Guns & Outdoors Forum

Given current component availability conditions I have had had to consider powders I do not normally use. One that I can currently get 5 pound jugs of, but sadly no one pound canisters, is RL-22. I have looked at Quick Load data in the past for several of the cartridges I load for and one of the top velocity, while not being top pressure, powders that keeps showing up is RL-22. The two that I didnt expect were the 6.5 CM and 6.5x55. I understand that this powder is generally considered more of a magnum cartridge powder.

What experiences do you guys have with the Alliant RL powders? Do they seem to be temperature sensitive? I know some powders get very touchy at upper limits of loads, should that be a concern with something like RL-22? I know I tried RL-17 in my 6.5x55 and .243 in the past but wasnt really impressed with performance. I dont find that enough to avoid the other products though. I just gave my RL-17 stash to my dad since he had a good use for it.

My general powder comfort zone is with IMR and Hodgdon branded powders for rifle reloading.

I’ve used RL-7 in 7.62x39 (iirc… my reloading stuff is packed up right now). Worked good. No idea of temp sensitivity since Texas hunting never really gets THAT cold

I use RL-22 in my 300 win mag and have used it at well below zero and it seemed to have no affect on POI at under one hundred yards, in the field, sight in off a bench is usually 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit

No experience with RL 22.
You seem surprised at it's uses, but you know as well as I do, in a given case size, the smaller the bore, the slower the powder it needs.

Chiro1989 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 1:45 pm I use RL-22 in my 300 win mag and have used it at well below zero and it seemed to have no affect on POI at under one hundred yards, in the field, sight in off a bench is usually 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit

Same here....I've also used it successfully in a number of belted magnum cartridges

.

I guess I shouldnt be too surprised since I have had decent results with H4350 and IMR4350 in the .243 and 6.5CM, and the 6.5x55 seems to do well with H4831SC. Those powders are not all that far away on the burn rate charts. I have used H1000 in the 6.5x55 before, but it was a bit too crunchy for my likes. Velocity was great for the cartridge, but far too compressed for my liking.

I just have it stuck in my head for some reason that its really intended for magnum cartridges and less than ideal in smaller cartridges.

Im assuming that this would probably be a decent powder in a 6.5mm-06 if that project ever happens. Having a 6mm barrel as well maybe also a 6mm-06 too????

I use RL-22 in my 6.5x55. Love it.

I may be switching to 140gr in my M98 based 6.5x55. I will have to run that combination through QuickLoad again and see what it should do. Seeing someone saying that they love it in a 6.5x55 really does help in the decision process.

It's great in my 340 WBY.

Jbohio wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2023 3:30 am It's great in my 340 WBY.

Yes, ditto, I forgot about mine, has not left the safe in a few years

I have a few that have not left the safe in too many years.

Its good to hear that others have had good success with this powder. I may pick up the jug and give it a try. Even if It doesnt work in the 6.5s I still have other things it should work in.

I use RL22 in my .270 Win under 160 grain Partitions. IIRC, velocity is 2850 fps. Not counting my 30BR (RL7 BTW), one of the best groups I've shot in my life was with that combo.

Mike

I did snag a 5 pound jug of RL-22 for more than I really want to pay for powder. Apparently from the time the price sticker was placed on it and when I purchased it, the price in the computer system jumped $30 for the jug. They didnt argue about selling it for the sticker price, but clearly retail price has gone up. I did also snag a couple pounds of RL-26 to try.

I found some load data for the .243 with RL-26 and 100gr bullets at 3200 fps (slightly faster than I am currently pushing the 85gr InterBond). Might be worth a shot. Im also going to "sacrifice" a 6.5 CM R700 to try swapping out a new take off, 1-8 twist, 26" heavy .243 barrel.

I like their line of powders I use most of their #s and a lot of their pistol powders and for whatever reason I like what they have and right now I have 18 powders right now