Published: 2024 | Last updated: March 2026
Alliant Reloder 17 arrived on the market with a specific mission: push short-action magnum cartridges to velocities that were previously the exclusive territory of full-length belted magnums. It accomplished that mission so effectively that it became one of the most talked-about propellants of the last two decades. Whether you are wringing every last foot-per-second out of a 300 Winchester Short Magnum or trying to extract genuine long-range performance from a 6.5 Creedmoor, Reloder 17 has a legitimate claim on your powder shelf.
This guide covers the powder’s technical profile, how it meters and handles in the field, where it sits on the burn rate chart versus its direct competitors, and which primers, bullets, and cartridges bring out the best in it.
Executive Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Application | Short-action magnums and high-performance medium cartridges |
| Key Advantage | Sustained pressure curve that produces velocity gains of 100-150 FPS over competing powders |
| Burn Rate | Medium-slow rifle – similar to IMR 4350 but with a more progressive energy release |
| Temperature Stability | Moderate – adequate for most hunting use, not ideal for competition at temperature extremes |
| Best For | Hunters and long-range shooters who want to maximize what a standard-sized action can deliver |
If you are developing a load for a short-fat case like the 300 WSM or a modern precision cartridge like the 6.5 Creedmoor, Reloder 17 is worth serious consideration. Its one genuine limitation – temperature sensitivity – matters more on a competition stage than on a deer stand, and for most working hunters it is a non-issue.
Powder Description and Technical Profile
Alliant Reloder 17 is an extruded stick powder manufactured in Switzerland. What separates it from the crowded medium-slow segment of the burn rate chart is the manufacturing process: rather than applying a deterrent coating to the surface of each kernel, the process impregnates the kernel itself with a burn rate regulator. The distinction is more than chemistry-class trivia. A surface coating gradually ablates as the powder burns, creating an energy release curve that peaks sharply and then falls off. An impregnated kernel maintains the energy output longer as the bullet travels down the bore.
In practice, what this means is that Reloder 17 reaches peak pressure at roughly the same point in the burn cycle as comparable powders, but it sustains that pressure for a longer distance of bullet travel. The bullet exits the muzzle carrying more of that energy. That is where the velocity gains come from – not from running higher peak pressures, but from keeping the pressure working for longer. Reloaders often describe this as a “progressive push” rather than a sharp spike, and pressure traces confirm it.
This characteristic also explains why Reloder 17 tends to show velocity gains of 100-150 FPS over powders like Hodgdon H4350 without producing the flattened primers and difficult extraction that would normally accompany such numbers. The peak PSI is not necessarily higher – the area under the curve is.
Pros
- Exceptional velocity potential in short-fat case designs where case volume is limited but you still need speed
- Dense enough that it fills medium-capacity cases well, promoting consistent ignition
- Works across both bolt-action and semi-automatic platforms, making it genuinely versatile
- Relatively short, uniform kernel geometry for an extruded powder, which aids metering
Cons
- Temperature sensitivity is measurably higher than the Alliant Reloder TS 15.5 or Hodgdon Enduron powders – this matters if you are developing loads in winter for summer competition, or vice versa
- At the bottom of the charge range, combustion can be incomplete and fouling increases noticeably; this powder rewards working toward the upper end of published data
- Not as widely available as workhorse powders like Hodgdon H4350 or IMR 4350
Technical Characteristics
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Density (g/cc) | 0.945-0.965 |
| Burn Rate Category | Medium-Slow Rifle |
| Shape | Small-to-Medium Extruded Stick |
| Kernel Treatment | Impregnated Burn Rate Regulator |
| Manufacturer | Eurenco (Switzerland) |
| Marketed By | Alliant Powder (USA) |
The density figure is worth paying attention to. At 0.945-0.965 g/cc, Reloder 17 is noticeably denser than Hodgdon H4350 at 0.890 g/cc or IMR 4350 at 0.885 g/cc. This means that for a given charge weight, Reloder 17 takes up less physical space in the case. In a cartridge like the 6.5 Creedmoor, where case capacity is already modest, this gives you more room to work and reduces the likelihood of compressed charges at maximum loads. In larger cases like the 300 WSM, it means the case fill percentage is lower than it might appear on paper – which is why some reloaders mistakenly assume they have more room to add powder and push past published maximums. Do not do this. Work from published data and approach maximum charges by watching for pressure signs, not by trying to fill the case.
