RL 16 in 270 WIN

[Lee Q. Loader]

I went to buy my tried and true 270 powder, IMR 4350 and they were out at the Sportsman Warehouse. I was surprised to see that they did have RL 16. I've read a bit about RL 16 and it was all good, so I bought it. Now I honestly wish I hadn't. I'm sure it's a great powder and I sort of have this weird allegiance to Alliant, IMR 4350 is the only powder I use that isn't Alliant, but I'm really not looking forward to working up a new load when I know my 4350 load is so good.

My 700 BDL with 22" barrel shoots best with the good ole Hornady Interlock and Nosler Ballistic Tips.

So I guess I would just like to hear from anyone who has used RL 16 with a 130 grain bullet.
I'm really considering shelving the RL 16 and just finding the IMR 4350. Can anyone talk me into using the RL 16?

 

[Bfh_auto]

You will still have your load data for IMR4350 if you don't like it.
It works well in 6.5x55. I would think it will do well in 270.

 

[Blue68f100]

I've had good luck in getting good groups using the RL-## but the ones I chose were temp sensitive. The RL16 is not suppose to be temp sensitive. Give it a go you will be surprised as to the results.

 

[horsemen61]

I’d try to work up a new load that would be fun

 

[JimKirk]

Here is some data from Alliant..

http://alliantpowder.com/reloaders/...wderlist.aspx&type=1&powderid=41&cartridge=63

 

[sage5907]

I've used several powders in a 270 Winchester with 130 grain bullets and they all perform similarly. A 270 Winchester is one of the easiest cartridges to find an accurate load. I think that people who like Hodgdon powders tend to say Reliant powders are temperature sensitive but at temperatures between 20 and 75 degrees that has not been my experience. I have a rifle that is really accurate and I've used Reloader 16, Reloader 17, Reloader 22, IMR 4350 and IMR 4831 and all of them shoot accurately, but some bullets like one powder better than another. Reloader 17 is the velocity king similar to IMR 4350. It's hard for me to get away from Reloader 17. Reloader 22 is the competitor to IMR 4831 and I like it better than IMR 4831. With some limited experience I think I would choose IMR 4350 over Reloader 16 just because I am also a fan of IMR 4350. On any given day one of these powders may shoot better than the other. When I go to the range I shoot groups with two of these powders and to let them go head-to-head to see which shoots best on that particular day. You have to try it to find out.

 

[Lee Q. Loader]

I've used several powders in a 270 Winchester with 130 grain bullets and they all perform similarly. A 270 Winchester is one of the easiest cartridges to find an accurate load. I think that people who like Hodgdon powders tend to say Reliant powders are temperature sensitive but at temperatures between 20 and 75 degrees that has not been my experience. I have a rifle that is really accurate and I've used Reloader 16, Reloader 17, Reloader 22, IMR 4350 and IMR 4831 and all of them shoot accurately, but some bullets like one powder better than another. Reloader 17 is the velocity king similar to IMR 4350. It's hard for me to get away from Reloader 17. Reloader 22 is the competitor to IMR 4831 and I like it better than IMR 4831. With some limited experience I think I would choose IMR 4350 over Reloader 16 just because I am also a fan of IMR 4350. On any given day one of these powders my shoot better than the other. When I go to the range I shoot groups with two of these powders and to let them go head-to-head to see which shoots best on that particular day. You have to try it to find out.

I really appreciate reading your post. I have never tried another powder with 130 gr bullets. I never saw the need, because I have such confidence in my IMR 4350 load.
I've decided to load up with and RL 16 and give it a try based on your experience and accuracy for various powders.
I'm going to load my Nosler BT's and start at 52 grains. There is no data specific to the Nosler BT on the Alliant's website, but based on the other 130 bullets' data I think this is a good start.
Hopefully I can get a load with the RL 16 that I have as much confidence in as the IMR 4350!

 

[sage5907]

I have used both 52 grains of Reloader 16 and 52 grains of Reloader 17 with a 130 grain bullet and they both work well. One of the most accurate loads I have tried is 52 grains of Reloader 17 with a 130 grain Berger classic hunter. It shoots really small groups. I didn't do quite as well with Reloader 16 but I only tried it with the Sierra GameKing. Reloader 22 got in the way because once I tried it with the 130 grain Sierra GameKing I didn't go back to Reloader 16. Next spring I will try Reloader 16 more and let it go head-to-head with the other powders. I have two pounds and look forward to trying it more.

 

[2ndtimer]

I was using Reloder 17 in my .270 Win with decent results, then I saw some 4000-MR on sale, so I thought I would try that. Initially, I wasn't that impressed, but then Alliant updated their load data and increased the maximum powder charge by two grains. At the higher charge weight, 4000-MR really performed well. Over 3000 fps with the 130 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips, and very good accuracy. I haven't tried Reloder 16, and have no plans to.

 

[Lee Q. Loader]

I got out to shoot my RL 16 loads today. I ended up using 130 grain Interlocks instead of the Noslers. I seat them to 3.30 OAL and it leaves the cannelure sitting up above the brass. It looks kind of funny but I know that's my best OAL.
I shot groups of 3 of 52.5, 53.0, 53.5 and 54.0 grains of RL 16. I really didn't see any difference in the size of the groups all were about an inch at about 100 yds. Primers were flattened on the 54 grain loads, so I decided to settle on the 53.5.
Thanks to all who replied. I'll use up the RL16 and most likely go back to the IMR 4350.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I got out to shoot my RL 16 loads today. I ended up using 130 grain Interlocks instead of the Noslers. I seat them to 3.30 OAL and it leaves the cannelure sitting up above the brass. It looks kind of funny but I know that's my best OAL.
I shot groups of 3 of 52.5, 53.0, 53.5 and 54.0 grains of RL 16. I really didn't see any difference in the size of the groups all were about an inch at about 100 yds. Primers were flattened on the 54 grain loads, so I decided to settle on the 53.5.
Thanks to all who replied. I'll use up the RL16 and most likely go back to the IMR 4350.

I bet the nosler would be more accurate. 1 inch is average for interlocks. They are like a 30-30; Not amazing but do the job.
I had good luck with AA4350 if that's more available.

 

[Stew0576]

I'm using 58.7 grains of H4831 seated at 3.28 oal, using hornady 130 grain spire points, 3 different .270 rifles all getting half inch groups at 100 yards, will see what happens come deer season

 

[Richard 300WM]

I went to buy my tried and true 270 powder, IMR 4350 and they were out at the Sportsman Warehouse. I was surprised to see that they did have RL 16. I've read a bit about RL 16 and it was all good, so I bought it. Now I honestly wish I hadn't. I'm sure it's a great powder and I sort of have this weird allegiance to Alliant, IMR 4350 is the only powder I use that isn't Alliant, but I'm really not looking forward to working up a new load when I know my 4350 load is so good.

My 700 BDL with 22" barrel shoots best with the good ole Hornady Interlock and Nosler Ballistic Tips.

So I guess I would just like to hear from anyone who has used RL 16 with a 130 grain bullet.
I'm really considering shelving the RL 16 and just finding the IMR 4350. Can anyone talk me into using the RL 16?

RL16 is superb in my 270 with 130 grain Berger Hybrid bullets. Its very accurate, and not temperture sensitive.

 

[joed]

I used IMR4350 in my .25-06 for over 20 years but decided to try the RL powders. I've used RL19 and have never gone back to IMR4350, doubt that I ever will. Can't comment on RL16 but RL19 gives me more velocity and better accuracy in my rifle.

Noticed Nosler doesn't have RL16 in their load data for the .270 but that doesn't mean it's not a good powder.