After reading about the velocities RL 17 produced in a 284 Win and 180 bullets, I thought it might be a good choice for the 260 and 130 bullets. Anyone try this powder in their 260?

Bobby B.

QL shows it near the top of the list.

I was using it in the Creedmoor and yes, you get at least 150 fps more velocity. I could never tune an acceptably accurate load though, so I went to W-760.

Be careful. If you plan on putting a ton of rounds down the bore, I think the powder is high energy and the borescope indicates in my rifle some rounded lands and signs of premature wear.

With the 760, I found accuracy. During pressure testing, it gave about the same velocity as the RL. I settled on the lower velocity/accurate load though because I found it quickly. With more testing in the future, I believe I can find accuracy at a velocity closer to what the RL gave...

What's a good starting charge of RL 17 over the 130 berger VLD?

Bobby B.

My load in the Creedmoor was 43.2 gr with the 139 Lapua Scenar.

With the .260 and a 130 grainer, I'd start at 41 grains and shoot an Audette's working up in .2 grain increments. I saw pressure in my rifle at 44+ grains with the 139 Lapua.

Load plenty of the start load to get sighted in before the test. Don't be afraid to load some past the 44 to 45 grain level. JUST MAKE SURE YOU LOOK FOR PRESSURE AS YOU SHOOT THE LOWER CHARGED SHELLS. SHOOT THEM FROM LOWEST CHARGE TO HIGHEST AND STOP WHEN YOU HAVE ANY SIGNS OF OVERPRESSURE.

The Audettes's test is great for finding accuracy nodes AND the max load for your rifle with the chosen components!