In the modern era of precision long-range shooting, the demand for propellants that can withstand extreme environmental shifts has never been higher. Alliant Reloder 16 stands as a pinnacle of technical achievement in this field, offering a sophisticated solution for shooters who require “Temperature Zero” (TZ) stability without sacrificing the high-energy performance for which the Reloder family is known. Produced in Sweden by Bofors, Alliant Reloder 16 was engineered specifically to occupy the critical medium rifle burn speed band, effectively challenging the dominance of traditional favorites in cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor and 30-06 Springfield.
The primary appeal of Alliant Reloder 16 lies in its unique chemical architecture. While many high-performance powders gain energy through double-base formulations that can be sensitive to heat, Alliant Reloder 16 utilizes advanced TZ technology to manipulate the response of the material. This ensures that whether a shooter is operating in the freezing temperatures of a winter hunt or the scorching heat of a summer precision rifle match, the internal ballistics remain remarkably consistent. This guide provides a deep-dive into the technical profile, comparative advantages, and optimal component pairings for Alliant Reloder 16.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: Medium-capacity rifle cartridges, precision match shooting, and big-game hunting.
- Key Advantage: World-class temperature stability through TZ technology and integrated decoppering agents.
- Burn Rate: Medium rifle propellant, slightly faster than Alliant Reloder 17 and very close to Hodgdon H4350.
- What This Guide Covers: Technical specifications of the Bofors formulation, TZ stability analysis, 4-way market comparison, and comprehensive matching of primers and projectiles.
Best For: Long-range competitive shooters, 6.5mm enthusiasts, and hunters seeking high-velocity loads with maximum thermal consistency.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Alliant Reloder 16 is a single-base, extruded (stick) propellant. This is a significant departure from some of the earlier Reloder offerings, which often utilized double-base chemistries to achieve high velocities. By utilizing a single-base nitrocellulose foundation, Bofors was able to prioritize thermal stability. The grains are manufactured with a “short-cut” geometry, specifically designed to optimize case fill and flow through modern reloading equipment.
The Expert “Feel”
Reloaders often describe the performance of Alliant Reloder 16 as “predictable yet powerful.” In cartridges like the 243 Winchester, the pressure curve is progressive, reaching peak pressure without the sharp, erratic spikes seen in less stable propellants. The inclusion of TZ technology means the powder resists the natural tendency to generate more pressure at higher temperatures and less at lower temperatures. This “flat” response allows for extremely low Standard Deviations (SD) in muzzle velocity, which is the foundational requirement for sub-MOA accuracy at extreme distances.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Industry-leading temperature stability across extreme ranges.
- Proprietary decoppering additive chemically removes jacket fouling.
- Exceptional lot-to-lot consistency due to Bofors’ strict quality control.
- Contains no DNT or DBP, making it more environmentally stable.
- Cons:
- Slightly lower bulk density compared to spherical powders, which may limit case fill in very small cases.
- Can be harder to find during market shortages compared to standard domestic powders.
Technical Characteristics
The technical properties of Alliant Reloder 16 reflect its role as a premium, modern propellant designed for the 21st-century reloader.
| Property | Specification |
| Manufacturer | Alliant Powder (Produced by Bofors) |
| Powder Type | Extruded (Short-Cut Stick) |
| Base | Single-Base |
| Density | 0.940 g/cc |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium Rifle |
| Coating | Graphite Coated with TZ Technology and Decoppering Additives |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
The standout technical feature of Alliant Reloder 16 is its Temperature Zero (TZ) technology. Traditional propellants often see velocity shifts of 1.5-2.0 FPS per degree of temperature change. Alliant Reloder 16 drastically reduces this, often showing shifts of less than 0.5 FPS per degree in most standard calibers. This is achieved by manipulating the deterrent coatings on the exterior of the kernels, which regulates the burn rate even when the ambient temperature of the powder is extremely high.
This stability makes Alliant Reloder 16 a superior choice for the tactical shooter. If a rifle is zeroed at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the point of impact (POI) remains stable even if the shooter moves to a 95-degree environment. This eliminates the need for complex “density altitude” or “temperature dope” adjustments for the propellant itself.
Stability Benchmark Comparison
| Powder Name | Stability Level | Tech Category |
| Alliant Reloder 16 | World-Class (TZ) | Insensitive Extruded |
| Hodgdon H4350 | High | Extreme Line Extruded |
| IMR 4350 | Moderate | Standard Extruded |
| Winchester 748 | Sensitive | Double-Base Spherical |
Powder Comparison
To understand where Alliant Reloder 16 sits in the market, it must be compared to its most frequent competitors in the medium-burn range.
- Alliant Reloder 15: This powder is significantly faster. While Alliant Reloder 15 is the king of the 308 Winchester, Alliant Reloder 16 is better suited for heavier bullets and larger cases where a slower burn is required to manage pressure.
