Description
RP3 is a Bofors-manufactured rifle propellant with a burn rate classified as medium-slow, marked by a burn rate index of 1.9. This distinct characteristic makes RP3 an excellent choice for a wide range of rifle calibers, particularly in medium to large cartridges where consistent energy release and optimal pressure levels are paramount. The propellant exhibits excellent metering properties due to its spherical granule structure, promoting uniform charge weights across varied loading sessions. In terms of temperature stability, RP3 is designed to maintain consistent performance across a broad temperature spectrum, reducing velocity and pressure fluctuations experienced under extreme conditions. Handloaders will find RP3 suitable for calibers such as .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, and 7mm-08 Remington, where a balance between velocity and pressure is critical. The blend’s specific formulation enhances barrel life by minimizing fouling and barrel wear. Load development with RP3 allows intricate tuning of ballistic performance, providing competitive accuracy and reliable shot-to-shot consistency, reinforcing its reputation in the handloading community.
Specifications
Burn Rate
0 (Slow)
Bulk Density
0.930 g/cm³
Density
1.560 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 RP3
Verified load data combinations using Bofors RP3.
.20 BR
Berger .204 | 35gr | Berger FB Varmint 35gr
.20 BR
Berger .204 | 40gr | Berger Varmint 40gr
.20 BR
Berger .204 | 55gr | Berger Varmint 55gr
.20 BR
Hornady .204 | 40gr | Hornady V-MAX 40gr
.20 BR
Hornady .204 | 45gr | Hornady SP 45gr
.20 BR
Nosler .204 | 40gr | Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint 40gr
.20 BR
Peregrine .204 | 34gr | Peregrine VLR-4 34gr
.20 BR
Peregrine .204 | 36gr | Peregrine VLR-5 36gr
.20 BR
Sierra .204 | 36gr | Sierra Spitzer (SPT) 36gr
.20 BR
Sierra .204 | 39gr | Sierra Tipped VarmintKing 39gr
.20 BR
Speer .204 | 39gr | Speer TNT 39gr
.20 Nosler
Berger .204 | 40gr | Berger Varmint 40gr
.20 Nosler
Hornady .204 | 40gr | Hornady V-MAX 40gr
.20 Nosler
Hornady .204 | 45gr | Hornady SP 45gr
.20 Nosler
Nosler .204 | 40gr | Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint 40gr
.20 Nosler
Sierra .204 | 39gr | Sierra Tipped VarmintKing 39gr
.20 Nosler
Speer .204 | 39gr | Speer TNT 39gr
.204 Ruger
Berger .204 | 55gr | Berger Varmint 55gr
Subsonic Loads — Bofors RP3
Verified subsonic load data combinations using Bofors RP3.
.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.
Peregrine .308 | 155gr | Peregrine Subsonic 155gr
.30-06 Spring.
Reichenberg .308 | 154gr | Reichenberg HDB Subsonic 154gr
.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 | 95gr | AERO SUB-I,- smax:11.30 95gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 115gr | AERO SUB,- smax:11.40 115gr
.30-06 Spring.
Styria Arms | AERO .308 | 190gr | AERO SUB,- smax:23.90 190gr
.308 Win.
Discreet Ballistics .308 | 188gr | Discreet Ballistics Selous Machined Expander 188gr
.308 Win.
Hornady .308 | 175gr | Hornady Sub-X 175gr
.308 Win.
Hornady .308 | 190gr | Hornady Sub-X 190gr
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