Has anyone tried RL16, RL23, or IMR 4451 in the .284 Win with 160-180gr bullets? I plan to build one and I'm curios how the new powders work compared to H4350 and H4831sc, which seem to be the norm in this cartridge. Thanks guys
IMR 4350 was the original powder that Bob Hutton and others used back in 1963 when the 284 was introduced. At the time they thought the 140 partition was THE go to bullet. They typically used 57 or in some instances 58 grains in a bolt action rifle. Today this combination still works just fine although the bullet suffers a bit in the BC department. When I got my first 284 I did likewise. It killed a few cow elk and coues wt just fine.
Enter the heavier bullets with higher BCs along with IMO a better version of 4350...... H 4350. It is smaller grained so it fits better AND it is temperature insensitive.
The BR and F class guys like to shoot the 180 gr Berger with H4831 with long barrels of 30" or so.
There is a wonderful alternative powder that increases velocity with 140-168 gr bullets and that is RL17.
If you choose the powders you mentioned please report back here with your results.