Do Alliant powders burn hot?

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Orcon

Orcon

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So I was at the reloading bench the other day, and saw that I had some RL-17 on the shelf. Can't remember why or when I bought it and it looked mostly full. I decided to look into what I could use it for and my Hornady manual showed that I could gain some significant velocity over my current H4350 load in my 300 WSM. So I loaded up some rounds, 5 of each charge descending from the max load in .2 grain increments. I found that after firing only 3 rounds in about a minute, the heat from my barrel was so bad I couldn't accurately see my half-inch stickers at 150 yards. I've never had this issue with H4350. Is this a known issue or is this just a "me thing"?
 
I switched to RL17 and RL19 from IMR4350 for the same reason. I noticed 150 fps increases with the switch but living in Ohio I have not noticed the gun getting hotter faster although I believe it should be. I use my rifles for hunting and there are some long waits between shots.

RL is a double base powder where H4350 and IMR4350 are single base. Double-base powders burn hotter and dirtier. But sometimes they are the best choice if maximum velocity is desired, while some shooters believe they cause faster throat erosion.
 
I probably should have mentioned that I'm burning 57.0 gr of RL19 in a .25-06 which is probably less than a .300 WSM. I use the .25-06 for varmint hunting and the extra velocity really helps. Also found that in my case the RL19 gives better accuracy for me than the IMR4350 even with 150 fps more velocity.
 
I've used the RL-17 some and it's not temp stable. So aware of your workup temp and when you shoot. I started blowing primers in my 6.5 CM with a 20°F increase in ambient temperate. Had the same thing happen in 30-06. Here in Texas we get big temp swings of 30°F as a normal day. Have seen as much as 40-50 when fronts move through.
 
I have a mostly full bottle of RL 17 on my shelf too. The way it's pressure curve is generated is supposed to allow greater velocities without increased pressure. I didn't like it for anything I've tried it in except for 300WM.
 
Would this equate to chamber pressure. There is a direct correlation between heat and pressure In some applications.
 
Googed- Looks like a "Pyrometer" is needed to get a true reading of a metal surface? They dont seem to cost a lot. May be worth testing? We may be wrong about double based Nitro powder, burning hotter.
 
I have found RL 17 to have a lot of velocity but the sd and es has never been good in anything I have tried it in and I as well found it to be sensitive to temp swings.
Wayne
 
I have used RL19 in my .25-06 since 2007. More velocity (150 fps), better accuracy and I see no ill effects in 13 years of use. But, I have tried RL15 and Varget in my .308 and see no difference at all. Both powders produce near the same velocity with Varget giving better accuracy. It seems to me that the gun and cartridge will pick what it likes.

Don't know why you would want to avoid double based powders, most pistol powders are double based, I've kept pistol powders for many years and haven't had one go bad.
 
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