RL TS 15.5 in .308

[patrad]

Howdy all. Been a while since I was here.

I'm looking for any info on RL TS 15.5 in .308. And yes, I did do a search with only a couple of hits. Apologies if I missed the info. So I'll give it a try, and see what turns up. Your knowledge will be appreciated!

I recently got an 8# jug of this powder - mostly 'cause I wasn't paying close enough attention. So, now I'm trying to find data. This will be using 168 - 175 grain SMK's & TMK's, along with Hor and NCC bullets, and new Norma brass. Primers on hand are std CCI & Win LRP's - no Mag or BR primers. Rifle has a 20", mid weight, 10 twist, SS fluted barrel, in an AR style rifle. I really don't want this powder to go to waste, and I don't do the heavies.

TIA,
Mike.

 

[straightshooter1]

Howdy all. Been a while since I was here.

I'm looking for any info on RL TS 15.5 in .308. And yes, I did do a search with only a couple of hits. Apologies if I missed the info. So I'll give it a try, and see what turns up. Your knowledge will be appreciated!

I recently got an 8# jug of this powder - mostly 'cause I wasn't paying close enough attention. So, now I'm trying to find data. This will be using 168 - 175 grain SMK's & TMK's, along with Hor and NCC bullets, and new Norma brass. Primers on hand are std CCI & Win LRP's - no Mag or BR primers. Rifle has a 20", mid weight, 10 twist, SS fluted barrel, in an AR style rifle. I really don't want this powder to go to waste, and I don't do the heavies.

TIA,
Mike.

Just a few weeks ago I got some RL 15.5 to try out of my curiosity. At this point I've only loaded 10 rounds using 168 SMK's for this first test to get my bearings on how I might want to more effectively load with this powder. I went as high as 44.5 grs, CCI-400's with a COAL of 2.903 and stopped there, even though I hadn't seen any pressure signs yet. Velocity was approaching 2800 fps out of my 26" barrel and case was filled a little over capacity. If one is loading to a COAL of 2.800, 42.5 grs would be ~100% capacity, depending on the brass being used (I wasn't using my good Lapua brass, but was using some PMC brass with a case volume of 55.3 after being fired) .

In your case, I'd suggest you do a pressure test ladder to find where the max load might be for the COAL you'll be using. And you might start at 41 grs or so. Then you can decide what load you might want to test for the performance you're after.

 

[patrad]

Just a few weeks ago I got some RL 15.5 to try out of my curiosity. At this point I've only loaded 10 rounds using 168 SMK's for this first test to get my bearings on how I might want to more effectively load with this powder. I went as high as 44.5 grs, CCI-400's with a COAL of 2.903 and stopped there, even though I hadn't seen any pressure signs yet. Velocity was approaching 2800 fps out of my 26" barrel and case was filled a little over capacity. If one is loading to a COAL of 2.800, 42.5 grs would be ~100% capacity, depending on the brass being used (I wasn't using my good Lapua brass, but was using some PMC brass with a case volume of 55.3 after being fired) .

In your case, I'd suggest you do a pressure test ladder to find where the max load might be for the COAL you'll be using. And you might start at 41 grs or so. Then you can decide what load you might want to test for the performance you're after.

Many thanks, straightshooter1! I'd been debating even opening the jug and maybe selling it.

I was considering maybe starting at 40.5 or so if I tried it. Really would like to see if it'll work out. I'd start at 2.80 COAL (then experiment up to mag length), I believe, but 41 sounds better. Can't remember what the case capacity is with the Norma - I'll have to look it up. What's yer opinion on a crimp? I've been using a Lee FCD lately, and like the results really well. Dang chrono took a dump a few weeks ago, and at this time of year, I'm still recovering $$ wise (2 Great Grandsons!). Got my eye on a Garmin Zero C1 when I can afford it. Gotta obviously do some more research!

Thanks again!,
Mike.

 

[spife7980]

Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

www.alliantpowder.com

 

[patrad]

Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

www.alliantpowder.com

Thanks spife. Been there already, with no help for my bullet info. Does possibly help in referencing powder weights, though - just not for my weight range, except the Fed 175 Terminal Ascent. Powder Valley also has one - with the same problem for me - nothing in my weight range except the Fed 175 Terminal Ascent. Could likely use that as a guide though, and will for the 175's. Really wish either of them had specific info on the SMK's, though. Oh well - experimenting we will go!

Thanks again,
Mike.

 

[spife7980]

The hint there is that its too slow for those weights in that chambering according to the manufacturer. Start lower and work up but expect anemic velocity.

 

[RegionRat]

I was considering maybe starting at 40.5 or so if I tried it. Really would like to see if it'll work out. I'd start at 2.80 COAL (then experiment up to mag length), I believe, but 41 sounds better. Can't remember what the case capacity is with the Norma - I'll have to look it up. What's yer opinion on a crimp? I've been using a Lee FCD lately, and like the results really well. Dang chrono took a dump a few weeks ago, and at this time of year, I'm still recovering $$ wise (2 Great Grandsons!). Got my eye on a Garmin Zero C1 when I can afford it. Gotta obviously do some more research!

