Range Report RL 16 for 6.5 Creedmore

[Sirlsohio]

Hi, new to the sight. I have a Tikka 6.5 Creedmoor T3x TAC A1 and was wondering if anyone has used the Alliant RL16 powder. I am shooting Hornady ELD Match 130gn 300 yards at 2" targets and we have our first match coming up. I have used H4350, RL 15 and RL 17. I am not looking for the highest velocity but of course accuracy. The other powders are fine but I am getting copper fouling and the RL 16 is supposed to have an anti-fouling additive.

I called Alliant since their book does not have the Hornady 130gn ELD Match listed and the rep said to use the data for the Hornady 129gn SST data
Any suggestions on the RL 16 and loads.
Thanks,
Bob

 

[021411]

I’m an RL16 convert. Used to use H4350 but hit pressure signs quick. I’m getting the speed I want ~2800 FPS with 42gr of RL16 and 140gr ELD-M. Shooting consistent 0.30” groups at 100. It’s super temp stable as well. Didn’t see any speed difference from 70 degF and 35 degF.

 

[isofahunter]

I am a convert too. Have 32 lbs on order, the velocity and consistency is superb in my 6.5 and 300wm.

 

[bfglowkey]

RL 16 is magic pixie dust for the 6.5 Creedmoor. You will not be disappointed. Not only +1 for all the above but the best SD/ES's I have had to date with any powder in any cartridge.

 

[bfglowkey]

Side note:

Using the 129 SST load data will get you in the ball park for sure.

I shoot mostly 140-147s so I will have to look and see what my notes were for 130s I tried a while back ( Nosler RDFS)

 

[pbatesaz]

Hi, new to the sight. I have a Tikka 6.5 Creedmoor T3x TAC A1 and was wondering if anyone has used the Alliant RL16 powder. I am shooting Hornady ELD Match 130gn 300 yards at 2" targets and we have our first match coming up. I have used H4350, RL 15 and RL 17. I am not looking for the highest velocity but of course accuracy. The other powders are fine but I am getting copper fouling and the RL 16 is supposed to have an anti-fouling additive.

I called Alliant since their book does not have the Hornady 130gn ELD Match listed and the rep said to use the data for the Hornady 129gn SST data
Any suggestions on the RL 16 and loads.
Thanks,
Bob

There is another recent thread about this you may want to look at. I use Lapua brass, CCI 450 primers, RL 16 and Berger 130 hybrids. In one rifle my best load was at 41.4 grains (2750 fps) and in another it was 41.8 grains (2920 fps). Hope this helps.

 

[260284]

The only issue I have had is getting the carbon ring buildup in the throat of my barrel. After 200-300 rounds, I had to use some CLR on a nylon brush to get it out. I had used patch out/wipe out and had clean patches. Started getting ejector marks and stiff bolt lift and noticed a ring on unfired bullets. Hit it with CLR and the patches came out black.

It has been temp stable from 20-104 degrees. I am using Peterson SRP brass, CCI450s, 140 ELDM, and 41.4 grs of powder. Getting 2815 fps with Sd of 4 out of a 23.5" Bartlein with a brake, 2830 fps suppressed.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

im planning on using rl16 for my .25CM once my barrel arrives.

 

[John Glidewell]

The only issue I have had is getting the carbon ring buildup in the throat of my barrel. After 200-300 rounds, I had to use some CLR on a nylon brush to get it out. I had used patch out/wipe out and had clean patches. Started getting ejector marks and stiff bolt lift and noticed a ring on unfired bullets. Hit it with CLR and the patches came out black.

It has been temp stable from 20-104 degrees. I am using Peterson SRP brass, CCI450s, 140 ELDM, and 41.4 grs of powder. Getting 2815 fps with Sd of 4 out of a 23.5" Bartlein with a brake, 2830 fps suppressed.

It is also harder on the throat / barrel. I was a convert but this last barrel did not last 1700 rounds and only 1200 in the 6mm. I am going back to H4350. Might not have the velocity but it is not as hard on barrels.

 

[generalzip]

It is also harder on the throat / barrel. I was a convert but this last barrel did not last 1700 rounds and only 1200 in the 6mm. I am going back to H4350. Might not have the velocity but it is not as hard on barrels.

I've run 6 creeds hot with RL16 and dtacs and got over 1500 which is about as good as one could expect especially loading fairly hot. I've switched to 105 bergers since so will see if the bullet affects barrel life at all either.

 

[Soulezoo]

Hello, I have the same rifle and am close to the end of load development. I am using RL16, 140gr eldm, hornady brass and cci BR 2 primers. I found two accuracy nodes. One at 42.0 grains @2706 avg fps. SD of 12.1. The second is 43.5 grains @ 2834 avg fps. 11.3 SD. Both loads are one hole 5 shot groups under 1/2".

