Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 7x57 and 140gr TSX and TTSX

A couple of years ago I gave up on obtaining any respectable accuracy with the 140gr TSX in a tang safety Ruger M77 1-8 3/4" ROT, but now, taking a second look at the TSX and a new look at the TTSX.

Powders I used with the TSX are H-414, H4350, RL 19, RL 22 and H4895.
Primer was CCI200 and Remington cases.
Bullet seating depths were from .30 to .90.
100yard 3 shot groups were 2" to 3 1/2".

The Ruger is capable of good accuracy with certain bullets.

1" 100yds 160gr Partition and Hornady 154gr
7/8" 100yds 115gr Speer HP
3/4" 100yds 145gr Speer Hot-Cor (50grs H4350 bullet crimped with Lee crimping die)


Will be loading the TTSX in the next few days so would like to hear your experience with the Barnes in the 7x57.

First thing I would do is check the runout and make sure you have straight ammo.

I shoot the 140 TSX with H414 in my 77 MkII and have for years. Switched to the TTSX recently, couldn't tell any difference. My rifle isn't a picky one since it shoots .6-.7 with 140 TSX, 140 Sierra, 139 Hornady, and 160 partitions.

The TSX loads were put together with the same equipment and technique as the partition and cup and core loads. My impression is that this particular rifle, for whatever reason, prefers other bullets.

Glad to hear you have had good results with both TSX and TTSX.

Will soon see if the TTSX will shoot better than the TSX.

The problem may simply lie with the seating stem cup which may not contact the sides of the bullet and just the bullet tip. If that is the case, the bullet itself will be canted off center when seated.

The bullets you stated as being more accurate have a shorter ogive and are likely straighter. I've seen this problem more than once.

I'd suggest eliminating that variable before giving up on the TTSX or TSX.

Bullet runout for partition, cup and core and TSX is .003 - .004.

I posted this awhile back about my Ruger 77 TS. I gave up on bullets less than 154 gr. I would occassionally get a fantastic group out of various 140's, but overall not nearly as good. But the heavier weight are sub moa consistently. I don't think there is any real advantage to 140's in the 7x57 anyway. JMO

Ah-Ha! 44 grs of IMR 4320 and 140gr TTSX

An Amigo called last night to see if I wanted to join him at the range today. He wanted to do some load work up with his latest 35 Whelen and I asked him about his loads. He said IMR 4320 was showing some promise - the light came on. Why not try the powder in the 7x57.

It was classic how the 3 shot groups tightened up as the powder grains increased. 11/16" groups, but I think I can get better if my fingers are not half froze. It warmed up to 15 degrees today.

Chrony average was 2820fps.

Roundoak, What rifle are you shooting, Ruger, Winchester?

Ruger 77

Roundoak,
In th past H414 was always the best powder for me in my 7x57s. Recently, prior to a hunt, I tried Reloader 15. This load was extrapalated from a 7mm-08 and worked up. But the Reloader 15 is by far the most accurate powder for me in my tang safety Ruger. Now I did give up 100fps to H414, but for accuracy the R15 was the best. This powder actually has a burning rate close to IMR4320. Good luck.

That same charge works well in my M.98 with 140 Sierra Pro Hunter bullets but, it's slower at 2755 fps.

BigBullet,
Likewise - H414 has performed well in the 7x57, especially under the 154gr Hornady Interlock SP and also quite well under the 160gr Nosler Partition - although H4350 is king with the 160gr NP.

It would be great if the combination of H414 and 140gr TSX or TTSX would work in this particular rifle. I can obtain the desired velocity but not accuracy.

Joe,
It is interesting that you found IMR4320 to shoot well for you with a 140gr bullet. Was it better than other powders tried?

I have shot the 140 TSX/TTSX in several 7X57's and have found around 50.00gr's of H4350 to be an awesome combo.

Wish it were the case with this rifle. This 77 has always shot bullet weights 115, 130, 145, 154, 160 and 175 quite well, but 140 has always been disappointing until I finally matched it with IMR 4320.

You just never know.

Very, very true! Rifles sure can seem to have their preferences.

It gave good accuracy at the highest velocity thus far but, lighter charges don't do as well. My standard load utilizes a caseful of Accurate MR-3100 and a Hornady 139 which is delightfully accurate although slower than most folks desire. My hunting conditions dictate a max range of 125 yards so velocity is not an issue.