As in I'm looking, fill'er up........

162 A-Max
67gr IMR-7828/7828ssc
Fed-215Mag Match
.005 jump
3k from a 26" Rem tube...

600..


950...


Damnit I wish I never sold that rifle....

72gr/Retumbo did 3150 from that tube but didn't hold vertical for schit past 500 for some reason....

168 gr. VLD Hunting
67.5 gr. RL-25
Fed 215 primer
W/W brass selected for uniform neck thickness.
.08" jump
3,000 fps, .248" three shot group at a hundred.

Mk V with 24", #2 Brux in McWoody Sako Safari, VX-6 2-12x42 in LW Talleys.

DF

Great shooting, Tanner.

I wish I had better access to a 1K yd. shooting range. At my deer camp, there is a 1K yd. range, but it's nearly an hour from my house; takes time to travel, set up, shoot and return.

I can shoot 100 yds. behind my house.

DF

Been using Fed 215M, Win brass, and stay .005-.010 off for the following:

168 VLD H- 71.5 Retumbo
160 AB-66.5 RL22
160 Partition-61 RL22
150 BT- 68 IMR 4831SC
140 AB-69 RL22

I reach for RL22 first every time nowadays for 140-160 pills. The usual "work up to" stuff applies, but I've found my more accurate loads have been at or near max in both of my 7's.

+1

DF

+1
My favorite is:
150 BT-67 RL22

Another few more RL22 loads as well, all run through a Beta Master Chrony via my Savage 116 w/24" bbl


120gr Barnes XBT/TSX/TTSX
71.5gr___ 3.35" OAL___3450fps

120gr Nosler BT
72.5gr___3.385" OAL___3510fps

160gr Nosler AB
65gr___3.355" OAL___3000fps

Can't believe you did that.....

And especially to replace it with a......

Good grief Tanner.

Mine likes max charges of Retumbo with the 150 ballistic tip and TTSX. Used to use R22. Accuracy was there but I tired of the temp sensitivity issues.

Got some examples? Hunting where I hunt, 10*-75* it's a non issue.

Pretty good stuff, though with only 500 yards to play it looks like diminishing returns to put one together. Might just call it good with 178s/208's outta my thirty ought grandpa....,,

Not an issue with me, as where I deer hunt, 20* is cold and 60* is warm.

A pronghorn hunt in August can get pretty warm.

To the guys hunting in sub zero conditions, I understand their concern.

DF

About time someone started a thread on good 7mm RM loads! Here are some of mine (all from a 26 inch 1 in 9 Rock Creek barrel). Velocities measured with chronograph 15 feet from muzzle, none corrected for actual muzzle velocity (can be done with the JBM calculator, too lazy).

Bullet: Sierra 168 gr. HPBT Matchking
Powder: Hodgdon H4831 63.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Federal
LOAL: 3.300 (2.742 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 2778.28 fps
ES: 22.14
SD: 9.32
Comments: Very accurate, best three shot group at 200 yards was 1.042 inches

Bullet: Nosler 160 gr. AccuBond
Powder: Alliant Reloader 25 69.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Federal
LOAL: 3.323 (2.758 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 2995.40 fps
ES: 19.98
SD: 8.42
Comments: Jam length 2.778 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point. Bullets seated for 0.020 bullet jump to lands. Best three shot group at 200 yards 0.672 inches.

Bullet: Speer 160 gr. Grand Slam
Powder: Alliant Reloader 25 69.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Federal (2.119 Base To Datum Line with Stoney Point)
LOAL: 3.244 (2.718 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 2943.55 fps
ES: 22.13
SD: 8.77
Comments: Jam length 2.738 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point. Bullets seated for 0.020 bullet jump to lands. Almost as accurate as previous load.

Getting good accuracy with the Nosler 160 gr. Partition but haven't chronographed the load yet and I've only tested it at 100 yards.

Bullet: Nosler 160 gr. Partition
Powder: Alliant Reloader 25 68.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Federal
LOAL: 3.285 (2.745 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Comments: Jam length 2.755 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point. Bullets seated for 0.010 bullet jump to lands

Alliant Reloader 25 is my favorite 7mm Remington Magnum powder but I've been trying IMR-7828 too.

Bullet: Nosler 168 gr. HPBT Custom Competition
Powder: IMR 7828 64.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Remington
LOAL: 3.300 (2.735 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 2848.78 fps
Extreme Spread: 21.50
Standard Deviation: 8.30
Comments: Jam length 2.755 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point. Bullets seated for 0.020 bullet jump to lands. Cases sized in Redding Type S Sizer Die with .308 insert

I see you're also an RL-25 advocate.

DF

Me,too! ....within the last 3-4 years or so.

