None of the above, you put that old powder in a box, and mail it off to TMan .
Seriously though, I have about 4lbs of R12 from a chance encounter with a shop going out of business. It is a BEST powder in a .35 Whelen, and having two of those, that both shoot MOA or better with multiple bullets over R12, I have reserved my R12 for those guns.
My older Alliant guide lists 33.5gr under a 150gr Sierra for 2350 in the .30-30, with a 24" barrel, but doesn't have any loads listed for the .38-55. With the .204, you'd be on your own. Most of the Alliant loads in their guide would not be considered "starter loads" by anyone with a lick of sense.
But I have used it in .223 loads, .243 with lighter bullets, 7mm-08, .375H&H, and of course, the Whelen's. All with very good accuracy and velocity. I wouldn't throw it away.
I haven't been able to find any here in Alaska but if it works good in 35 Whelen I will have some.
It has been my experience that you have to really try to make bad loads when loading the 35 Whelen. Mine shoots everything I have ever loaded very accurate and with no pressure problems. It is a very user friendly round and deserves a greater following. Having read most of the gun and hunting mags for 30+ years, most of the gun scribes feel the same way except Mr 7MM Sundra.
homefront here's a place to check on loads for the 204. I'm using Allient 10X in mine with great results. Mine's in a CZ 527 Varmint model. Check out the loading data at the top of the page.
The problem is that RL-12 has been discontinued for years. I miss it. It was great in my 223, 7-30 Waters and with lighter bullets in 308. It was a bit slower than IMR3031 in burn rate, a bit faster than 4895.
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