I may have a problem with Reloder7

[Action_Can_Do]

Hello everyone. Not too long ago, I purchased a new container of Reloder7 to use for 45-70 and 458 magnum. I read in a manual that the powder would have blue, yellow, and red specks in it. When I poured the powder out to look at it, I was surprised to see it had no color specks in it. It looked like a silver colored powder with a slight yellow sheen. I'm not using it until I've confirmed it is RL7. The problem is, I don't know anybody else who has any. Nobody I know uses it. Does anybody here have a pic of the stuff?

 

[rfwobbly]

From your description I'd assume that the colored specs are merely reflected light off the silver that some people may see in certain light conditions.

My question to you is, if the can was new and unopened, why would you ever suspect it was anything BUT what the label said?

So since you're so concerned, have you called the manufacturer?

 

[lgbloader]

I just loaded 375 WIN last night with RE7 and 250 LFP's and that color that you mentioned sounds about right.

LGB

 

[Action_Can_Do]

rfwobbly
I've read of accounts where manufacturers did put the wrong powder in a container or more likely put the wrong label on the container and when I saw the powder did not look like it was described by Lyman, I got concerned. I will call Alliant if I cannot find a picture on THR.

 

[Asherdan]

Which manual did you read that in and what was it's publishing date?

Rx7 underwent a reformulation a few years back, your description from the manual sounds like the 'old' Rx7 and your description of the canister you opened sounds like the 'new' Rx7.

I went through that same issue when I read the Lyman 48th manual description of Rx7 and then opened up an Rx7 2006 canister and got something that looked different.

Make sure you're using load data for the new formulation of Rx7, I have had my own experience and some input from others that the new version is somewhat 'faster'. Old formulation data could get you in trouble as you work up in the charge range.

With all that said, I like Rx7 just fine and have my go to cast load set up with it in 45-70. Just watch your data source.

 

[lgbloader]

I'll take a picture when my wife gets home and post it.

LGB

 

[Action_Can_Do]

asherdan
The reference I'm using is Lyman's 49th manual. It describes the powder as having red, blue, and yellow specks in it.
Igbloader
You would really be doing me a service.

 

[lgbloader]

Here you go...


LGB

 

[Action_Can_Do]

Thanks Igbloader
The powder I have does not look like that. You can clearly see the blue specs in your pic. My powder has no blue specs in it at all. Hmmm...... Alliant might be doing a recall soon. Later this week I will get a friend to let me use his camera and I will post pics of the powder on THR.

 

[lgbloader]

No Worries, Mate. And please post a pic, you have the better of my curiousity.

LGB

 

[Gewehr98]

Looks the same as my Re7.

I loaded a batch of cast-bullet .30-30 last week, and my powder looks very similar to what was shown in the picture above - although I don't know what your container's lot numbers are.

Powder manufacturers are constantly improving and revising their products. It wouldn't surprise me if the coatings on Re7 have been changed since a given reloading manual was printed.

I wouldn't worry about it. How many cases of improperly packaged factory smokeless propellant have been reported on the Internet, where one can find Glock kB!s getting amplified within seconds?

 

[FullEffect1911]

I've seen the powder Action_Can_Do is referring to. The greenish specks are right and when we looked at his powder it was under fluorescent lights. The picture in this thread was taken on a bluish background which would cause the silver parts to look blueish. But boy I'll be darned, the stuff Action has does look like green and yellow.

Still it probably is the correct powder in Action's container. Will be interesting to see a picture of his stuff too.

 

[Action_Can_Do]

Ok, here it is. As you can see, it does look different.

 

[1858rem]

i saw an old can of RL7 in the gun shop an almost mistook it for the RL15 i wanted.......nowhere near as bright yellow as in post #8......what is the lot number/year and month on the can?

 

[lgbloader]

Reloader 7 - Year 2007 Lot# 65152

I bought two cans it last summer on a surfing trip up in Northern California thinking I would have time to handload a couple of rounds at the campsite and I did. I used up one can but this one has been sitting around since.
I keep RE7 in bulk in the Cave.
I brought this can inside the house from the Cave last weekend to load up some 375 WIN on the mini bench to "use it up" so to speak.

LGB

 

[Asherdan]

I gotta say, from memory it sure looks like the two pounds of Rx7 I bought and used up in 2007. I worked up a cast hunting load with it early that year and then ran off 200 for the shelf that I'm still using. Better safe than sorry though, if you're in doubt this much check with Alliant. If that doesn't work out, use it for some plants come spring. Trying to eyeball powder is a mook's game, anyways.

 

[1858rem]

any similar looking powders that use similar charge weights? maybe start at the minimum load and see how goes? it would still be good to call an check for a recall


i am fairly disappointed now, just after checking my own lot numbers i realized 3/4 are one, and the other is a year older

so now i get to test differences in lot numbers with my new chrono

 

[Gewehr98]

Reposted for truth:

Trying to eyeball powder is a mook's game, anyways.

Word.

 

[Asherdan]

...I read in a manual that the powder would have blue, yellow, and red specks in it.

The reference I'm using is Lyman's 49th manual.

This got me curious and I went and opened up Lyman 48th and read there Rx7 description.

It has a mix of red, yellow and blue identifying granulations.

Looks like Lyman did not update their Rx7 info in their 49th. I'd be wary of using their load data for Rx7 as well. If they didn't update their powder description they may not have retested and updated their load data for the new formulation either. Either way, best to call and ask 'em specifically about that before using their Rx7 data.

 

[tango2echo]

Just opened a brand new container of Re7 tonight. Looks just like the pic in post #8.

T2E