I’m running low on my 4350 stash and am looking to try some RL16 as I’ve heard some great reports of lower pressure achieving similar or more velocity. How close is your charge weight comparing the two powders for the 6.5 creedmoor?
Rl16 vs H4350 in 6.5CM
- Thread starter mrobles3808
- Start date
What brass and bullets are you using?
I just did a OCW for both 4350 and RL17 (Not 16) and did loads ranging from 39 to 42 for both. 17 was getting about 75 fps faster in general.
I just did a OCW for both 4350 and RL17 (Not 16) and did loads ranging from 39 to 42 for both. 17 was getting about 75 fps faster in general.
I’ve had great results with 16 with 140’s and 147’s, and would choose it over h4350. I’ve heard lots of talk about carbon rings, but I’ve never experienced them. You’ll use slightly more 16 than 4350, about .5-.7 gr.
Using rl26 and 147’s at the moment, which is a fairly large jump in performance over h4350 and 16.
Using rl26 and 147’s at the moment, which is a fairly large jump in performance over h4350 and 16.
Copy, thanks. I just started doing load development for my 24" Proof, so all info is good info at this point.
With 41.6 of H4350, I was able to do 2680, SD 10, ES 25, and just over .5 MOA group. Was at 2.84" COAL (.010" jammed into lands). Gonna tune seating depth and probably go .2g in both directions to see if I can do better. Very likely will.
I can never find H4350. I went with RL16 and haven't looked back.
I'm waiting on a rifle to come back to me with a 24" Proof barrel. I'll let you know what it runs with RL16 and 140's.
I'm waiting on a rifle to come back to me with a 24" Proof barrel. I'll let you know what it runs with RL16 and 140's.
When i was briefly loading for 6.5creedmoor i was using:
RL16
Lapua Brass
CCI 450
140g Hybrids
26" PVA barrel
41.8g @ 2800fps
RL16
Lapua Brass
CCI 450
140g Hybrids
26" PVA barrel
41.8g @ 2800fps
You're going to love it. The Proof Techs told me the barrels really like the 140 and 143 ELD-M ammo.
I believe (don't quote me) Team area 419 did a test comparing H4350 and RL16 in different temperatures. Although H4350 has been said to have the most stability in temp swings of all Extreme powders, Area 419's results showed RL16 to have much less velocity spread. I'll try and find the link to the post I read and get it up here.
I saw very little shift, honestly. I tested on a 55 degree day, again a few months later on a 78 degree day and again on a hot ass 92 degree day. I saw a difference around 17 fps (55 to 92)? I would have to look at my data book to know the number. Between that, the accuracy and the availability I don't even look for H4350.
Now RL17 is another beast. That thing went was off by almost 70fps!
My tests also showed it was slightly better than h4350.
The only area where it isn’t as good as h4350, and this isn’t a creedmoor problem at all, is bulk density. The kernels are irregularly shaped, and end up taking a little more space at the same charge weight.
RL16 and RL26 are both extremely insensitive to temperature changes.
I've been using RL26 with 147's and found 48.0gr about the max (60-61ksi in a pressure test barrel). My pet load is right around 47gr, and gives me 2765fps in a 21" brux barrel. 48.0gr gave 2820fps in the same barrel but was a bit inconsistent for velocity. I've met guys pushing over 2900fps with 140's and I don't doubt it. I'd say especially guys with a 24" or longer barrel can take even more advantage of it.
I've been using RL26 with 147's and found 48.0gr about the max (60-61ksi in a pressure test barrel). My pet load is right around 47gr, and gives me 2765fps in a 21" brux barrel. 48.0gr gave 2820fps in the same barrel but was a bit inconsistent for velocity. I've met guys pushing over 2900fps with 140's and I don't doubt it. I'd say especially guys with a 24" or longer barrel can take even more advantage of it.
RL 16 is my Creedmoor magic pixie dust. The SD/ES and velocities are all better then a similar H4350 load. The carbon rings are a monster issue if you over work your brass and bump the shoulders back too far. You can get them with any powder just was way more evident for me on RL16 and of course I was thankful cause it showed me my dies needed another tweak.
RL17 is faster but is very temperamental with environmental swings ( 40 vs 80s is down right silly to see the difference)
RL26 has been a very fun powder to use with the 147s and above. If your barrel isn't at least 24 I would say don't bother and stick to RL 16. I think H4350s strength lies in its just so good in every barrel I have seen. I cannot think of one time it didn't work for someone. Props to Hogdon for that for sure. RL 16 works for most everyone but not with the same ease as H4350. Worth a look though for sure.
I am using it in my RPR in 6.5 ( factory barrel is still going strong after 2700 rnds and 0 flyers or noticeable group increase) and my RAP 6 Creedmoor. Buddy is working on his Bergara and its loving it as well.
RL17 is faster but is very temperamental with environmental swings ( 40 vs 80s is down right silly to see the difference)
RL26 has been a very fun powder to use with the 147s and above. If your barrel isn't at least 24 I would say don't bother and stick to RL 16. I think H4350s strength lies in its just so good in every barrel I have seen. I cannot think of one time it didn't work for someone. Props to Hogdon for that for sure. RL 16 works for most everyone but not with the same ease as H4350. Worth a look though for sure.
I am using it in my RPR in 6.5 ( factory barrel is still going strong after 2700 rnds and 0 flyers or noticeable group increase) and my RAP 6 Creedmoor. Buddy is working on his Bergara and its loving it as well.
Its in a 6xc using 105s, 39.4 gr H4350 and 39.7 gr RL16 as those are my loads I developed that shoot best
Ammo at 35, 85 and 120 degrees, 5 shot samples.
Ammo at 35, 85 and 120 degrees, 5 shot samples.
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Rl16 is a great powder, more speed than h4350. Less pressure? I dont know. I shoot about 300 rnds a month and I would get inconsistent velocities after about 75 rnds. I believe its because rl16 reminds me of shooting black powder. Absolutely filthy. If I were building a hunting load I would use it, but not in the stuff I shoot all the time. My load in my barrel is 43 grns. H4350, lapua brass and fed205m pushing a 130 hybrid at 2916. My sd is 2 my es is 6 on a 10 shot string on a barrel that hasn't been cleaned for over 100 rnds. For me h4350 just works better.
