Why won't this powder work

[Okiecat]

I loaded up 4 groups of 3 rnds each with different oal and everything else the same. The powder is Re-17 in a 22-243. Shooting 80.5 gr Berger Full Bore. I shot these groups at 300yds. The velocity ran from 3387 to 3395 for the 9shots. Not a single group under 2". This gun usually shoots around 1/2 to 3/4 at 300.

 

[watercam]

I have had great luck with Reloader 17 in three cartridges but not every rifle is going to like every powder. H4350 or IMR 4350 are calling you.

 

[Okiecat]

Yea I know, I just can't get the velocity with 4350. This stuff(re-17) is fast. I may go back to 7828

 

[BoydAllen]

I find your report of how your rifle usually groups a little hard to believe, particularly considering the caliber. Tell us more about your rifle, what you shoot it off of, and what sort of flags you are using. We might learn something.

 

[Okiecat]

Well don't let me build it up to much. Really the gun is 700action, 8" hart, a-5. Obviously I don't shoot that good everyday. I have 3 of those billfold groups, you know. They were shot on a hot August morning in dead calm. But the gun will really shoot in the .3's I think. Under perfect conditions. But that is not why I put that info in there. I'm dissapointed and confused with whats going on now.

 

[NorCalMikie]

You don't have to be fast to be accurate!
Ever consider backing down on the powder charge and working your way back up. Maybe you went past the "accuracy node"?? Worth a try.

 

[BoydAllen]

A couple of things to consider...
How many rounds are on the barrel? That caliber is a barrel eater.
How are you cleaning?
Are you shooting over flags?
What shape are the 2" groups?
Have you adjusted your seating depth or powder charge lately?
Do you adjust your load with the temperature in mind?
Have you looked at where your throat may have moved to?
Have you tried working up a load by reloading at the range?
I lied, That was more than a couple.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

Yea I know, I just can't get the velocity with 4350. This stuff(re-17) is fast. I may go back to 7828

Try IMR 4831

 

[cmillard]

well, if you got good groups and velocity with 7828, why not stick with that (it is a single based powder). re-17 is double based and is more "moody" in different temp extremes.

 

[15Tango]

Sounds like the same old story of R17 delivering insane velocities with poor accuracy and/or speed variation. Like other said, H4350 time.

Wayne

 

[Larryh128]

You may be still below max charge on the load. Obviously a guess but from working with RL-17 in 3 different calibers, when I was at starting charges, groups we're good. As the charge increased the groups tightened. I have always had to go above the 4350 charge weight to get accuaracy. Just a thought.

 

[Larryh128]

Should read Groups Weren't good.

 

[Ackman]

The velocity spread is very tight, but your gun just doesn't like that particular combination. No mention of how you decided on 80.5gr load. But you can't just pick a number and expect accuracy, that's not how it works.

Edit: My mistake. It was an 80.5gr bullet, not powder charge. Way too much for that case, I wasn't paying attention.

 

[ChuckMiller]

I think your just shooting too fast of a powder for a 80gr Berger. I shoot RL22 for 75's and RL25 for 80's in my 22-243, that's out of a Brux 1-8".