Alliant Reloder 17 has revolutionized the short-magnum and medium-caliber market since its introduction, becoming the go-to propellant for shooters seeking maximum velocity without exceeding pressure limits. Developed specifically for the 300 Winchester Short Magnum, Alliant Reloder 17 utilizes a unique processing technology that optimizes the energy release throughout the entire burn cycle.
Executive Summary
- Main Application: Short action magnums and high-performance medium cartridges.
- Key Advantage: Increased muzzle velocity via a specialized “burn rate compensator” coating.
- Burn Rate: Medium-slow, similar to IMR 4350 but with a more progressive energy curve.
- What This Guide Covers: Technical specifications, metering performance, a 4-way competitive analysis, and optimized component pairings for 6.5 Creedmoor and 30-06 Springfield.
Best For: Hunters and long-range shooters looking to “hot rod” medium-sized cases to achieve velocities normally reserved for larger magnums.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Alliant Reloder 17 is an extruded powder manufactured in Switzerland using a specialized process that impregnates the kernel with a burn rate regulator. Unlike traditional double-base powders that have a surface coating, the technology in Alliant Reloder 17 allows the powder to maintain a high energy output for a longer duration of the burn.
The “Feel”: Reloaders often report that Alliant Reloder 17 provides a “progressive push.” While it reaches peak pressure similarly to other powders in its class, it sustains that pressure longer as the bullet travels down the bore, resulting in significant velocity gains—often 100-150 FPS over competitors—without showing signs of overpressure.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Exceptional velocity potential in “short-fat” case designs.
- Pro: Excellent case fill characteristics for consistent ignition.
- Pro: Versatile enough for both bolt-action and semi-auto platforms.
- Con: Higher temperature sensitivity compared to the Alliant “TS” (Temperature Stable) series.
- Con: Can be slightly “dirty” when used at the lower end of the charge weight spectrum.
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
| Density (g/cc) | 0.945-0.965 |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Slow Rifle |
| Shape | Small-to-Medium Extruded Stick |
| Coating | Impregnated Burn Rate Compensator |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
While Alliant Reloder 17 is not marketed as a “Temperature Stable” propellant like Hodgdon H4350, it performs adequately in moderate climates. However, shooters should be aware that it can gain 1.5-2.0 FPS per degree of temperature increase. This makes it essential to develop loads in conditions similar to your expected hunting or competition environment.
Stability Table
| Powder | Stability Rating | Sensitivity (FPS Variation) |
| Hodgdon H4350 | Ultra-Stable | 0.4-0.6 FPS per Degree |
| Alliant Reloder 17 | Moderate | 1.5-2.0 FPS per Degree |
| Alliant Reloder 19 | Sensitive | 2.1-2.6 FPS per Degree |
Powder Comparison
Alliant Reloder 17 sits in a crowded but vital segment of the burn rate chart, competing with some of the most famous powders in reloading history.
| Powder | Burn Rate | Density | Primary Cartridges |
| Hodgdon H414 | Faster | 0.960 | 243 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield |
| IMR 4350 | Slightly Faster | 0.885 | 270 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield |
| Alliant Reloder 17 | Subject | 0.950 | 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 WSM |
| Hodgdon H4350 | Slightly Slower | 0.890 | 6.5 Creedmoor, 243 Winchester |
| Alliant Reloder 19 | Slower | 0.930 | 7mm Remington Magnum, 300 Win Mag |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
Despite being an extruded powder, the kernels of Alliant Reloder 17 are relatively short and uniform. It flows through volumetric measures with surprising consistency. For standard hunting ammunition, a high-quality measure like the Redding Match Grade 3BR Powder Measure will suffice.
For precision long-range applications, digital precision is preferred. The RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme is an excellent match for this powder, ensuring every charge is identical to the tenth of a grain.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Alliant Reloder 17 is most famous for its performance in the WSM family, but it has found secondary fame in modern precision cartridges.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 300 Winchester Short Magnum | Mountain Hunting / Long Range |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | PRS Competition / Deer Hunting |
| 30-06 Springfield | General Big Game Hunting |
| 243 Winchester | Varmint & Predator Control |
| 7mm-08 Remington | Youth & Lightweight Hunting Rifles |
Bullets
This powder performs best when paired with medium-to-heavy bullets for the given caliber, which allows the progressive burn to fully develop.
| Bullet Manufacturer | Model | Recommended Weight |
| Hornady | ELD-X | 143-200 Grains |
| Nosler | Partition | 140-180 Grains |
| Sierra Bullets | GameKing | 130-175 Grains |
| Berger Bullets | Hybrid Target | 140-185 Grains |
Primers
Because Alliant Reloder 17 can be used in both standard and magnum cases, primer selection is critical for complete combustion.
- CCI No. 200 Large Rifle – Standard for 30-06 Springfield loads.
- CCI No. 250 Large Rifle Magnum – Essential for 300 Winchester Short Magnum.
- Federal Gold Medal Large Rifle Match – The choice for 6.5 Creedmoor precision loads.
- Remington No. 9-1/2 Large Rifle – Reliable ignition for standard hunting rounds.
- Winchester Large Rifle – A hot standard primer that works well with Reloder series powders.
- CCI BR-2 Large Rifle Bench Rest – For the absolute lowest Standard Deviation (SD) numbers.
- RWS 5333 Large Rifle Magnum – Premium European choice for magnum hunting loads.
- Federal No. 215 Large Rifle Magnum – Often considered the most powerful magnum primer available.
- Murom Large Rifle – A consistent international option for high-volume shooters.
Expert Verdict
Alliant Reloder 17 remains one of the most innovative propellants on the market. While it lacks the extreme temperature stability of newer “TS” or “Enduron” powders, its ability to produce high velocities without traditional overpressure signs makes it an indispensable tool for the performance-oriented reloader. It breathes new life into classic calibers and pushes modern short magnums to their absolute limit.
Expert Pro Tip: Because Alliant Reloder 17 is denser than many other extruded powders like Hodgdon H4350, you will often find you have significantly more “headroom” in the case. Avoid the temptation to fill the case to the brim immediately; instead, focus on finding the “accuracy node” where the progressive burn stabilizes your extreme spread.