Temperature Stability and Burn Rate Analysis
Temperature stability is one of the most practical concerns for any reloader who develops loads at home and shoots them in conditions that are meaningfully different from the workbench. A hunting rifle sighted in at 70 degrees Fahrenheit in September can shoot 2-3 inches high at the same distance in mid-summer when the temperature hits 95 degrees – if the powder is sensitive to heat. Reloder 17 is not the worst offender in this regard, but it is not in the same category as the Hodgdon H4350 or the Alliant TS-series powders.
The practical guidance is straightforward: if you are building hunting loads that will be used within a 30-degree temperature range of where you developed them, Reloder 17 is fine. If you are building competition loads that need to hold consistent velocity from a cold Wisconsin morning to a hot Texas afternoon, consider Alliant Reloder TS 15.5 or Hodgdon H4350 instead.
Temperature Sensitivity Comparison
| Powder | Stability Rating | Sensitivity (FPS per Degree F) | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hodgdon H4350 | Ultra-Stable | 0.4-0.6 | Competition, any-condition hunting |
| Alliant Reloder TS 15.5 | Stable | 0.6-0.9 | Competition, precision hunting |
| Alliant Reloder 17 | Moderate | 1.5-2.0 | Hunting, controlled-condition target shooting |
| Alliant Reloder 19 | Sensitive | 2.1-2.6 | Controlled-condition use only |
To put the numbers in context: if you develop a load that produces 2,900 FPS at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and you then use that load on a 90-degree August afternoon, Reloder 17 may add approximately 45-60 FPS. In a hunting context that is inconsequential. On a competition stage where a consistent velocity standard deviation is required for accurate wind calls at 1,000 yards, that drift becomes a variable you have introduced into your system. Know your use case and choose accordingly.
Where Reloder 17 Sits on the Burn Rate Chart
Understanding burn rate context helps you make sense of which cartridges Reloder 17 works well in and why. It occupies a position between IMR 4350 and Hodgdon H4350 on most burn rate charts, but its progressive pressure curve means it does not behave exactly like either of them in practice.
| Powder | Relative Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | 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 |
One thing this table illustrates is that the density advantage Reloder 17 holds over IMR 4350 and Hodgdon H4350 is meaningful. When you are working with a short-action case that has a fixed volume, packing in a denser powder means more mass of propellant for a given case fill. That additional energy is what drives the velocity numbers. The trade-off is that you need to be more careful about reading the charge weight data from your manual correctly, because the volume-to-weight ratio is different than what you might be accustomed to from lighter extruded powders.
It is also worth noting where Reloder 17 is not competitive. In genuinely large magnum cases – 300 Winchester Magnum, 338 Lapua Magnum, or anything with a true belted magnum case – the burn rate is simply too fast. You will run out of room in the charge window before the cartridge reaches its velocity potential. That territory belongs to Alliant Reloder 22, Alliant Reloder 25, or Hodgdon Retumbo.
Metering and Equipment Compatibility
Extruded powders have a reputation for inconsistent metering through volumetric measures, and with coarser stick powders like Hodgdon H4350 that reputation is partially deserved. Reloder 17’s kernel geometry is notably more uniform and the sticks are shorter than many extruded powders in this burn rate neighborhood. In practical terms, it meters considerably better than you might expect.
For hunting ammunition produced in volume, a quality volumetric measure will get you into an acceptable charge window. Equipment like the Redding Competition LR-1000 or the Redding Match Grade 3BR handles Reloder 17’s kernel geometry well. Throw 5-10 charges before you begin recording data, and expect throw-to-throw variation of plus or minus 0.2 to 0.3 grains – tight enough for hunting use.
