I just found an unopened can of RL 21 that I'm sure I've had since Jesus was a Corporal, but none of my current manuals list any data for it. How does it compare in burning rate to other available powders? What's it good for?

Thanks

Redial
markriedl@yahoo.com

redial -

R21 was the slow burner in the old Hercules line, usually placed between 4350 and 4831 (back in the days when there was only one of each). It was replaced by R22 (but you can NOT use R22 load data for it) when Hercules (now Alliant)updated their powders some years ago. Some of the older load manuals have data for it. Do you have a specific caliber/bullet in mind? I've seen some RL 21 loads in P.O. Ackley's "Handbook" and other places.

I'm guessing you gave it the 'sniff' (if it smells like brake fluid it's okay; if it smells acidic, like an aspirin tablet, it's no good) and 'red dust' (dump some of it out on a clean white paper and look for red or rust colored dust - if you see any throw it out) tests?!?!

R-WEST

Thanks!

That's about what I figured, really.

It's still unopened for now, so I don't know if it's gone bad. Over the years I've burned a wheelbarrow-load of surplus 4895, so questionable powder is nothing new! Too bad powder doesn't come with a better "born on" date!

I was considering it for '06 heavy bullet loads or general use in a 300 Winnie. If it's still good, I oughta be able to put together something safe and reasonable. There's only the one pound, so whatever I cook up will last only a few rounds anyway.

Certainly appreciate your insight!

Redial

OOPS!! Need more gingko. According to John Wootters in a Wolfe Publishing's "Propellant Profiles" article from sometime in the 60's, R21 is actually FASTER than 4350, more on the order of H380.

What's really weird for a relatively fast powder is, in the "Suggested Loads" section of the article, they don't list anything lighter in the 30-06 than 220 grainers, where 46 grains is shown as giving 2350 FPS. There are some loads listed for the 300 Mag:
70 grains/150 = 3,330 FPS
65 grains/180 = 3,020 FPS
60.5 grains/220 = 2,810 FPS
I'd consider these max loads and do the 10% reduction thing.

The article DOES mention that this powder typically gives excellent accuracy, and that magnum primers aren't needed.

P.O. Ackley's Handbook lists a number of loads for the '06 with 150's, 180's and 220's.
53 grains/150 = 2,900 FPS
51 grains/180 = 2,700 FPS
48 grains/220 = 2,450 FPS
(again, probably max's)
but nothing for the 300 Winnie.

Sorry for any confusion.

R-WEST

Redial, My old (1971, 1st edition) of the Sierra manual lists R21 as haveing a burn rate between H-375 faster and H380 slower, a bit slower than IMR4320. The loads for the 30-06 with R21 are as follows.
180 gr bullet
Win case
Win 81/2-120 primer
45.9gr = 2400fps
52.8gr = 2700fps / MAX

200 gr bullet
43.5gr = 2200fps
50.1gr = 2500fps / MAX

220 gr bullet
42.7gr = 2100fps
49.2gr = 2400fps / MAX
This is in a 26" BBl with universal reciever

For the 300 Win Mag it lists,
180gr bullet
Win case
Win 120 primer
60.2gr R21 = 2700fps
65.3gr R21 = 2900fps / MAX

200gr bullet
56.8gr R21 = 2500fps
61.7gr R21 = 2700fps / MAX

Loads tested in M70 with 24" bbl.
There is data for the 150 - 168 gr bullets for both rounds, if you want, let me know and I`ll post them.

All disclaimers apply.Be safe! NOTICE the data Sierra gives as max is a few gr more then listed in the post above. Use good judgment!
Hope this helps......Joe

[This message has been edited by Ol` Joe (edited 05-03-2002).]

When it was around it was useful in:

6mm-225 Winchester
.243 Winchester
6mm Remington
.250-3000 Savage
.350 Remington Magnum

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http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

I still have a can of it too, and have been using it in my TCR .30/'06. Although it was the "slowest" of the old Hercules RE powders, it is definitely FASTER than IMR 4350!! It really isn't very slow at all!! I use 55 grains of it with a 150-grain Nosler ballistic Tip bullet for a target load. This gives me 2850 FPS in a 23" TCR barrel. It is not max., but close enough!! I would not increase this charge. It is reasonably accurate in my gun.

I still have three cans of R-11.

R-21 was the slowest of the hercules powders, and was a bulky powder.If you have an old lyman manual there is some data for it. If I remember, it was so bulky, you couldn't get enough powder in the case for a hot load.

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Don't tread on me!
Pennsylvania Frank

WOW! Many thanks to all.

Actually, the news that it is faster than previously thought makes it a little MORE useful, albeit in other applications.

BTW, does that Ginko-Viagra stuff work on CRS? I disremember ...

Thanks guys.

Redial

I agree with Pa.Frank. The stuff IS bulky. It might indeed be imnpossible to get too much of it in an'06 case, at least with 150 grain or lighter bullets!!