- Hodgdon H4350: The primary rival. While Hodgdon H4350 has been the standard for the 6.5 Creedmoor for years, many shooters find that Alliant Reloder 16 provides slightly higher velocities for the same pressure levels and arguably better decoppering properties.
- Alliant Reloder 17: This is a double-base powder that is slightly slower. Alliant Reloder 17 provides excellent velocity but lacks the extreme temperature stability of Alliant Reloder 16.
- Alliant Reloder 23: A slower sibling in the TZ family. Alliant Reloder 23 is the better choice for large-capacity magnums, whereas Alliant Reloder 16 is optimized for standard “short” and “long” actions.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Powder | Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Alliant Reloder 16 | Medium | 0.940 | 6.5 Creedmoor, 30-06 Springfield |
| Hodgdon H4350 | Medium | 0.915 | 6.5 Creedmoor, 243 Winchester |
| Alliant Reloder 15 | Medium-Fast | 0.925 | 308 Winchester, 223 Remington |
| Alliant Reloder 23 | Medium-Slow | 0.950 | 300 Winchester Magnum, 284 Winchester |
| IMR 4064 | Medium-Fast | 0.910 | 308 Winchester, 303 British |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
Metering Consistency
The short kernels of Alliant Reloder 16 are designed to flow through volumetric powder measures with high precision. In a high-quality measure like the RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure 3, shooters can expect charge variances of less than 0.15 grains. For match-grade ammunition, pairing this powder with the RCBS MatchMaster Digital Powder Scale & Dispenser allows for kernel-by-kernel consistency, which is vital for long-range target work.
Fouling and Barrel Life
The proprietary decoppering additive in Alliant Reloder 16 is a major technical advantage. As the powder burns, it releases a chemical agent that bonds with copper deposits in the rifling, preventing them from hardening into the “copper-carbon crust” that degrades accuracy. This allows shooters to fire more rounds between deep cleanings, which is essential for multi-day competitions. Additionally, because it is a clean-burning single-base powder, carbon fouling is minimized compared to older double-base propellants.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Alliant Reloder 16 is exceptionally versatile, covering a range of cartridges from small-bore varmint rounds to classic hunting calibers.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | Match accuracy with 140-147 grain bullets |
| 6mm Creedmoor | High-velocity target loads (105-115 grain) |
| 30-06 Springfield | Modern hunting loads with 165-180 grain bullets |
| 270 Winchester | Premium long-range game loads |
| 243 Winchester | Varmint and predator hunting with heavy bullets |
| 7mm-08 Remington | Exceptional efficiency with 140-150 grain bullets |
| 260 Remington | Tactical and precision rifle series (PRS) |
| 284 Winchester | F-Class and long-range competition |
Bullets
To fully utilize the energy and stability of Alliant Reloder 16, it should be paired with high Ballistic Coefficient (BC) projectiles.
| Bullet Brand/Model | Recommended Weight | Application |
| Sierra MatchKing | 142 grain (6.5) / 175 grain (30) | Match Precision |
| Hornady ELD Match | 140-147 grain | Competition |
| Nosler AccuBond | 140 grain (270) / 165 grain (30) | Big Game Hunting |
| Berger Hybrid Target | 140 grain | Long-Range PRS |
| Nosler Partition | 180 grain (30-06) | Large Game Hunting |
Primers
Consistent ignition is the final piece of the accuracy puzzle. Alliant Reloder 16 is easy to ignite, but using match-grade primers is recommended to lower velocity spreads.
- CCI 200: The standard workhorse for general hunting development.
- Federal 210: Known for extreme sensitivity and reliable ignition.
- Federal GM210M: The gold standard for match-grade 6.5 Creedmoor loads.
- Winchester WLR: A high-output primer that ensures consistent burn in cold weather.
- CCI BR-2: Benchrest quality specifically designed for uniform ignition.
- Remington 9-1-2: A durable option for high-pressure hunting applications.
- RWS 5341: Premium European primer for elite precision.
- Fiocchi Large Rifle: A reliable international choice for high-volume shooters.
- Sellier-Bellot V360587: Consistent cup hardness for reliable strikes in semi-autos.
Expert Verdict
Alliant Reloder 16 is more than just a powder; it is a technical insurance policy against the elements. For the shooter who values repeatability above all else, its TZ technology provides a level of peace of mind that older propellants cannot match. Whether you are building a 6.5 Creedmoor load for a 1,000-yard target or preparing a 30-06 Springfield for a once-in-a-lifetime elk hunt, this powder delivers the velocity, cleanliness, and stability required to succeed.
While it is slightly faster than its sibling Alliant Reloder 17, it represents a more modern and stable formulation that has quickly become a favorite in the precision rifle community.
Expert Pro Tip: When developing loads for Alliant Reloder 16 in the 6.5 Creedmoor, focus on achieving a high case fill (typically 95-98%). This powder performs best with high loading densities. Use a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler to ensure every charge is exact, and adjust your sizing die to provide 0.002″ of neck tension. This combination of high case fill and consistent tension will unlock the single-digit SDs that have made this propellant famous.
