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AR15.COM
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10/20/2009 5:10:09 PM EDT
What exactly is the burn rate for RL 15? I've got plans of loading some 308 for a 7.62 garand (yes, adjustable gas cylinder plug), and some 30-40 with it. My main concern is with the 30-40 idea. I'm seeing what the greatest and most uniform velocity is I can attain from this cartridge, with at least a 150 grn bullet, while still staying safely under 40,000 CUP.  

Anybody? Powder suggestions?
10/20/2009 5:47:59 PM EDT
[#1]
It's similar to Varget.

I don't find a lick of load data for .30-40 with any Alliant gunpowders in the books I have handy.  I expect the charge weights will be similar to other gunpowders in the same burn speed range, such as H4895.

10/21/2009 12:07:46 AM EDT
[#2]
That's what I had experienced as well. Oh well, I suppose I'll have to find a good/cheap (oxymoron) chronograph and extrapolate approximate pressure.
10/21/2009 12:39:43 AM EDT
[#3]
Not sure if you saw this in GD...

Just FYI, my cool little burn rate chart lists Reloader 15 at position #114. It has a VMD of .0706 cc/gr and Density of 14.164 gr/cc. It's bracketed by Ramshot Big Game and Hodgdon H380. Varget is 104 on the list and TAC is 97.  (The higher the number the faster the powder.)

Why not get a cool internal ballistic program like quick load? A lot of times when I'm trying to work up a weird load for something or come up with a load that is for oddball stuff I have a buddy run numbers through his internal ballistic program.

If you want I could send your my burn rate charts.  I think there might be a formula to determine the optimal powder based off of case volume, bore diameter case dimensions and bullet weight/design.  I really need an internal ballistic program of my own so I can start wrapping my head around all of this stuff.  I think I've finally progressed to that point.

It really is best to do load development with a chronograph.  Kinda spinning your wheels without one.
10/21/2009 5:37:11 AM EDT
[#4]
Burn rate charts are approximations and you will find that the relative positions of the gunpowders listed will change slightly depending on which company reports the information.



10/21/2009 1:16:27 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Burn rate charts are approximations and you will find that the relative positions of the gunpowders listed will change slightly depending on which company reports the information.



This. I've seen Re-15 listed on some charts as being faster than IMR 4064 and on some as slower.  Regardless its in the suitable for the M1 range.
10/21/2009 10:38:07 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Burn rate charts are approximations and you will find that the relative positions of the gunpowders listed will change slightly depending on which company reports the information.



This. I've seen Re-15 listed on some charts as being faster than IMR 4064 and on some as slower.  Regardless its in the suitable for the M1 range.


I'm sure they are, I just find the chart that I have is helpful for picking a powder or powder substitute for a known load. (by using powders in a similar position.)  Then I get my buddy to run the numbers on my cartridge and bullet type.  After that, I'll start low and work up.  Shooting over the chronograph to see if velocities are in the expected range and watching for pressure signs.
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