The Power Pro 4000 MR tests are now over. The last rifle to try was my friend's newly rebarreled 300 win mag.
I wanted to do a few "one shot and clean" to help break in the new barrel so I shot another rifle first.
First rifle was that 23" 284 win mentioned earlier. All loading factors were the same as the 4000 MR test. Wanted to show that RL-17 would soundly beat 4000 MR. I had never tried any 160s in this rifle with RL-17. When RL-17 came out last year I built a great load with a moly coated 150 nos bt. Worked up to 3200 fps but the accuracy load was at 3100 fps using 57 gr of RL-17.
Moly coated 160 accubond, temperature 90 degrees:
54 gr open groups
2905
2938
2895
55 gr open groups
2963
2978
56 gr began tightening up
3020
3023
3016
57 gr most accurate no pressure signs at all
3074
3067
3069
it was now 92 degrees. This load had two cutting into each other with total group size 3/8". It was 1/2" lower than the 150 nos bt with same windage. Will wait for cooler temps to try it again.
300 win mag with 180 nosler pt, temperature now 93 degrees
73 gr
3012 ave
74 gr sun angle messed with the chronograph, no velocities but two shots cut into one another
75 (suggested max load) 94 degrees, hard bolt lift, quit testing.
Sorry it wasn't much of a test. Too darn hot!
There IS going to be a slower powder with RL-17's formulation coming out in about a year.
Last edited by Azshooter; 07/17/10.
