Load data

buttshot

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A guy on the classifieds forum posted some RL17 for sale, saying it was good for .300WSM and .300 win mag. I responded and told him I would take it and then checked my Hornady, Speer and Barnes manuals and it is not listed at all for these 2 calibers. I replied that it wasn't listed and kinda asked him WTF? Huntinfool posted a link to Alliants website and RL17 is used primarily for short magnum loads but can be used for almost every caliber gun I own. Why would it not be listed in 3 different load data books but it is listed on the mfg website? Kinda new to reloading so feel free to rip me apart but give me something I can learn from.
Thanks
 
The bullet manufacturers can't list a load for every type of powder out there. Plus, RL 17 is a relatively new powder so older manuals won't have it. If Alliant shows a load you should be fine. No guarantee your rifle will like it, though.
 
To further complicate things, several manufacturers have released multiple new powders recently. The manufacturers website is always a good place to start. Those sites probably won't list data for every bullet, but with some study (using data for a compareable bullet to what you'd like to load) usually you can load safely. You can also use a burn rate chart to help in the decision. That kind of thing comes with experience. mtmuley
 
Out of several powders from which to choose, RL-17 is THE choice for 300WSM loads.
I've also used it in a new load for my old 338 WM.
It's considered a very temp-stable powder with burn rates similar to 4350 but you can expect higher velocities with 17.
There's tons of data out there for RL-17 but you have to dig to get it.
If you buy it, I can help.
Zeke
 
Thanks guys for the info. I took kind of a deserved beating on the classifieds. My books are probably 4-5 years old, explaining why mine do not list RL17, or other new powders? My Hornady is the 5th edition and Barnes is #4. Speer is my brothers and he had his stuff a year before I got mine. I was told by my buddies dad to always use load data books that are widely accepted and have tried to stick to that. I have a lot to learn. Shortly after I started to load, my son needed a new room, outgrew the same room him and his sister were sharing when they were about 8 and 6. We made my office gun room a bedroom and I have been chompin at the bit lately to get started again. I know I have lots of questions coming up soon and will be here askin soon enough.
Once again, Thanks guys!
Buttshot
 

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