For precision long-range work where you are chasing single-digit standard deviations, move to a digital dispenser. The RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme handles Reloder 17 cleanly and delivers consistent charges without the bridging issues that plague some coarser stick powders in dispensing systems. Alternatively, throw slightly under your target weight on a volumetric measure and trickle up to weight with a quality trickler – this remains the most reliable method for extracting the maximum accuracy from any extruded powder.
One practical note: because Reloder 17 is denser than most of its competitors, the apparent case fill looks lower than what the charge weight suggests. Do not try to eyeball case fill to estimate whether a load is appropriate. Read the manual, use the scale, and stay within published parameters.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
Reloder 17 is most famous for its work in the WSM family, where its progressive burn curve suits the short, wide case geometry almost perfectly. Its secondary application in modern precision cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor has expanded its reach considerably, and it remains a legitimate choice in classic cartridges where a velocity premium is worth the trade-off in temperature sensitivity.
| Cartridge | Primary Application | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 300 Winchester Short Magnum | Mountain Hunting / Long Range | The cartridge this powder was essentially designed for |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | PRS Competition / Deer Hunting | Delivers top-tier velocity with heavy-for-caliber bullets |
| 30-06 Springfield | General Big Game Hunting | Produces impressive velocity in a classic case |
| 243 Winchester | Varmint and Predator Control | Works well with heavier varmint and deer bullets |
| 7mm-08 Remington | Youth and Lightweight Hunting Rifles | Good option where manageable recoil is a priority |
The 6.5 Creedmoor application deserves a specific note because it surprises some reloaders. Most 6.5 Creedmoor load data points toward Hodgdon H4350 as the default powder, and for good reason – H4350 is temperature stable and widely available. But Reloder 17 in the 6.5 Creedmoor produces velocity numbers with 140-143 grain bullets that H4350 simply cannot match in the same case. For a hunter who develops loads at home and shoots in consistent conditions, Reloder 17 may be the better choice on pure performance grounds.
In the 30-06 Springfield, Reloder 17’s density means you are working with relatively modest case fill percentages even at maximum charge weights. This is a comfortable place to work – no compressed charges to worry about, good consistency, and genuine velocity performance with 165-180 grain bullets. Compare it with IMR 4350 or Hodgdon H4350 in this case, and Reloder 17 frequently shows a meaningful velocity advantage.
Bullets
Reloder 17’s progressive burn curve means it performs best when paired with medium-to-heavy-for-caliber bullets. A lighter bullet exits the bore too quickly for the sustained pressure advantage to fully develop – you are essentially paying the temperature sensitivity penalty without collecting the velocity premium. Match the bullet weight to the cartridge’s intended role and let the powder do what it is designed to do.
| Bullet | Model | Recommended Weight | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady ELD-X | ELD-X | 143-200 gr | Hunting at extended range, excellent BC for wind drift management |
| Nosler Partition | Partition | 140-180 gr | Controlled expansion on heavy game, proven terminal performance |
| Sierra GameKing | GameKing | 130-175 gr | Versatile hunting bullet, excellent accuracy in most rifles |
| Berger Hybrid Target | Hybrid Target | 140-185 gr | Precision target and long-range hunting, high BC |
| Hornady ELD-M | ELD-M | 140-147 gr | Competition use in 6.5 Creedmoor, match-grade consistency |
| Nosler AccuBond | AccuBond | 140-180 gr | Bonded construction for tough angles and heavy bone |
For the 6.5 Creedmoor specifically, the 143-grain Hornady ELD-X and the 140-grain Berger Hybrid Target are the two pairings that consistently produce the best velocity and accuracy numbers with Reloder 17. Both bullets are heavy enough to let the powder’s burn curve develop fully, and both have the ballistic coefficients to make the velocity premium matter at distance.
In the 30-06 Springfield and 300 WSM, the 165-180 grain range is where this powder shines. A 180-grain Nosler Partition or Hornady InterBond driven hard by Reloder 17 makes a compelling elk or moose load – the velocity edge translates directly into flatter trajectory and retained energy at hunting distances.
