Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

SPAK

Stupid can be fixed
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Apr 3, 2009
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    Hey Guys,

    I had some work done on my rifle so I did a ladder test yesterday to rework my load development. At least to get a starting point to do my OCW testing. 217 yards was the furthest I could shoot yesterday. I would have liked to be out at 300 yards but I'll take what I can get.

    Here are the results:

    Velocities:

    RL 22 cci 200 new lapua brass 208 amax .02" off the lands
    217 yards

    56.0gr 2673 fps
    56.5gr 2671 fps
    57.0gr 2709 fps
    57.5gr 2703 fps
    58.0gr 2743 fps
    58.5gr 2757 fps
    59.0gr 2780 fps
    59.5gr 2803 fps
    60.0gr 2832 fps Ejector Mark on case, very slightly stiff bolt

    IMG_2548.jpg


    RL 17 cci 200 new lapua brass 208 amax .02" off the lands
    217 yards

    51.0gr 2688 fps
    51.5gr 2697 fps (Not sure what happened, shooter error??)
    52.0gr 2727 fps
    52.5gr 2729 fps
    53.0gr 2743 fps
    53.5gr 2787 fps EJ Mark on Case.

    IMG_2549.jpg


    The only thing I forgot to do was run the boresnake after shooting my RL 22 loads before testing the RL 17. I've heard that powder residue from different powders can affect accuracy. I'm going to redo the RL 17 after running the snake through it. Has anyone else had that experience? Or should different powder residue in the tube not make a difference??

    I'm thinking about fine tuning with the RL 22 at 57.0gr-58.5gr load and I'll find something after I redo the ladder with the RL 17.

    Any thoughts?

     
    Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

    I just found out my form 4 for my suppressor got approved!!

    any thoughts as to whether or not I should re do the ladder tests??
     
    Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

    You've got me rethinking which powder to use when my .30-06 is done being built, I've seen other comparisons where RL-17 came out on top. What is your barrel length?
     
    Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

    I use 22 for my 30-06 and I get very good velocities from it. I am guessing that your barrel length is probably in the 22-24" range since I'm at 26 and outrunning those values by 75-100 fps.

    I just got some 17 to try out in the 7mm/270 but I've wanted to give it a go in the 30-06 for a while with the 208's, I'll have to give it a whirl and see what I get. I'll put my results here when I get to it so that it's easy to compare.
     
    Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

    I'm using a 22" mcgowen barrel. It's interesting, before I had the work done on my rifle RL 17 was showing better accuracy and consistency, now it seems like RL 22 might be the powder to go to. At least from the preliminary ladder.
     
    Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

    With a shorter barrel, you're not really using all the powder in the barrel and I would suspect that there's a sizable flame coming out of the muzzle each shot. A slightly faster powder might help regain some velocities.
     
    Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

    ok, guys I tried my hand at an OCW test from 56.1gr to 58.5gr. I did the test with the can on, as that's how I'm primarily going to shoot.

    Test was a little difficult by the 3rd round robin, groups started to open up. The mirage was getting heavy and the guy next to me was shooting a crazy old gatling gun!

    I didn't mind, but it made it just a little more difficult to concentrate.

    Just about all the shots off the group are from the 3rd round. Barrel was getting pretty warm by now. Needed to finish up to get home to the kids...I know, I know, bad form and I didn't do myself any favors but none the less here's the report:

    Here's the velocity report with the can on:

    56.1gr
    2672
    2694
    2692

    56.4gr
    2668
    2690
    2691

    56.7gr
    2705
    2691
    2710

    57.0gr
    2725
    2702
    2724

    57.3gr
    2736
    2733
    2739

    57.6gr
    2738
    2732
    2783 called flyer

    57.9gr
    2748
    2754
    2694

    58.2gr
    2753
    2762
    2646

    58.5gr
    2783
    2770
    err reading sl sticky bolt





    IMG_2556.jpg


    IMG_2557.jpg


    IMG_2558.jpg


    Any input would be great. I'm not sure how exactly to interpret this. but I'm thinking that the ocw might be somewhere around 57.3-57.6 gr?? Any thoughts would
    be helpful.

    Thanks!
     
    Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

    Judging by that target alone I would say the 56.7 looks to be the most accurate. You are looking for the least vertical spread. The horizontal spread can be attributed to wind.
     
    Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

    Mitch, run through those charges the same way as the ocw test I assume? 3 rounds round robin?

    Thanks.
     
    Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

    Frog,

    While RE-17 certainly showed me higher velocities the ES was WAY outside my limits simply because I could not fill the case. RE you photo of RE-22 I would put your OCW at 58gr and play w/ seating depth to round out your groups as you are probably at the warmest point of Alaska now.

    Your groups from the RE-17 are inconclusive as there is a "thrown" shot in most groups. If I "had to gues 56.5 would give you good service.

    Remember the OCW isn't about group size it's about location.

    Cheers,

    Doc
     
    Re: Ladder tests RL 22 and RL 17 .30-06 with 208 Amax

    hey doc, the es in the loads from 57.0-57.3-57.6 seemed to be the lowest. When I triagulate the groups there, it appeared to my eyes that that would be closer to my OCW.

    Am I missing something that you see??

    I agree about the RL 17, I can't get enough powder in it before I hit pressure signs.