338 win mag and RL-19

18 July 2013, 18:15

Hello, I am new to the 338 win mag. For the 225 grain bullets and RL-19:
Hornady #8 lists 73.3 grain max
Alliant web lists 78.0 grain max

The Alliant load seems aggressive. Anyone using it with Nosler Partitions?
Is it a highly compressed load?

Thanks,

18 July 2013, 19:04

TX Nimrod

I have to call BS on the Alliant data. I load 76 grains of RL-19 in my .338 with 200-grain bullets - it is maximum in my rifle and not compressed. I'd start three-four grains under the Hornady maximum data and work up carefully.

.

18 July 2013, 22:28

Bear in Fairbanks

The Nosler #7 manual lists Rldr-19 at 70.0 gr. for a min. and 74.0 as a max. for their 225 gr. bullet. I'd say that the Allliant data is a bit on the "aggressive" side.
As a side note, I use 73.0 grs. of Rldr-22 in my .338 WM with a 225 gr. bullet. I wouldn't go any higher than the Nosler book max.
Good luck
Bear in Fairbanks

18 July 2013, 23:02

TJAY

I have used up to 75 gr. of R-19 with 225 partitions. My regular load is 74. Alliant data uses speer bullets.

19 July 2013, 07:25

cgbach

After you work up a load for your Noslers you might want to try the Barns TTSX 225's. Accuracy with the Noslers in my .338 is OK but the Barns are fantastic. I hope they work as well on elk as they do on paper.
C.G.B.

19 July 2013, 18:57

Stonecreek

Most of Alliant's RL series is made by Bofors of Sweden and is essentially the same powder as sold under the Norma label. This series of Bofors powders, while providing excellent performance, has a reputation for varying from lot to lot somewhat more than most canister-grade powders. Combined with the fact that the two data sources undoubtedly used different test guns in which their data was developed, it is reasonable to assume that both sources are "right" for the gun used and the powder lot used.

Your gun and powder lot will be different from EITHER of those data sources, so it is up to you to use proven methodology to work up the load which is appropriate to your gun and powder lot.

By the way, when using any powder, particularly one of the RL or Norma series, it is wise to purchase enough of one lot to last you for a significant period of time. Otherwise, when you change lots you'll be starting over in working up your load (or wondering why your bolt lift is sticky and primers have a smokey ring around them).

23 July 2013, 02:22

Texas Killartist

All good advice. When I buy powder these days( when I can find it) I always buy at least 2 lbs w/ the same lot numbers.

25 July 2013, 22:00

John Chalmers

quote:
Originally posted by Stonecreek:
Most of Alliant's RL series is made by Bofors of Sweden and is essentially the same powder as sold under the Norma label. This series of Bofors powders, while providing excellent performance, has a reputation for varying from lot to lot somewhat more than most canister-grade powders. Combined with the fact that the two data sources undoubtedly used different test guns in which their data was developed, it is reasonable to assume that both sources are "right" for the gun used and the powder lot used.

Your gun and powder lot will be different from EITHER of those data sources, so it is up to you to use proven methodology to work up the load which is appropriate to your gun and powder lot.

By the way, when using any powder, particularly one of the RL or Norma series, it is wise to purchase enough of one lot to last you for a significant period of time. Otherwise, when you change lots you'll be starting over in working up your load (or wondering why your bolt lift is sticky and primers have a smokey ring around them).

Stonecreek, A mind of information right there.

cheers jc