If you think of the TS 15.5 as a slightly slower version of RE-15 while doing your testing, you will be safe.

Crimp-no-crimp is a deep hole. When in the bolt action accuracy game, you should be able to manipulate your brass and be happy without a crimp. That is not to say you shouldn't crimp or to say your should not experiment with it, because you should for the experience.

Measure your own case capacity, all it takes is to plug the hole with a dead primer, some water, and your scale. Beginners should learn to watch the case capacity once they care about accuracy and precision. It really is part of understanding the differences in brass brands and the effects of case volume versus charge and pressure. Also, physically measuring the case head thickness and weight goes with this concept.

The Sierra Match Kings in 168 and 175 are very user friendly and you should not have any bad behavior due to seating depth compared to more aggressive shapes.

Here is a public domain link to the Sierra data that shows the old RE-15 recipe, TS 15.5 is directly related yet a little "slower" so depending on your rifle, your seating depth, and your brass, prep, etc, it would take a little more TS 15.5 to get these velocities. YMMV
http://www.6mmbr.citymaker.com/f/Sierra308Win.pdf
https://www.6mmbr.com/308Win.html

If your rig was happy with RE-15, there is a very good chance you will also get TS 15.5 to work. If you were not happy with RE-15, then you probably won't like TS15.5 either.

 

[straightshooter1]

Many thanks, straightshooter1! I'd been debating even opening the jug and maybe selling it.

I was considering maybe starting at 40.5 or so if I tried it. Really would like to see if it'll work out. I'd start at 2.80 COAL (then experiment up to mag length), I believe, but 41 sounds better. Can't remember what the case capacity is with the Norma - I'll have to look it up. What's yer opinion on a crimp? I've been using a Lee FCD lately, and like the results really well. Dang chrono took a dump a few weeks ago, and at this time of year, I'm still recovering $$ wise (2 Great Grandsons!). Got my eye on a Garmin Zero C1 when I can afford it. Gotta obviously do some more research!

Thanks again!,
Mike.

Norma cases tend to have more case capacity than those like Lapua or Federal due to having thinner case walls. The case volume I have on file for Norma brass is 56.4 grs H2O. But, because case volumes can vary significantly from lot to lot, it's best if you take some measurements of your own cases (at least 10) to see what yours are.

Crimping is ok and usually best suited for semi-auto's, just not really necessary for bolt guns. You can get better precision not crimping and finding the right "neck tension" that works best in your bolt gun. Some people who don't crimp for their semi-auto's will use more neck tension instead to be sure the bullet's seating isn't affected by repeated recoil and bolt slamming.

 

[patrad]

If you think of the TS 15.5 as a slightly slower version of RE-15 while doing your testing, you will be safe.

Crimp-no-crimp is a deep hole. When in the bolt action accuracy game, you should be able to manipulate your brass and be happy without a crimp. That is not to say you shouldn't crimp or to say your should not experiment with it, because you should for the experience.

Measure your own case capacity, all it takes is to plug the hole with a dead primer, some water, and your scale. Beginners should learn to watch the case capacity once they care about accuracy and precision. It really is part of understanding the differences in brass brands and the effects of case volume versus charge and pressure. Also, physically measuring the case head thickness and weight goes with this concept.

The Sierra Match Kings in 168 and 175 are very user friendly and you should not have any bad behavior due to seating depth compared to more aggressive shapes.

Here is a public domain link to the Sierra data that shows the old RE-15 recipe, TS 15.5 is directly related yet a little "slower" so depending on your rifle, your seating depth, and your brass, prep, etc, it would take a little more TS 15.5 to get these velocities. YMMV
http://www.6mmbr.citymaker.com/f/Sierra308Win.pdf
https://www.6mmbr.com/308Win.html

If your rig was happy with RE-15, there is a very good chance you will also get TS 15.5 to work. If you were not happy with RE-15, then you probably won't like TS15.5 either.

Thanks spife and regionrat! Very much appreciate the info. All that is info that I've been trying to put to use. Got a LOT more thinks to put into this, since data is kinda sparing. And yes, I'm aware of that burn rate/bullet weight thing, too. It'll take some time, but I'll get into it as soon as possible. Since I'm doing it mostly for a semi (the bolt gun will come afterwards), I'll go ahead and do a crimp fer them - just not too harshly done. Did allright with the RL15, just can't find my notes. Wasn't able at the time to get anywhere near serious enough with it, though.

Thanks for all yer info,
Mike.

 

[RegionRat]

Some nightstand reading since you are running a gas gun.
https://snipercentral.com/history-m118-ammunition/
https://www.m14forum.com/threads/all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-m852.477000/

 

[patrad]

Many thanks to all for all the info! I'll give it a try on the 168's, and see if I can get it to perform. Looks like in the meantime, I'll concentrate on the 175's with the RL TS 15.5 (still haven't quite convinced myself to open that jug yet). The urge to experiment with the powder is very strong, though. More thinks needed for a good decision, though. As straightshooter1 pointed out, I've decided on 41 grains to start (and 44 grains max) a pressure ladder test, and see what I come up with. Then the real fun begins! Any more info and/or suggestions welcome!

Y'all take care,
Mike.