145 LRX
66.5 RL-22
.050 off
3,100 FPS

RL-25 is my favorite 7mm RM powder but when supplies ran low I tried IMR-7828 (Tanner's favorite) and its good too!

Come to think of it... when he was running low on IMR-7828 I thought about selling him my jug. But then I actually tried it and my greedy nature took over! Mhua, ha, ha!

Sure. My previous load with R22 my poi shifted three times from summer to early fall to late fall. Seemed I was always adjusting poi accuracy was fine but poi shift seemed constant depending on weather. It wasn't a lot, but enough I switched to Retumbo and with the same rifle have not had to adjust poi except when I changed the stock. R22 is a good powder no doubt it gave me good results and velocity, however my rifle shoots better with Retumbo without having to adjust my poi.

I have also used H414 (30 06) R19 (.243 and 300 Win) BLC2 (222 Rem) and haven't had the same issues I had in my 7mm with R22. Admittedly I have spent the most time at the bench lately with the 7 and I have gotten pretty picky. Maybe the sometimes severe summer humidity is another factor in my experience as well more likely is that the others haven't seen as much variety in conditions so I haven't been as sensitive to the sensitivity. I'm not saying R 22 is bad I'm just saying that for me Retumbo seems to work better.

I use 68gr of I 7828 150gr ballistic tip fed215 match primer w-w brass 3000 fps out of my 26in rem 700

67.1gr H4831
W-W case
Rem 9 1/2M primer
150gr Swift Scirocco II

67.0 H1000 with 168 VLD. W-W case, Fed.215M primers.

I've tried it in two 7RM's and it was the most accurate load for both. H1000 is consistent and clean too. Love it in the 7RM with 160's and heavier.

Mmmm.....I have never seen this....even shooting summer to winter back here.

All of my loads use either WW or Fed brass and Rem 9 1/2 Large Mag primers. Savage 110E in 24" barrel.

64.5gr RL22 in 160gr Sierra GameKings BT. 3020fps
64gr RL22 160gr NPT ~3020fps
63gr 160gr NPT 2880-2920fps
All of these shoot an inch or less and POI is practically the same at 100yds and 1 inch off at 200yd.

65-66-67gr RL 22 150gr Nosler BTs about 0.8MOA groups, but 66gr was starting gave a harder bolt lift so backed to 65.
61gr IMR 4831 in 150gr Nosler BTs 3000fps
61gr IMR 4831 150gr Corelokts also solid MOA.

None of this are max per book (except 67gr in RL22 and 150gr pills), but they offered best combo of accuracy/speed in my gun.
Work up.

Perhaps me calling it temp sensitivity is incorrect or premature. Maybe blaming it on the powder at all is wrong it is after all a sample of one rifle, shooter and load combination. The rifle shot well with the R22 140 TTSX combo, it accounted for my best buck ever, longest shot ever, best 200 yard group ever and my FIL's best also when I had him shoot my rifle at a distant buck. It worked pretty darn well overall, it still shot good, I just had to tweak it a couple clicks here or there as time went on. It got frustrating.

RL 22 is a fine powder it has worked really well for a lot of years for many people (including me) in the 7 RM and others, or they wouldn't sell so much of it. I wasn't trying to bag on anyones favorite powder, just sharing my experience that my rifle does shoot better more consistently with Retumbo and the 150's.
I guess the bottom line is I don't know for certain if it was "temp sensitivity" that was the issue all I know is that it was sure frustrating for me adjusting POI all the time whatever the cause.
Sorry if I offended anyone.

TakeEm I was not offended. ...just commenting that I have not had it happen. You know what you saw and maybe it was the RL22,or maybe it was something else. Dunno.

Temp variation with powders is such an old issue to me because I have been watching it for many years with offenders like IMR4350 and IMR4831;I don't doubt it goes on with RL22,but it happens with other powders as well.

It does not get real cold here, but I shoot all winter in temps to 0F and at least to 300-400 yards RL22 does as well as anything else.

Recently I had a 270 Winchester change POI with H4831 that had stayed zeroed for about 4-5 years; I think it was due to a change in powder lots......a shift in components will do it as well....so won't a squirrelly erector assembly or range conditions.

Me too. I've tested and chronographed loads using a variety of very suitable powders and RL 25 works best in my 7mm Rem Mag, followed closely by H1000 and Retumbo.

175gr sierra SPBT, RE22, 2900fps is where my rifle likes this bullet. 160gr Sierra HPBT gameking, RE22 3050fps is where my rifle likes this bullet. Both kill game very well. 26" 1-9" pacnor.

Care to share charge weights and rifle type?

