Reloder 22 temperature sensitivity

[Orion62]

I'm looking to make my first load for 30-06 using 180gr partition. According to nosler data RL22 is their most accurate and that's what I have to load with. My question is how temp sensitive is RL22? I've heard both that it's very sensitive and others say they havent noticed anything. Anyone have experience with it in this setting? I live in montana and wondering if I should also wait to do development until closer to hunting weather as its june 90's now.

 

[AJC1]

If it's hot now and you dont have any issues then when its cooler you dont have to worry. Get a good load worked up and see how wide your node is. If you find a good wide node its possible to still be good. If your off a few tenths should bring you back.

 

[AJC1]

You may find this chart helpful

 

[jmr40]

I'll be honest, I've not seen nor heard anything about RL22's temperature resistance. Based on the chart in the link above it appears to be one of the more sensitive powders. But according on what I've read the cartridge it is used in matters too. In 308 RL15 is supposed to be pretty stable, but in another cartridge may be more sensitive. It is listed as one of the more sensitive powders in that link, but it doesn't say what cartridge they tested it in.

According to the above link RL22 will lose about 1.7 fps for each degree temperature changes. Compared to H4350 which will lose less than .5 fps. All things being equal I'd take the more stable powder, but all things are rarely equal. I prefer H4350 for that reason and I get the accuracy and speed I want. But right now we've got to use the powder we have and if you're getting the accuracy and speed you want with RL22 then that is what I'd use.

If you develop a load at 70 degrees and shoot it at 0 you'd be looking at about 120 fps less speed. At "normal" hunting ranges that won't be a deal killer. Especially if you re-zero the rifle for those temperatures.

 

[Thomasss]

I've shot RL-22 with 180 grain Nosler bullets in an 30,06 and didn't think anything great about the load or anything really bad either. And I load with Large Rifle Match primers as I do all my hunting loads. I hunt central Wisconsin with average hunting temp. of 20 degrees. Now my brother hunts with RL-22 in a 7mm mag and uses magnum primers in northern Wisconsin. His average hunting temp is around 0 He swears RL-22 is a fantastic powder. We both keep our guns and ammo inside until we go hunt. RL-22 was a kind of ho-hum load for me and was not really impressed. I plan on going back to H4350 or IMR 4064 this year but haven't decided which bullet yet. Jack O'Conner once said no deer ever complained about being shot with 120 fps slower bullet.

 

[Blue68f100]

The tables I have seen is this powder has a big temp swing. Particularly if your shooting above 50F then have to shoot in cold temps. It can be close to 2fps/deg. Which is way too much for hunting ammo. I've run into this with other RL powders. Set them up at one temp then shoot in a different temp and not be close or blow primers. With that said if your able to dial in your load with an environment close to what you will need it does work. I've had excellent accuracy using it, but blew primers once the temp made it to 85F. Which is a cool day at times here in TX. There are other powders to choose from that is more suited, temp stable. RL26 is one that is more temp stable. Not as good as some of the Enduron powders or Hodgdons.

 

[High Plains]

Work up your loads and see how accurate they are now, then verify them right before hunting season. Inside of 400 yards, it is doubtful the velocity loss is going to have a big effect on your shot placement. You might end up being 2” lower in the cooler hunting temperatures than in the middle of June or July, but that is fixable with a few clicks on the scope.
RL-22 is a very good powder with my 280 Rem and 257 Wby. If it works, go for it.

 

[Orion62]

Thanks a lot guys I really appreciate the info and input!! Of course along with the difference in velocity I was most concerned about the POI change that would coincide with it. Guess the only way to find out is to test but then again I may just wait for cooler temps to to do development to stay consistent for development and hunting application?

 

[STCL01]

Now my brother hunts with RL-22 in a 7mm mag and uses magnum primers in northern Wisconsin. His average hunting temp is around 0 He swears RL-22 is a fantastic powder.

I also use RL22 in my 7mm mag, and it gives me 1/4 - 3/8" groups when I do my part. I've not had any issues with it temp wise, but here in Texas it can be 80 degrees during deer season.