Hey all,

It seems I've heard RL-7 is temperature sensitive if I recall correctly. My questions are...

Is this true? How extreme is the variation and at what temperature ranges does this become a factor? This would affect point of impact would it not (and how badly)?

Thanks for your input. Any other comments or tips would be appreciated.

I have used it in Oregon, and I can only verify the lack of temp sensitivity here. Coming from Minnesota to Oregon in 1995, I had not used it at that time. Hunting Minnesota tho, you do need to be concerned about temperature sensitivity.

I have hunted in November with highs in the 60s, to the following year, same weekend it was 30 below.

It is an accurate powder, and I LOVE RL 7. It is a great powder.

Cheers and Good shooting
seafire

I have used Re7 for years in max. .45/70 loads in TX, NY, and PA. I have never noticed a change in performance of this powder when hunting, regardless of where I used it or the time of year/temp. I have not used it anywhere in below-zero temperatures, however.

all chemical reactions are subject to starting energy.. this is called STP - standard temp/pressure... which is 70degree F and sealevel


go hotter temp, and the reaction starts from an elevated energy state.. go cooler, it starts lower...

and YES, it does matter, that 70degrees from 100 to 30 F...

As for RL7, I find it to be a very suitable for 45/70, 458 win, and 450 marlin...

jeffe

It is my main powder for the .375 Win. Although an extruded powder, the kernels are tiny and seem to meter pretty well for me. I'm a bit of a Alliant/Bofors junkie, so I'd be hard-pressed to come up with anything negative about any of the Reloder powders.

That being said, I've recently felt tempted to try AA1680 in the .375 Win., as well.

RSY

I just tried some RL-7 in .30-30 WCF using 150 Gr. Winchester JFP's. Getting some primer cratering and slight flattening (CCI 200's)at the recommended start load of 27.2 grains at temps above 70 degrees! When I first loaded them at temps around 40-50 deg I didn't notice any problems. Noticbly larger groups too. From the load data, it looked like it might be a good low pressure load

I'm going back to IMR 3031.

Try H-335 in the 30-30