Primers
Primer selection with Reloder 17 depends on the case you are loading. Standard large rifle cases like the 30-06 Springfield and 6.5 Creedmoor do not require magnum primers, but magnum cases like the 300 WSM and larger cartridges benefit from the hotter ignition of a magnum primer to ensure complete combustion.
| Primer | Type | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| CCI 200 | Large Rifle Standard | 30-06 Springfield, 6.5 Creedmoor hunting loads |
| CCI 250 | Large Rifle Magnum | 300 WSM, any short magnum case |
| Federal GM210M | Large Rifle Match | Precision 6.5 Creedmoor loads where low SD is the priority |
| Remington 9-1/2 | Large Rifle Standard | Reliable ignition across standard hunting rounds |
| Winchester WLR | Large Rifle Standard | Works well with the Reloder series across the board |
| CCI BR-2 | Large Rifle Bench Rest | Lowest standard deviation in precision non-magnum loads |
| Federal 215 | Large Rifle Magnum | Maximum ignition energy for magnum cases in cold conditions |
| Remington 9-1/2M | Large Rifle Magnum | Consistent ignition for medium magnum cases |
One nuance worth understanding: because Reloder 17 burns slightly dirtier at the low end of the charge range, using a hotter primer in a non-magnum case to ensure complete combustion is a reasonable approach if you are working with a compressed or near-max load. The Federal GM210M is the standard recommendation for 6.5 Creedmoor precision loads specifically because its consistent, hot ignition reduces velocity variation and keeps fouling manageable. If you are chasing sub-0.3% velocity spread, primer consistency is as important as charge weight consistency – match them accordingly.
For magnum cases in cold conditions, the Federal 215 is worth considering. Reloder 17’s moderate temperature sensitivity means a load developed at 60 degrees will already be running conservatively in a 20-degree environment. A powerful magnum primer ensures the charge ignites completely and consistently even when the powder’s energy release is slightly suppressed by cold.
Charge Weight Caveat
All charge weight data for Alliant Reloder 17 should be taken from current published manuals – Alliant’s own published data, Hodgdon’s online data center, or reputable commercial manuals from Hornady, Nosler, or Sierra. Always begin 10% below the published maximum and work up in 0.5-grain increments while watching for pressure signs: difficult bolt lift, flattened or cratered primers, case head expansion, and ejector marks on the case head. Reloder 17’s progressive burn curve means pressure can build quickly in a compressed-load situation, and the margin between a well-developed load and an overpressure condition is smaller than with some slower powders.
Because this powder is denser than its apparent competitors, do not use charge weights from data developed for Hodgdon H4350 or IMR 4350 as starting points for Reloder 17. The weight-to-volume relationship is different, and substituting charge weights between powders of different densities without referencing specific load data is a pressure protocol failure waiting to happen. See our guide on overpressure in reloading for a full walkthrough of safe load development procedure.
Conclusion
Alliant Reloder 17 earns its place on the powder shelf through a specific and well-defined set of strengths. The impregnated burn rate regulator technology gives it a pressure curve that extracts velocity from short-fat cases and medium cartridges in a way that conventional surface-coated powders cannot replicate. The 100-150 FPS velocity premium over Hodgdon H4350 in cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor and 30-06 Springfield is real and reproducible.
The trade-offs are equally real. Temperature sensitivity limits its utility for serious competition shooters who need consistent numbers across large temperature swings. It rewards working toward the upper end of the charge range rather than the lower, which means dialing in the load carefully before hunting season. And its relative scarcity compared to H4350 means you should stock up when you find it.
For the hunter who wants maximum performance from a standard-action rifle, Reloder 17 is hard to argue with. For the handloader who wants to breathe new life into a 30-06 Springfield or push a 6.5 Creedmoor to its upper limits, it remains one of the most effective tools available.
For related reading, see our guides on best powders for 45-70 Government handloading, Alliant Reloder 16, and Alliant Reloder 19.
Editorial note: This article was originally published in 2024 and revised in March 2026.
