RL-19 for .303 British 174gr rounds?

[Maplicito]

I've been using RL-19 for my 180gr Speer round noses - Alliant suggested starting with 45 grains, and a max of 50 grains - it's been awhile, but if I remember, 50 grains was a maximum uncompressed load.

Anyhow, I picked up some Hornady 174gr FMJ/BT's, and I can't find any appropriate recipes.  I'm trying to remember the basic rule of thumb - when you go to a lighter bullet, you need to cut back the powder some, correct?

Is there a level you guys feel would be safe to start with, since RL-19 is what I have, and powder is scarce?  Or do you feel the 174gr FMJ/BT's are just too different from the 180gr round noses to safely use the RL-19 without a published recipe?

[securitysix]

Actually, lighter bullets will usually let you get away with a little bit more powder because they leave more space in the case.

Your best bet is to actually contact Alliant Powder either through their web form or by phone at 1-800-276-9337, or contact Hornady, who also have a web form and can be reached by phone at 1-800-338-3220.

[Maplicito]

Thanks for the suggestion - I fired off the question to both Alliant and Hornady.  If anyone else has any good, but safe suggestions, I'm all ears.

[shot1]

Just a heads up. Those Hornady 174 gr FMJ bullets most likely will not shoot very well in your rifle unless it has a very tight bore. Those bullets are only .3105 in diameter. I know the Hornady book says they are .312 diameter but look on the box they come in and you will see .3105 or measure them. The 174 RNSP is .312 diameter and is a very accurate bullet. RL 15 is what really shoots in most 303 British rifles.

[beerbelly]

. The 174 RNSP is .312 diameter and is a very accurate bullet. RL 15 is what really shoots in most 303 British rifles

That is what I have been using in mine and it works very well.
                            Beerbelly

[Maplicito]

Just a heads up. Those Hornady 174 gr FMJ bullets most likely will not shoot very well in your rifle unless it has a very tight bore. Those bullets are only .3105 in diameter. I know the Hornady book says they are .312 diameter but look on the box they come in and you will see .3105 or measure them. The 174 RNSP is .312 diameter and is a very accurate bullet. RL 15 is what really shoots in most 303 British rifles.

I just had a look, and you are most definitely correct.  Think they'd shoot well enough for oh... say gophers within 50 feet or so?

[shot1]

You will just have to try them in your rifle and see. I tried them in both of my 303's and a Finn 39 and one of my 91/30 MN's and my shotgun shoots better patterns. The .312 diameter Hornady RNSP shoots really well though.

[Maplicito]

Well, since I already have them, I'll load some and see.  Unless my rifle particularly likes them though, it sounds like I'm not getting them again.

[Maplicito]

Well, as an update, I could not get any RL 15, or anything else suitable for my .303, with the exception that I was lucky enough to get a pound of RL-19.  Unfortunately, neither Hornday or Alliant was able to provide me with reloading info for Hornady's 174gr rounds and RL-19.  What I am thinking of doing is using Alliant's info for 180gr rounds - they suggest starting with 45 grains, with a maximum of 50 grains.  I'm thinking of just using 45 grains, and staying at that level - they don't need to be ultra long range, ultra accurate rounds - they'll just be for close range varmints and plinking.  Does this sound safe enough?

[securitysix]

Figure this:  Bigger bullets take up more space in the case, thus leaving less room for powder.  Lighter bullets use higher charges than heavier bullets (assuming the same basic bullet profile).

You can probably get away with it with no problem.  I think that were I in your position, I'd load up 5 rounds or so at the 45 grain charge weight and fire them.  If no pressure signs show, bump up to 46 grains and try again.  I'd be surprised if you saw pressure signs by the time you hit 50 grains.

That said, I'm not recommending that you do or don't try it.  Only YOU can decide what you consider reasonable and what you consider too risky.

[Maplicito]

Thanks for the advice - and don't worry, I understand that's all it is - final responsibility for the decision lies with the reloader, not someone on a message board.  I might reload more than that, and just hope all goes well with that load - there's a group of 5 girls wanting me to take them shooting, and I want to have as many rounds for as many of my guns ready as possible for when we finally go, so they can enjoy themselves as much as possible.