I only had a pound of the powder and cannot speak to temp sensitivity or other negative effects, but Superformance showed some really great promise. Best load was 45.0 grains @2738 avg fps. SD was 2.8. Ragged one hole 1/3" 5 shot group. If I didn't already have 20 lbs of RL16, I'd be testing this one more.

 

[Lunchbox27]

My buddy has the TAC-A1. I believe he was in the 43 grain range for the 130’s, but start a little lower.

I was running 42.4 with 140’s in my factory tikka barrel. RL-16 is an awesome powder. Temp stable, fast, accurate and easy to find in stock.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Tried It out in a 22" made it to 44.2 and 2780fps with no obvious signs of pressure.

 

[John Glidewell]

Big flat spot from 42.7-43.3

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Yeah, was hoping to make it to 2800+

 

[John Glidewell]

Yeah, was hoping to make it to 2800+

In a 22" barrel? I was running 42.6 in a 24 and getting 2760. Running similar load in 28 and getting 2890. That seems to be a common sweet spot for load, but if you want speed you will have to add some barrel.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Or loose some bullet.

 

[skyrep]

I've been using both Varget and IMR 8208 XBR for the lighter bullets with good results.

130gr ELD-M: 39.9 of Varget; COAL: 2.800 in Hornady Brass. - 2884 MVP With 4.3 SD's.

130gr ELD-m: 38.8 of 8208XBR; same coal and brass - 2832 MVP with 5.9 SD's.

130gr Norma Golden Target: 39.6 of Varget; COAL: 2.765 in Prime Brass - 2845 MVP with 6.4 SD's.


shooting with a Savage BA10 Stealth 6.5 Creedmoor 24" Barrel.

 

[shooter98]

Another RL16 convert from H4350. I’m getting much more consistency and many more cold bore 1st shot impacts. I’m using 40.8gr with 140 eld match at 2.80 oal.

 

[021411]

Stretched out one of my Reloder 16 loads. 41.4 with ELD-M 140gr. It’s doing 2765 FPS. It was very consistent.

991 yards. The plate is 10”.

 

[shooter98]

It is also harder on the throat / barrel. I was a convert but this last barrel did not last 1700 rounds and only 1200 in the 6mm. I am going back to H4350. Might not have the velocity but it is not as hard on barrels.

What signs are there that let you know the barrel is fading?

 

[abn31c]

What signs are there that let you know the barrel is fading?

Loss of velocity, group size opening up sd and es growing. Or when I miss too much and dont want to blame myself!?

 

[KitShickers]

Sorry to revive a thread, but anyone have an data on RL16 and 143 eldx?

 

[sam4886]

I'll double check when I get home, but I think I'm running 143 eldx with 41.8 RL16 at 2725fps. 24" barrel, fgmm primers, hornady brass.

 

[KitShickers]

I'll double check when I get home, but I think I'm running 143 eldx with 41.8 RL16 at 2725fps. 24" barrel, fgmm primers, hornady brass.

That would be great! Are those 210m primers?

 

[sam4886]

Yeah, 210M I think. Standard large rifle.

 

[260284]

Sorry to revive a thread, but anyone have an data on RL16 and 143 eldx?

My load for the 140 ELDM worked for the 143 ELDX. 41.4 Rl16, CCI450, Peterson SRP brass, .020" off the lands. 2835 fps out of a 23.5" Bartlein suppressed.

 

[Average guy]

42.3 RL16, 140 hornady match, cci200, Hornady brass. 2830 out of a 26” savage factory barrel. Shoots in the.2’s when I do my part. I use RL16 in everything I can.

 

[KitShickers]

Anyone seen a difference in accuracy/velocity when switching from large to small primers?

 

[John Glidewell]

Anyone seen a difference in accuracy/velocity when switching from large to small primers?

No. But if your rifle has sloppy firing pin / hole, you can blank primers. Small primers crater more with larger firing pins. You can send your bolt in or find a local Smith that can bush it. I went back to large primers. If you are not pushing it hard there is no real need to go small primers. If you are running hard, small will provide better brass life. Other than that I have not seen any real significant difference.

 

[KitShickers]

No. But if your rifle has sloppy firing pin / hole, you can blank primers. Small primers crater more with larger firing pins. You can send your bolt in or find a local Smith that can bush it. I went back to large primers. If you are not pushing it hard there is no real need to go small primers. If you are running hard, small will provide better brass life. Other than that I have not seen any real significant difference.

Great info. Thank you

 

[clcustom1911]

I got a wide node of 42.6-43.2 with 130's in Prime 6.5CM brass. I load 42.8 regularly. 2915 or so out of a 24" Proof barrel. SD is 10-ish and ES is 30 or better which is fine for me because I dont weigh every single charge....

 

[kriller134]

I’m at 42.6 for a 142 smk going ~2850

 

[clcustom1911]

I’m at 42.6 for a 142 smk going ~2850

The 142's are pointed from the factory, correct?

 

[kriller134]

The 142's are pointed from the factory, correct?

Not sure But I don’t think so?