Description
Bofors RP5 is recognized for its slow burn rate, making it an excellent choice for rifle cartridges where controlled combustion is vital for optimum velocity and pressure balance. Its slow-burning nature suits it particularly well for magnum calibers and other large capacity rifle cases. The physical form of RP5 is typically a dense cylindrical granulation, promoting consistent metering through powder measures, a crucial aspect for precise handloading. Its design ensures minimal temperature sensitivity, maintaining reliable performance across varying environmental conditions, essential for hunters and competitive shooters alike. Common calibers that benefit from RP5 include .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua Magnum, and other similar high-capacity rounds. During load development, handloaders are advised to start with lower charge weights and work up while paying attention to pressure signs, as with any slow-burning powder. The slow burn rate of RP5 provides reduced throat erosion in rifles, offering the advantage of extended barrel life, a key consideration for serious marksmen.
Specifications
Burn Rate
2.5 (Medium-Slow)
Bulk Density
0.910 g/cm³
Density
1.620 g/cm³
Temperature Sensitivity
Low
Suitable Substitutes
Powders with a similar burn rate that may be suitable alternatives (also see burn rate chart):
Standard Loads — Bofors RP15
Verified load data combinations using Bofors RP15.
.22 Creedmoor
Barnes .224 | 85gr | Barnes Match Burner 85gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 80gr | Berger VLD Target 80gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 80.5gr | Berger Fullbore Target 80.5gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 82gr | Berger LTB 82gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 85.5gr | Berger Long Range Hybrid Target 85.5gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 90gr | Berger VLD Target 90gr
.22 Creedmoor
Berger .224 | 90gr | Berger VLD LRBT 90gr
.22 Creedmoor
Hornady .224 | 80gr | Hornady ELD-X 80gr
.22 Creedmoor
Hornady .224 | 88gr | Hornady ELD Match 88gr
.22 Creedmoor
Nosler .224 | 80gr | Nosler Custom Competition 80gr
.22 Creedmoor
Nosler .224 | 85gr | Nosler RDF 85gr
.22 Creedmoor
Sierra .224 | 80gr | Sierra HPBT LR MatchKing 80gr
.22 Creedmoor
Sierra .224 | 90gr | Sierra HPBT MatchKinging 90gr
.22 Creedmoor
Sierra .224 | 95gr | Sierra MatchKing 95gr
.220 Howell
Armscor .224 | 62gr | Armscor FMJ BT 62gr
.220 Howell
Barnes .224 | 69gr | Barnes Match Burner BT 69gr
.220 Howell
Cutting Edge .224 | 60gr | CutEdge ER Raptor 60gr
.220 Howell
Cutting Edge .224 | 65gr | CutEdge MTH 65gr
Subsonic Loads — Bofors RP15
Verified subsonic load data combinations using Bofors RP15.
.30-06 Spring.
Berger .308 | 230gr | Berger Hybrid OTM Tactical 230gr
.30-06 Spring.
Berger .308 | 230gr | Berger Hybrid Target 230gr
.30-06 Spring.
Discreet Ballistics .308 | 188gr | Discreet Ballistics Selous Machined Expander 188gr
.30-06 Spring.
Hornady .308 | 175gr | Hornady Sub-X 175gr
.30-06 Spring.
Hornady .308 | 190gr | Hornady Sub-X 190gr
.30-06 Spring.
Lapua .308 | 200gr | Lapua Subsonic 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
MAKER .308 | 200gr | MAKER 200 Grain .308 Expanding Subsonic Blackout Bullets 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
MAKER .308 | 220gr | MAKER 300 blackout 220gr
.30-06 Spring.
Reichenberg .308 | 200gr | Reichenberg Subsonic 200gr
.30-06 Spring.
Sierra .308 | 220gr | Sierra MatchKing 220gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 190gr | AERO SUB,- smax:23.90 190gr
6.5 Creedmoor
RWS .264 | 159gr | RWS TMR 159gr
7.5 x 55 Swiss
Berger .308 | 210gr | Berger VLD Target 210gr
7.5 x 55 Swiss
Discreet Ballistics .308 | 188gr | Discreet Ballistics Selous Machined Expander 188gr
7.5 x 55 Swiss
Hornady .308 | 190gr | Hornady Sub-X 190gr
7.5 x 55 Swiss
Lapua .308 | 200gr | Lapua Subsonic 200gr
7.5 x 55 Swiss
Nosler .308 | 190gr | Nosler AccuBond Long Range 190gr
7.5 x 55 Swiss
Sierra .308 | 220gr | Sierra MatchKing 220gr
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