Anyone try any 250 gr loads with RL-16 and the 358 Norma?

Looks like it may be the optimal powder. Varget and Norma 203B are a bit fast. H4350 is a bit slower (and hard to get).

Austin I haven't tried RL16 yet because I have not seen any for sale. I have used RL 17 in the 358 Norma and the 9.3x64 (very similar cartridges).Burning speed of RL16 is supposed to be very similar to RL 17. IMR 4007 is also very good in the 358 N & 9.3x64

IMR 4007 has been discontinued.

Are powders like RL16 and RL23 simply a version of RL17 & RL22 that are supposed to be less temp sensitive? I see they really sell the non-sensitive issue.

quote:

Originally posted by ramrod340:
Are powders like RL16 and RL23 simply a version of RL17 & RL22 that are supposed to be less temp sensitive? I see they really sell the non-sensitive issue.

I believe that is the purpose of 16/23.

I have tried some R23 and like it in the 300 win and 270.

What I also like about R23 is its $6 less in price than R22.

My supply of H4350 is running low. I plan on testing IMR 4451. When I saw this post I ordered 2 lb's of Reloder 16 from Midsouth Shooters Supply. Now I'll test both powders. What I need are starting loads for each powder.

quote:

Originally posted by Jgrabow6493:
My supply of H4350 is running low. I plan on testing IMR 4451. When I saw this post I ordered 2 lb's of Reloder 16 from Midsouth Shooters Supply. Now I'll test both powders. What I need are starting loads for each powder.

That;s where I got my powder as well. want to try for my friends 30-06 that I load for him.

Im not finished working with RL-17 yet, and its a sho nuff good powder in most everything so far, fast and mild of pressure it appears..

Started testing using Reloder 16.

Cases: Norma
Primer: Federal #215
Bullet: Hornady Interlock 250 GR RN

Average velocity for 5 rounds.
65 gr = 2401
66 gr = 2458
67 gr = 2492
68 gr = 2528

No signs of pressure. Accuracy looks good. Will continue testing.

quote:

Originally posted by Jgrabow6493:
Started testing using Reloder 16.

Cases: Norma
Primer: Federal #215
Bullet: Hornady Interlock 250 GR RN

Average velocity for 5 rounds.
65 gr = 2401
66 gr = 2458
67 gr = 2492
68 gr = 2528

No signs of pressure. Accuracy looks good. Will continue testing.

Good start. I'm interested in the results. Pretty sure you can stuff as much RL-16 in a 250 gr 358 Norma as you want without any pressure issues. It's slightly faster than 17. Max for H4350 is 75 gr for a 250 gr.

RL16 is a temp stable RL15 not RL17. Loads should be close, RL23 vs 22 looks like a very slight velocity bump, but who knows if that is the powder or testing conditions

The following loads were copied from Alliant Powder Reload Recipes. It looks like RL16 is closer to RL17 than RL15.

--------- 30-06 ----------
Bullet RL15 RL16 RL17
150 gr 52 58 58

----- 300 Win Mag --------
Bullet RL15 RL16 RL17
150 gr 64 72.9 74
165 gr 60 71.1 72.5

358 Norma Magnum FN Mauser Custom 26" Barrel
Brass: Norma
Bullet: Hornady 250 gr RN
Primers: Federal #215

Powder: RL16

69 gr
AV: 2553
ES: 20
SD: 7.0

70 gr
AV: 2602
ES: 26
SD: 8.0

71 gr
AV: 2651
ES: 22
SD: 8.0

72 gr
AV: 2702
ES: 15
SD: 5.0

Looking good. Any pressure signs? I think 100% load would be around 75 gr for RL-16 and 250 gr?

No pressure signs yet.

358 Norma Magnum FN Mauser Custom 26" Barrel
Brass: Norma
Bullet: Nosler 250 gr Spitzer Partition
Primers: Federal #215

Velocity @ 15' from muzzle

Powder: RL16

72 gr
AV: 2722
ES: 23
SD: 8.0

73 gr
AV: 2757
ES: 55
SD: 17.5

74 gr
AV: 2775
ES: 17
SD: 4

75 gr
AV: 2796
ES: 16
SD: 4

Looks like you still have a little room, in that you normally get a big velocity boost just about the same time you get to real world max..an its time to back off a tad..but only you can determine that as I don't know where your pressure signs are other than a normal increase of velocity on your last two loads..

No '16 AH, but N-204 goes in my 98 Mauser 358 NM, 250 gr Partitions at an easy and accurate 2800 fps, I'd swear that powder was made for the 358 Norma ;]