Alliant Reloder 23

Alliant Reloder 23 has rapidly ascended to the top of the propellant hierarchy for long-range precision shooters and western big-game hunters. Developed as a high-performance alternative to legacy slow-burning sticks, Alliant Reloder 23 was engineered specifically to address the dual needs of high muzzle velocity and absolute thermal immunity. As part of Alliant’s advanced line of propellants, Alliant Reloder 23 utilizes a unique formulation that allows it to maintain consistent pressures and velocities across a staggering range of environmental conditions, making it the premier choice for those who hunt in the freezing alpine or compete in the blistering desert heat.

Executive Summary

• Main Application: Heavy-bullet loads for long-action and magnum cartridges.
• Key Advantage: TZ (Temperature Zero) technology ensures a flat velocity curve.
• Burn Rate: Medium-slow, situated between Alliant Reloder 19 and Alliant Reloder 26.
• What This Guide Covers: Technical chemistry analysis, physical kernel profile, 4-way competitive benchmarking, and optimized component pairings for 7mm Remington Magnum and 284 Winchester.

Best For: Serious precision rifle competitors and long-range hunters who require a single-digit Standard Deviation (SD) and point-of-impact consistency regardless of the thermometer.

Powder Description & Technical Profile

Alliant Reloder 23 is a modern, extruded powder featuring a single-base chemical composition. While many of the legacy Reloder series powders were double-base, Alliant Reloder 23 moves to a high-purity single-base formula to maximize stability. The defining characteristic of Alliant Reloder 23 is the integration of TZ technology. This proprietary manufacturing process involves a specialized deterrent coating that regulates the burn rate of the kernel even when internal case temperatures shift.

The physical geometry consists of small-to-medium extruded powder kernels. Unlike the larger “logs” found in legacy magnum propellants, the grains of Alliant Reloder 23 are cut shorter to facilitate better flow and higher load density. The “Expert Feel” of Alliant Reloder 23 is often described as a linear pressure curve. Instead of the sharp, erratic spikes seen in less stable powders when approaching maximum charge weights, Alliant Reloder 23 provides a predictable increase in velocity, allowing the reloader to safely find the accuracy node without premature overpressure signs.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Exceptional thermal stability prevents vertical stringing during multi-day matches.
• Pro: Integrated decoppering agent actively scours the bore to maintain accuracy over long strings of fire.
• Pro: High energy density allows for competitive velocities in standard cases like 30-06 Springfield.
• Pro: Clean-burning characteristics leave minimal residue, preserving barrel life.
• Con: As a high-performance extruded powder, it often commands a premium price point.
• Con: May require a trickler to reach its full potential for ultra-low SD numbers.

Technical Characteristics

The engineering data for Alliant Reloder 23 illustrates its specialization for medium-to-large capacity cases. It is dense enough to fill the case efficiently while maintaining a kernel structure that resists bridging.

Property	Specification
Density (g/cc)	0.935-0.955
Burn Rate Category	Medium-Slow Rifle
Shape	Small Extruded Stick
Base	Single-Base Nitrocellulose
Coating	TZ Technology with Decoppering Additive

Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis

The primary market position of Alliant Reloder 23 is to compete directly with the “Extreme” line of propellants. While older propellants in this burn range, such as Alliant Reloder 22, are notorious for gaining 2-3 FPS per degree of heat, Alliant Reloder 23 exhibits a variance of less than 0.5 FPS per degree Fahrenheit. This level of stability is a game-changer for the 1000-yard shooter, where a 40-degree shift between a morning and afternoon stage can result in a significant vertical miss.

The burn rate of Alliant Reloder 23 is carefully tuned. It is slightly slower than Hodgdon H4350, making it a superior choice for 284 Winchester and heavier projectiles in 6.5 Creedmoor. However, it is faster than Hodgdon H1000, allowing it to reach peak pressure in standard long-action cases where the slower magnum powders might fail to achieve full combustion.

Stability Table

Powder	Stability Rating	Sensitivity (FPS Variation)
Alliant Reloder 23	Ultra-Stable	0.3-0.5 FPS per Degree
Hodgdon H4831SC	Stable	0.4-0.6 FPS per Degree
Alliant Reloder 22	Sensitive	1.8-2.5 FPS per Degree

Powder Comparison

To understand where Alliant Reloder 23 fits, it must be compared against its most frequent competitors in the medium-slow category.

Powder	Burn Rate	Density	Primary Cartridges
IMR 4451	Faster	0.920	6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Winchester
Hodgdon H4831SC	Slightly Faster	0.890	270 Winchester, 25-06 Remington
Alliant Reloder 23	Subject	0.940	7mm Remington Magnum, 284 Winchester
Alliant Reloder 22	Slower	0.930	300 Winchester Magnum, 270 Winchester
Alliant Reloder 26	Slower	0.965	300 PRC, 7mm Remington Magnum

Performance, Metering & Equipment

Although Alliant Reloder 23 is an extruded powder, its kernel size is specifically miniaturized to improve metering. In high-volume mechanical measures like the Redding Match Grade 3BR Powder Measure, it maintains a consistency of +/- 0.15 grains. For maximum precision in F-Class or PRS competition, using a digital scale like the RCBS Chargemaster Lite or the Lyman Gen6 Compact Powder System is the industry standard.

