New, Advanced Alliant Powders: Reloder 23 and Reloder 26
You’ve probably heard of Allliant Reloder 22 powder, but how about Reloder 23? Or Reloder 26? These two new European-produced Reloder propellants were introduced in 2014. Most folks haven’t seen these Reloder powders because it took quite a while for the first shipments of RL 23 and RL 26 to arrive in the USA. We’re pleased to announce that these two new propellants are now in the stateside distribution chain. You should start to see these propellants on dealers’ shelves soon. ATK tells us: “We introduced [Reloder 23 and Reloder 26] last spring at the NRA convention, but… we were unable to ship them into distribution due to delays obtaining the required DOT classifications. We have finally received them (after 7 1/2 months) so we began shipping late fall.”
What are the characteristics of RL 23 and RL 26? That question was answered recently by Paul Furrier who works for ATK, the parent company of Alliant Powders. Posting in our Shooters’ Forum, Paul writes:
“Let me provide some factual info about these products. Some of the stuff that gets propagated is not correct. Reloder 23 is produced by our Swedish partner Bofors, and Reloder 26 is produced in Switzerland by our extremely capable partner Nitrochemie. I have seen it stated that they are both made by Bofors, so that is incorrect.
I have also noticed people are equating Reloder 23 to Reloder 22, and Reloder 26 to Reloder 25. Both of those statements are definitely incorrect. We do state that the performance of Reloder 23 is similar to Reloder 22, and it is, in general burn speed terms, but they are most certainly not the same. We have worked quite a lot of recipes for Reloder 23, and they are not the same as Reloder 22. Reloder 26 is definitely slower burning than Reloder 25, so there shouldn’t be any confusion there either.”
Furrier says that RL 23 is NOT sensitive to temperature shifts: “Reloder 23 was developed to bring a truly temp-stable powder to the Reloder 22 burn-speed range using Bofors new process technology. This is the second product developed for us with this TZ® process, the first being AR-Comp™. We see terrific efficiencies, SDs, accuracy and flat temp response from these powders. Please try them, I think you will be impressed.”
Speed and More Speed with RL 26
Think of Reloder 26 as a high-velocity powder for big cartridges. Furrier explains: “Reloder 26 is produced with Nitrochemie’s latest generation EI® process technology. This is the same impregnation coating process used to produce Reloder 17, Reloder 33, and Reloder 50 for us, and it is fantastic. The “so what” on Reloder 26 is great ballistic efficiency, high bulk density so you can get more of the slow powder into the case to harness the energy, and decent, predictable extreme temp response. Reloder 26 is not as flat at temps as the TZ or Australian materials, but it is very manageable, usually in the 0.5 fps/°F range (depending on the application). Just as important, the pressure increases at hot are very manageable. We are using quite a bit of this powder in our Federal factory ammo due to the fantastic ballistics and accuracy.
Both of these new Reloder powders contain decoppering agent to help reduce coppering up your barrels, but this is nothing new for us. Bofors began adding decoppering agent to our Reloder rifle powders in the 2002 timeframe, and all our Swiss Reloders except 17 contain their proprietary additive. (We may include it in 17 at some point also, but right now we like it just the way it is.) Sorry we didn’t have a snappy name figured for the decoppering agents, we just did it.
Both of these new Reloder powders are also produced to the current highest level of ‘green’ technology. Actually, all of our Alliant rifle, pistol and shotshell reloading powders meet the current (tough) European requirements for elimination of nasty ingredients. They do not contain any dinitrotoluene or dibutylphthalate, which are a couple of the nasties that are commonly used in smokeless powders.
Thank you for your interest in our new powders.” — Paul Furrier, ATK
Reloder 23Like AR-Comp™, new Reloder 23 from Alliant Powder performs consistently across temperature extremes. Its sophisticated TZ® technology manipulates the response of the material and resists the natural tendency to generate more pressure at higher temperatures and less pressure at lower temperatures. Reloder 23 is perfect for long-range target shooters seeking performance similar to Reloder 22 with world-class temperature stability. Features & Benefits: |
Reloder 26Reloder 26 offer high velocities in large magnum cases. Achieve awesome ballistics with new Reloder 26 from Alliant Powder. The propellant’s burn speed falls between that of Reloder 22 and Reloder 33, and it incorporates EI® technology to produce extremely high velocities in magnum cartridges. Reloder 26 has a high bulk density that allows larger powder charges, and it provides a consistent, controlled response to temperature changes. Features & Benefits: |
wonderful , two more powders I’d really like to wring out , that wont be on the shelves.
Heres another new powder by Alliant
BE-86™
Smokeless Pistol
Smokeless pistol powder
The special extruded flake formulation results in excellent ballistics in a wide array of centerfire pistol loads, with high energy, an ideal burn speed and less flash. It meters well and is available in 1- and 8-pound canisters. Like all Alliant Powder offerings, BE-86 provides superior lot-to-lot consistency.
Improved flow
Contains flash suppressant
High energy
Lot-to-lot consistency
Versatile
Reloder™ 33
Specific cartridge loads need specific propellant to perform to their ballistic peak. That’s why Alliant Powder® put countless hours of research and development into creating Reloder® 33. The advanced powder is specifically formulated for the long-range .338 Lapua, although it is also ideal for a range of large magnum rifle cartridges. Its double base gives it consistent performance across temperature and humidity extremes, and it meters well for easy and precise loading.
RL-33
Has Alliant established a burn speed for 33 yet ? When I called they were reticent to say what powder’s burn rate it could best be compared to.
Good stuff in 300NM and 338L.
It would help to get some reloading data about these two new powders(RL23 & RL26) so I can make some decisions early on as to what and how I can use these powders. Thanks ,Lee.
It would be nice to have reloading data on the new powders before they hit the shelf! Got powder but no data. Kinda dumb!
I would love some reloading data …I am not advanced enough to figure a load from scratch …what can you do for us?
When are you going to get some reloading data for the 30-06 using RL23? My go to powder has been RL22 for years. Now would like it to be RL23. Thx Gary
when are wear can I get reloader 26