Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 7mm Rem Mag, 180 VLD Hunting reloading help

My brother's Tikka shoots the HSM factory stuff really well but he only gets 2750 fps MV. HSM claims 2845 fps.

I loaded some bullets with 68 grains of MagPro, which should give me a hair over 2900, but I only got 2830. Retumbo is next but the data suggests similar MV.

Slow barrel?

Anyone loading these bullets in a 7 Rem Mag?



P

Getting 2860 with 68 grains of Ramshot Mag in my Rem 700.

I'm hoping for 2900, or a hair over.

I'll look for Magnum.



P

RL22 will do it.

According to Quickload MagPro gives more speed than R22.

Tell me more.



P

My 7RM likes the 180 VLD as well. It also likes the 168 VLD, both Hunting versions.

I've looked at trajectories, down range K.E., etc. and there doesn't seem to be a lot of difference.

I'm trying to decide which one I want to use. I hunt mostly WT's, Pronghorns and hogs. For Nilgai and such, I'd probably go with something different.

DF

What twist is required for these bullets??

Mine is an 8 twist.

DF

Thanks that is what I thought.. Mine are 1-10..

RL-25 is my favorite 7RM powder with heavier bullets.

DF

Before I did anything, I would check that we are talking apples to apples. Is barrel length on the Tikka the same as what HSM is using? How about lead?....bullet seating depth? You may try other powders, but still run into pressure problems trying to increase velocity.
I run this bullet in my 7 Bee. Has a 26 inch, 9 twist C.M. Pac-Nor. 70.3 grns of H1000 gets 2950, with good case life.
You could have a good gunsmith extend the lead in the Tikka, if needed, get the bullet out of the case body, more useable powder space, and have room to test seating depth. I`ve done this with my 700 Rem, 26 inch barrel. Comes very close to the Bee.
Remember tho, COAL will be determined by your rifles magazine.
Good Luck

RETUMBO RESULTS:

72.4, two shots, third wouldn't chamber. 2881, 2964. Dunno what happened on the first shot.

72.0, 3 shots averaged 2953, ES 26

71.5, 3 shots averaged 2916, ES 22.

Primers looked a little flat but I'm not a good judge.

Surprisingly close to Quickload predicted values. 2900 MV was the goal, looks like it's time for a seating depth test at the range.



P

I would give RL22 and H1000 a try.

Look on Bergers web page for the twist calculator/stability calculator.......180 vld will give you fits with a factory barrel twist, 168gr classic hunter will be the one you want. We use IMR 4350 for best results with lowest ES and SD.