Fouling with Alliant Reloder 23 is noticeably lower than legacy propellants. The decoppering agent works by chemically reacting with copper residue in the bore during the high-heat phase of the shot. This prevents the buildup of copper wash, which can degrade accuracy over a long string of fire. This makes it an ideal choice for high-volume varmint hunters or competitors who do not have the time to clean their rifles between every stage.

The Role of Load Density

One of the mechanical benefits of Alliant Reloder 23 is its bulk density. It occupies a “sweet spot” in terms of volume, often providing a 90-95 percent case fill in cartridges like 280 Remington and 270 Winchester. High load density is the key to consistent ignition; by minimizing the air space within the cartridge, Alliant Reloder 23 ensures that the primer flame travels through the powder column uniformly.

Recommended Cartridges and Applications

Alliant Reloder 23 excels in cartridges with a high expansion ratio or those used in bolt-action platforms where long-range consistency is the primary goal.

Cartridge	Primary Application
284 Winchester	F-Class & Long Range Precision
7mm Remington Magnum	Western Big Game Hunting
6.5 Creedmoor	PRS Competition (Heavy Bullets)
270 Winchester	Classic Deer & Elk Hunting
30-06 Springfield	Heavy Bullet (180-200 Grain) Loads
6.5-284 Norma	Long Range Benchrest
25-06 Remington	Antelope & Open-Country Hunting

Bullets

The burn rate of Alliant Reloder 23 is optimized for mid-to-heavyweight bullets. In the 6.5 Creedmoor, it provides the necessary sustained pressure to push 140-150 grain bullets to competitive velocities. In the 30-06 Springfield, it is the premier choice for 180-200 grain hunting projectiles.

Bullet Manufacturer	Model	Recommended Weight
Sierra Bullets	MatchKing	140-190 Grains
Hornady	ELD Match	140-180 Grains
Nosler	AccuBond	140-200 Grains
Berger Bullets	Hybrid Target	140-185 Grains
Lapua	Scenar	139-185 Grains

Primers

Choosing the correct primer is essential to harness the temperature stability of Alliant Reloder 23. Use these options based on your specific application:

1. CCI BR-2 Large Rifle Bench Rest – The gold standard for precision 284 Winchester loads.
2. Federal Gold Medal Large Rifle Match – Excellent for 6.5 Creedmoor small-to-medium primer brass.
3. CCI No. 200 Large Rifle – Standard for 30-06 Springfield general-purpose loads.
4. CCI No. 250 Large Rifle Magnum – Recommended for 7mm Remington Magnum to ensure consistent ignition.
5. Remington No. 9-1/2 Large Rifle – Reliable and consistent for classic hunting rounds.
6. Winchester Large Rifle – A robust choice that works well with single-base propellants.
7. Murom Large Rifle – Respected for its consistency in the international competition circuit.
8. RWS 5341 Large Rifle – Elite European primer for specialized precision applications.
9. Federal No. 215 Large Rifle Magnum – Provides the intensity needed for heavy magnum charges of Alliant Reloder 23.
10. CCI No. 450 Small Rifle Magnum – For precision 6.5 Creedmoor cases using small rifle primers.

Expert Verdict

Alliant Reloder 23 represents the next generation of propellant technology. By combining the legendary energy of the Alliant Reloder series with modern temperature stability and decoppering additives, it provides a versatile solution for the modern marksman. Whether you are competing in an F-Class championship or hunting mountain goats in the freezing winter, Alliant Reloder 23 delivers the peace of mind that your point of impact will remain true.

The transition to single-base chemistry has not sacrificed the velocity potential that made the Reloder series famous. Instead, it has refined it, providing a more predictable and safer experience at the reloading bench. For anyone seeking to modernize their long-range loads for 7mm Remington Magnum or 270 Winchester, Alliant Reloder 23 is the indisputable benchmark.

Expert Pro Tip: When loading Alliant Reloder 23 in high-density cases like the 284 Winchester, use a long drop tube to settle the kernels. This allows for a more consistent case fill and prevents the compression from affecting bullet seating depth or neck tension. Additionally, because Alliant Reloder 23 is a single-base propellant, it is less prone to shelf-life degradation in humid environments, but always store your powder in a cool, dry place to maintain the integrity of the TZ technology coatings. Always watch for signs of overpressure such as slight ejector marks or primer cratering when working at the ceiling of published data in mid-summer temperatures.