Engineered for Enhanced Energy, More Velocity

How does RL17 produce so much added speed? There are two main reasons–unique burn properties and high load density. In its chemical properties, RL17 is like no other powder available in the U.S. market. Made in Switzerland by Nitrochemie, RL17 has a unique burn-rate controlling chemical that penetrates all the way through the kernels. Other common extruded powders have only a surface coating. Reloader 17’s unique penetrating burn-rate regulator smooths out the pressure curve, allowing RL17 to maintain high energy for a longer period of time.

GA Arizona, using Bob Jensen’s Oehler 43 equipped for pressure-testing, confirmed that the pressure curve for Reloder 17 is much “gentler” than that of other powders in the same burn range. After RL17 hits peak pressure, the energy level doesn’t drop as rapidly as with other powders. So there is more energy pushing your bullet for a longer time. Since pressure drops off more slowly, you can achieve more velocity for a given peak pressure.

The second reason RL17 offers so much added velocity is load density. This powder packs very tightly compared to other “slow” extruded powders such as H4350 and H4831sc. For chamberings limited by case capacity, RL17 lets you put more powder (by weight) into the case. That means you’re less likely to run out of “boiler room” before you reach max pressure.