ALLIANT RELODER 23

[stx]

I learn new stuff all the time as well, we'll never know everything. RL23 does work well in the 6.5-284 but rl26 does out perform it with better case fill. I have no idea why the new saami 6.5x284 specs have freebore over 0.300" but it puts most bullets including the 156 eol half way up the neck to touch lands. Similar freebore to a 6.5 prc would have worked well. My rifle shot the 156 eol half to quarter moa from 44-66k off lands, all with very simila poi @ 200y. I was freaking amazed. Easiest load development I've ever done.

My 24" bbl Cooper Backcountry 6.5x284 shoots 140 VLDs with RL26 better than RL23 as well at 2975 fps as shown in these 3 shot groups.

 

[antelopedundee]

Reloder 26 may be the cat's meow, but finding some is the hard part.

 

[Paper boy]

My suggestion!

I use VhitaVouri powders almost exclusively. Big advantages here.
1. Great accurate powders.
2. Not nearly as popular as the better known brands so most of it is usually available through Brownell' or Powder Valley. Give it a shot.
#3 is IMI # 4 for me is Hogden.

 

[greenejc]

I'd like to try RL26 in my -06's with 200 grain Sierra and Speer bullets. RL23 would probably be good, too. I just can't find either one here right now.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Anyone try the 156 Berger with RL23 in a 6.5x284 Norma?

 

[dougduey]

My 24" bbl Cooper Backcountry 6.5x284 shoots 140 VLDs with RL26 better than RL23 as well at 2975 fps as shown in these 3 shot groups.

View attachment 210547View attachment 210548

RL26 in my 6.5-284 has been the only cartridge (I load with it) that showed pressure spikes above 85 degrees. I know you're in south Texas like I am, so that's an issue for you and me. I went to RL23 and have had no issues even over 100 degrees. I still get great accuracy and velocity (2997 fps with the 140 VLD) Can't argue with your results

 

[stx]

I'd like to try RL26 in my -06's with 200 grain Sierra and Speer bullets. RL23 would probably be good, too. I just can't find either one here right now.

RL26 seems to work with Hea

RL26 in my 6.5-284 has been the only cartridge (I load with it) that showed pressure spikes above 85 degrees. I know you're in south Texas like I am, so that's an issue for you and me. I went to RL23 and have had no issues even over 100 degrees. I still get great accuracy and velocity (2997 fps with the 140 VLD) Can't argue with your results

Good info, Doug! I was aware of the spikes at higher temps so I did load development during the heat of Summer and have chronoed the loads during hunting season at cooler temps......don't remember the difference in velocity offhand, but is wasn't enough to concern me. What were your powder charges with RL26 and RL23?

 

[dougduey]

RL26 seems to work with Hea

Good info, Doug! I was aware of the spikes at higher temps so I did load development during the heat of Summer and have chronoed the loads during hunting season at cooler temps......don't remember the difference in velocity offhand, but is wasn't enough to concern me. What were your powder charges with RL26 and RL23?

With RL23, it's 51.7 gr. I stopped using RL26 due to the pressure spikes, so I never finished load development with it. I want to say I was somewhere in the 53-55gr ball park, but don't quote me on that.

 

[.300 Dakota]

Whatever Reloader 23 does, 4000MR will do better. You can almost substitute data one for the other, but you will find you can get about a grain more 4000MR in the case. It meters a little better also. Velocity generally favors 4000MR, and in my experience, accuracy, too. Try it and see...

 

[antelopedundee]

Whatever Reloader 23 does, 4000MR will do better. You can almost substitute data one for the other, but you will find you can get about a grain more 4000MR in the case. It meters a little better also. Velocity generally favors 4000MR, and in my experience, accuracy, too. Try it and see...

I don't see that one listed out of a whole slew of powders that QuickLoad listed as suitable for 130 grain weight bullets in a 6.5-06 or 6.5-06AI.

 

[CTK]

I now will give up some fps or, dare say, accuracy for temperature stability. I came to this point a few years ago. I am excited to revisit RL23. The only reason that I did was due to multiple posts on this site. My prior 280ai hunting load was RL 26 and the 168 Berger. Got a new rifle and first tried the 175 Elite Hunter and RL 23.

 

[CTK]

I now will give up some fps or, dare say, accuracy for temperature stability. I came to this point a few years ago. I am excited to revisit RL23. The only reason that I did was due to multiple posts on this site. My prior 280ai hunting load was RL 26 and the 168 Berger. Got a new rifle and first tried the 175 Elite Hunter and RL 23.View attachment 211011

Got this group when sighting in after installing new rings. 2840 fps with 24" barrel. This is a 2b contour barrel. These were cool bore shots. New rifle appears open up groups a little as the barrel gets warm. Not a problem as this is a hunting rifle. If I can approximately repeat this group with a cool barrel, I am done with load development. Think I am close as have had .2-.3ish" groups with same combo and +/- .005" seating depths.

 

[antelopedundee]

I now will give up some fps or, dare say, accuracy for temperature stability. I came to this point a few years ago. I am excited to revisit RL23. The only reason that I did was due to multiple posts on this site. My prior 280ai hunting load was RL 26 and the 168 Berger. Got a new rifle and first tried the 175 Elite Hunter and RL 23.View attachment 211011

I'm looking at Reloder 23; IMR4955 and IMR7977 because all 3 are temp stable and have a copper fouling reducer added.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Reloder 26 may be the cat's meow, but finding some is the hard part.

Yeh, finding it seems more like the cat box...