Reloader 16 ???

[Wildwillalaska]

Any of you fine gents using RL16 in your doubles…even big bore bolt guns? Was looking through loads on the XXLReloading site and noticed RL16 as a standout for several bullets in the 450 3 1/4” and 470. I’ve never used it, but like that it has at least claimed temp stability. When thinking about making a late fall run across for a hunt, working up loads in 40 degree weather to 100+ degree weather doesn’t seem insignificant. Understand RL15 and 3031 are hella more temp stable than cordite, but don’t mind having increased temp stability with everything else being equal.

Then it also seems that RL16 is bulkier powder by weight, so gives good fill rate, and seems like good velocities…at least on paper.

Lastly, RL16 is currently available to me in Alaska. RL15 is as well, but not going to find 15.5 anywhere and same goes for 3031.

Would love to hear any updates from folks who have tried it. I’d be looking to potentially use it in a 450 and 470, maybe 505 Gibbs.

 

[Firebird]

The problem is that those powders are NOT readily available in the lower 48 and are not likely to become accessible anytime soon. Alliant powders has other production goals in place at this time so thier products are very scarce!
So other powder options will be much more popular. Good luck with your loading,
Hope it lives up to your expectations

 

[AimSmall]

Have not used it, but it caught my attention, too. Had run a ql on it that I had saved...here it is, for what it's worth.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

I’ve used RL16 in a 470 with success.

I’ve been looking for RL15 myself to try in a 450NE 3-1/4”, but haven’t been able to find any local. I know where there’s a good bit of RL15.5, but there’s not as much reloading data on it so I haven’t grabbed any.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

The problem is that those powders are NOT readily available in the lower 48 and are not likely to become accessible anytime soon. Alliant powders has other production goals in place at this time so thier products are very scarce!
So other powder options will be much more popular. Good luck with your loading,
Hope it lives up to your expectations

That’s how it seems to go for sure. I have one shop that has a number of 5lb RL15 and 8lb RL16 jugs. Given what I understannd we are to expect in the foreseeable future…ie not much…it looked like RL16 would be my best option for a powder with greater temp stability.

Hoping we may hear for some members yet as to first hand experiences…in relation to more standard sweethearts like 3031 and RL15. Recoil comparison???

What reports Ive been able to find say accurate, better fill volume so good for larger cases, and seemed a consistent/accurate powder. I have not seen nor heard any reports for comparison on recoil felt. Is it closer to RL15 in that regard or higher end like 4831sc?

 

[Hogpatrol]

Checked a gun shop I patronize that keeps a good supply of powder. RL16 is 74.99 a pound, ouch. RL15 is unobtanium.

 

[MacJenkins]

I’ve got a good stash of 15.5 and 16. When 15.5 came available this spring I bought a jug and tried it in my 450 3-1/4. Showed enough promise I bought a lot after testing. Was suprised to find out it was a bit faster than my RL15 lot that I am using on my 450. Most know that RL15 is not the most consistent across lots. So I should not have been that suprised.

 

[MacJenkins]

Checked a gun shop I patronize that keeps a good supply of powder. RL16 is 74.99 a pound, ouch. RL15 is unobtanium.

Ya I ran into a couple more jugs of 16 just yesterday on the shelf. Was a smidge over $1000 for them both with tax. Gone are the days of 8lb’s for $200 or less.

 

[glblanchard]

As I have read, RL 15.5 is just a little faster, but more temperature stable. Adjust accordingly.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

RL16 is their same Temp stable line of powder as their RL15.5. I’m about to at least dabble with the two and report what I find.

 

[Rare Breed]

I’ve used RL16 in a 470 with success.

I’ve been looking for RL15 myself to try in a 450NE 3-1/4”, but haven’t been able to find any local. I know where there’s a good bit of RL15.5, but there’s not as much reloading data on it so I haven’t grabbed any.

I replaced IMR3031 with RL15.5 because it behaved the same within 3 grains of powder

 

[benchracer]

RL16 will work well in any application where H4350 works. RL16 is superior to H4350 in every way, except price and availability. If RL16 is available to you in bulk, I advise that you buy all of it you can afford.