Alliant Reloder 23 is a versatile powder that offers exceptional consistency and temperature stability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of rifle calibers. Whether you're loading for magnum cartridges, long-range precision shooting, or hunting, Reloder 23 can help you achieve the performance you need. In this article, we'll explore load data for several popular calibers, providing insights into how to maximize performance with reloder 23.

Understanding Reloder 23's Properties

Before diving into specific load data, it's important to understand the key properties of Reloder 23 that make it so effective across various calibers:

Temperature Stability: Reloder 23's advanced TZ technology ensures that the powder maintains a consistent burn rate across a wide range of temperatures. This stability is crucial for maintaining consistent velocities and pressures, especially in varying environmental conditions.

Slow Burn Rate: With a burn rate similar to Reloder 22 but with improved temperature stability, Reloder 23 is ideal for magnum and other large-capacity cartridges. Its slow burn rate allows for optimal performance in cases where large powder charges are needed to achieve high velocities.

Consistency: Reloder 23 is designed to minimize pressure variations, which translates to more predictable performance and tighter shot groups.

Load Data for Popular Calibers

Let's take a look at load data for several popular rifle calibers that perform exceptionally well with Reloder 23. Please note that all load data provided here should be cross-referenced with a reliable reloading manual, and all loads should be approached with caution, starting with the minimum charge and working up.

1. .300 Winchester Magnum

The .300 Winchester Magnum is a popular choice for long-range shooting and big game hunting. Its large case capacity allows it to benefit from the slow burn rate of Reloder 23, providing high velocities and consistent performance.

Bullet Weight: 180 grains

Starting Load: 66.0 grains of Reloder 23

Maximum Load: 72.0 grains of Reloder 23

Expected Velocity: Approximately 2,950 - 3,100 fps

Optimal Use: Long-range precision shooting, big game hunting

2. 7mm Remington Magnum

The 7mm Remington Magnum is another excellent cartridge for long-range shooting and hunting. Known for its flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient, the 7mm Rem Mag performs well with Reloder 23, particularly with heavier bullets.

Bullet Weight: 162 grains

Starting Load: 60.0 grains of Reloder 23

Maximum Load: 66.0 grains of Reloder 23

Expected Velocity: Approximately 2,900 - 3,050 fps

Optimal Use: Long-range hunting, precision shooting

3. .30-06 Springfield

The .30-06 Springfield is a classic cartridge that has been used for everything from target shooting to big game hunting. With Reloder 23, the .30-06 can achieve excellent accuracy and consistent performance, especially with heavier bullets.

Bullet Weight: 180 grains

Starting Load: 54.0 grains of Reloder 23

Maximum Load: 59.0 grains of Reloder 23

Expected Velocity: Approximately 2,700 - 2,850 fps

Optimal Use: Big game hunting, medium-range shooting

4. .270 Winchester

The .270 Winchester is a favorite among hunters for its flat trajectory and mild recoil. Reloder 23 can enhance the performance of the .270 Win, particularly with 130-150 grain bullets, providing consistent velocities and accuracy.

Bullet Weight: 150 grains

Starting Load: 50.0 grains of Reloder 23

Maximum Load: 55.0 grains of Reloder 23

Expected Velocity: Approximately 2,800 - 2,950 fps

Optimal Use: Deer hunting, medium to long-range shooting

5. .338 Lapua Magnum

The .338 Lapua Magnum is a powerhouse cartridge designed for extreme long-range shooting. Reloder 23's slow burn rate and temperature stability make it an excellent choice for this cartridge, particularly when pushing heavy bullets at high velocities.

Bullet Weight: 250 grains

Starting Load: 85.0 grains of Reloder 23

Maximum Load: 90.0 grains of Reloder 23

Expected Velocity: Approximately 2,850 - 3,000 fps

Optimal Use: Extreme long-range precision shooting, big game hunting

Tips for Maximizing Performance with Reloder 23

Now that we've reviewed load data for some popular calibers, here are some tips to help you maximize performance when using Reloder 23:

Start with Minimum Loads: Always begin with the starting load data provided in your reloading manual. Gradually increase the powder charge in small increments, carefully observing for signs of pressure or other issues.

Use a Chronograph: A chronograph is an essential tool for load development. By measuring the velocity of each shot, you can identify the most consistent and accurate load for your specific rifle and bullet combination.

Monitor for Pressure Signs: As you work up your loads, pay close attention to signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened primers, hard bolt lift, or ejector marks on the case head. If you observe any of these signs, stop immediately and reassess your load.

Adjust Seating Depth: Bullet seating depth can have a significant impact on accuracy and pressure. Once you've identified a promising powder charge, experiment with small adjustments to the overall length (OAL) of your cartridges to fine-tune accuracy.

Test in Different Conditions: Reloder 23's temperature stability makes it a great choice for shooting in varying conditions, but it's still important to test your loads in different temperatures and humidity levels to ensure consistent performance.

Keep Detailed Records: Document every aspect of your load development process, including powder charges, bullet weights, overall cartridge length, velocities, and environmental conditions. This information will be invaluable for replicating successful loads and troubleshooting issues.

Case Studies: Real-World Performance with Reloder 23

Let's look at a couple of examples where shooters have successfully used Reloder 23 to achieve impressive results:

Case Study 1: .300 Winchester Magnum for Long-Range Hunting

A hunter using a .300 Win Mag for elk hunting found that a load of 70.5 grains of Reloder 23 behind a 180-grain Nosler Partition bullet provided outstanding accuracy and terminal performance. The load consistently produced sub-MOA groups at 500 yards, and the temperature stability of Reloder 23 ensured that the point of impact remained consistent across different seasons and hunting conditions.

Case Study 2: 7mm Remington Magnum for Precision Shooting

A competitive shooter using the 7mm Rem Mag for long-range precision matches developed a load with 64.0 grains of Reloder 23 and a 162-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet. The load delivered exceptional accuracy, with consistent velocities and tight groupings at 1,000 yards. The shooter noted that Reloder 23's temperature stability was a key factor in maintaining accuracy during extended shooting sessions in varying weather conditions.

Conclusion

Alliant Reloder 23 is a versatile and reliable powder that can enhance the performance of a wide range of rifle calibers. Whether you're loading for long-range precision shooting, big game hunting, or just want to achieve consistent accuracy, Reloder 23 offers the properties you need to succeed. By following the load data and best practices outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively use Reloder 23 to maximize the performance of your favorite calibers.