Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Chrono Results RL 17 in the 7mm Saum

I ran some RL 17 through my 7mm Saum this afternoon. I only ran 3 shots per load so it is not a very significant statistical sample by any means. I was just trying to find a point of where I might like to start, since there isn't any data out there. I also ran some h4350 as well.

I didn't do any accuracy testing, just velocity.


Hornady 139gr BTSP.

H4350 59gr Ave - 3074
RL 17 59gr Ave - 3169

H4350 60gr Ave - 3175
RL 17 60gr Ave - 3201


Accubond 140gr

H4350 60gr Ave - 3197
RL 17 60gr Ave - 3278


I had loaded up some Accubond loads with 60.5gr, and 61gr of RL 17 but getting up near 3300 with 60gr is maybe even too fast so I am pulling the bullets on those loads. I will probably start looking for accuracy with the RL 17 in between 58.5 and 60.

Edited to add: This is from a Model 700 that was formerly a 300 saum, and now wear's a 24in Remington 7mm saum barrel. Also the usual disclaimer that these loads appear safe in my rifle, and should not be assumed safe in another, work up loads carefully in your rifles.

Thanks, I've been shooting 56 gr of RL 17 in my Model 7 7mm SAUM with 168 gr Bergers. 22" barrel has been getting me 2875-2900fps or so.

I have a Kimber Montana in 7WSM. I chronied some loads with 63 grains and 140gr accubonds and get velocities between 3280 and 3310. I know that is hot velocity wise but Alliant data for the 7WSM is 63.5grs with a speer 145gr BTSP with a velocity of 3166fps. I have no pressure signs that I have seen. But I also have read that with velocity increases, pressure should also increase. Just my 2cents.

I ran Re 17 under 180 Noslers in my 30 SAUM. I was 1.5 grains under the Alliant max load of 63.0 but breaking 3000 ft/sec. I stated this before but IMHO RE 17 is faster burning than any of the 4350's - so running it grain-for-grain will always produce higher velocities and more pressure than the 4350's.

I believe anything over 3150 with a 140 in a 7 SAUM is approaching hot. I get ~ 3150 with a max load of H 4350 under a 140 Partition in 24" 7 SAUM. 3200 may be possible but I'm skippy happy with 3150 in a short, light, handy rifle.

BTW: Re 17 was fairly accurate in my 30 SAUM.

I agree 3150 is plenty fast enough, and dang near 3300 had me spooked even though there were no obvious pressure signs. It will be interesting when I get around to resizing those cases.

Perhaps Alliant or one of the other component companies will bring out tested loads for the 7mm Saum and RL17 in the near future.

Once I find an accuracy load with the 140s, I will start looking at 160s.

Thanks for the results. I also have a pound of RL17 that I want to try in my 7mm SAUM and .260Rem.

Fill us in on your results.

I just got back from shooting the Accubonds for accuracy.

It wasn't too promising, at least at the magazine lenth c.o.l. I am .150 from the lands to fit in the magazine.

The best load was the 58.5gr load of RL17, with 1.2 at 100, and 3.4 at 200.

I went to buy some 140gr partitions, but the local Sportsmans Warehouse was out, so I bought a box of 140 TSX that I will try next weekend.

140gr TSXs shot very well. I averaged .8 at 100, and 2.15 at 200. I think this makes a great Elk/Deer combo.

I will still test some 140gr Partitions, as well as some 160gr Partitions.

I'm curious as to what velocity you get with the 160's.

I did try 63.5grs RL17 under a 110gr TTsX, 24" brl m700 BDL SS




I'm going to try it with 168gr Berger VLD's tomorrow

55grs RL17 w/ 168gr Berger VLD in 24" brl m700 BDL SS

55.5grs RL17 w/ 168 VLD

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