Thread: 308 and 165/168gn Reloader 17 combo anyone?

I'm getting low on CFE223 but have a heap of RE17. Seems RE17 is good in the heavier 308 bullets, eg 208 Amax but also read 168gn could work.

I've tried a couple of groups at 47gn and 48gn... both compressed. No pressure. I'm going to try 48.5, 49, 49.5gn if still ok pressure wise. Groups not fantastic but 47gn keyholed 2 bullets with the third 3" off so may have been me as I'm pretty average at bench shooting.

Velocity is at 2600fps from 20" inch barrel. So not far behind CFE223.

Wondering if I should move from Fed match primers to magnum primers with the compressed load??

Gidday. I ran RL17 with Hornady 168's in GRT and it says that you should be able to go to 49 grains (59,500 psi) and that'll get you close to 2700 fps. However you're only burning 90% of whats in the case, if nothing else you'll get a terrific show from the muzzle blast in low light!. I've not found a magnum primer necessary with RL17

Thanks @Tentman - see if I can tighten the groups. Odd, but noticed RE17 is a lot smokier after a shot than CFE223.