 'even less safe'!

FWIW, QuickLOAD gives 6BR Norma a maximum load of around 33-33.5gn with N550 and around 1.0gn less for Re17 with a 105gn Berger VLD for similar velocities. We've just received our first shipment of Re17 in the UK so nobody on this side of the Atlantic has any experience yet of using it in cartridges like 6BR, 6.5X47 and suchlike, nor even in more common applications like the short magnums.

What I can say is that if you are planning to use N550 as an 'Re17 substitute' in large capacity magnum type cartridges, beware - it often doesn't perform as you expect as a powder with a burning rate that is apparently not too far off that of the 4350s.


Laurie,
York, England

 

[NORZ]

Thank you for the info. I am trying to run the 208gr A-Max´s in my 308 over 1000 meters supersonic. I have N550 but the velocity was a bit under, but still doable.

Reloader 17 isnt coming here until the spring, I´m a few thousand kilometers north from you

Take care.

 

[Laurie]

NORZ,

I know N550 is a good choice in 308 with heavy bullets - I was there myself last year trying to get an FN SPR 24" barrel job competitive in GBFCA national league F/TR at 1,000yd.

I ended up with a hefty charge of N550 and 190gn Sierra MKs - about as heavy / high BC as I could go with the FN's 1-12" twist, and found that a fair improvement over 175s with various powders - lot of muzzle blast though. I still use it with heavier bullets in my replacement F/TR rifle - works very well with Berger 185 BT Long-Range bullets giving 2,800 fps out of a 30" barrel and good accuracy.

Reports from the USA on Re17 in .308W haven't been overly encouraging, but I'd certainly give it a go anyway. It's reported that Alliant ATK has signed a technology transfer deal with Rheinmetall Nitrochemie which makes Re17 and there will be additional grades with burning rates either side at some time in the future.

Best wishes,

Laurie