All loads with Rem brass, Fed 215 primers, all safe in mine.
175 gr Woodleigh PP, 70 gr Retumbo for 2920 fps
160 gr Woodleigh PP, 70 gr H1000 for 2965 fps
154 gr Interbond, 71 grain H1000 for 3080 fps
140 gr NBT, 67 gr AR2213sc for 3100 fps plinking load and most accurate.
Rifle is built on an FN Mauser action with a 24 inch Walther barrel.

Accurate loads in my 24" Savage are

62 grains imr4831 fed brass WLR primers 160 partition... 3050 fps
65 grains Imr7828ssc r-p brass fed215 primer 160 accubonds... 2915 fps

Rifle is a MarkX Whitworth, Barrel is a pacnor custom match stainless 26" Turned to match original barrel contour. Original stock, floated and bedded. Adjustable factory trigger. Brass is WW once fired, neck sized. Primers Remington 9 1/2M and CCI250, 175gr sierra BTSP #1940 63gr RE22 worked up in this rifle, 2905fps average. 160gr sierra HPBT GK, 65gr RE22, worked up in this rifle, 3057fps average. As normal, work up in your rifle.

I had always used RL22 with 160g AB in mine with good accuracy. Last summer I purchased a bunch of 150g NBT Seconds and decided to work up a load with them. Had seen H4350 mentioned on the Fire for 150's and decided to give it a go. Worked up to 63.0 grains and quickly found that .050 jump was the ticket!




Worked on this guy a month later.

The following loads were developed in several Rem 700's, bedded in laminate Fajen, Boyd's stocks, or McMillen fiberglass.

120g Barnes triple shocks; 120g Nosler solid base
72.-73g of R#22
Rem brass
CCI250
bullet touching the lands
tiny groups, minus 1/2", often minus 3/8"

140g Barnes tipped triple shock or 140g Nosler Ballistic tip
Rem brass
9 1/2 primer
65.5-66.0g of IMR 4350
ballistic tip touching lands, .050 off the lands for barnes
Very small groups and you should expect the bullets to touch with this load
If your Rem 700 does not shoot this load, sell the rifle or replace the plastic stock!

150g Nosler Ballistic tip, 154g Hornady Sp flat base
Rem brass
9 1/2 primer
63.0g of IMR 4350
Bullet touching the lands
Minus 1/2" groups are normal

160g Sierra BTSP
61.0g of IMR 4350
Rem brass
9 1/2 primer
bullet .030 off the lands
Max load, approach with caution in your Remington!
The 160g Sierra BTSP is a premiere deer bullet, they just do not run off with this load. Dad, brothers, cousins has killed in excess of several hundred deer since the early 80's with this load. Deer not running off where I live is a big thing due to Jungle like conditions. Nothing fancy or high tec about this load, it just works in Remingtons and you can throw the load together in an stock rifle and it will usually shoot 1" groups. Again, work up to this load in your rifle. If there was a MAGIC load for deer in a 7 Mag, this would be it!

154g Hornady flat base
Rem brass
win mag Primer!!!! NOT fed 215
72.0-73.0g of R#25
154g Hornady Flat base
Bullet within .005 of the lands, if not touching the lands
Solid 3250 fps
Sub 5/8" groups at 100 yds
This is an elk load, many have been taken with it out to 550 yards! Extreme spread in velocity in single digits with this load! This load shoots through both shoulders on 350 lb hogs on broadside shots!

162g Hornady SST
Rem brass
Fed 215 primer
71.5g of Retumbo
Bullet touching the lands
3150 fps!
Groups in the minus 3/8" area, but you have to play with seating depth. My rifle likes a hard jam of .005.

If you want to shoot very small groups in your 7 Mags, learn to accurately measure seating depth, bed the action, freefloat the barrels, and for me...installation of muzzle breaks changed groups into sub 1/2" groups on all Remington 700's.

Not shooting the 7 Mag till the barrel is screaming hot(3 shot groups) and proper cleaning techniques to de copper every 20 rounds is critical on Rem 700's.

One good group does not mean much! We killed hell out of large mules riding mules in Az shooting from ridge top to ridge top shooting the above load with 140g nosler ballistic tips!

Ps. Barnes Tripple shock's usually copper foul less than noslers in my experience.

Good luck!

Question for you guys running the 150gr NBT in your 7Mags. Are your getting anywhere near the Nosler manual listed top velocities?

Nosler shows 3248fps with 63gr IMR4350 out of a 24" tube. My Ruger likes 62gr but I'm only getting 2890. According to the manual, that's mediocre 280Rem speeds. I've had another member run my numbers through QL and it predicts that I can't get anywhere near 3200 at sane pressures.

I've got H and IMR4831 and RL22. Seems a lot of folks like these with the 150s, but some of the loads I'm seeing mentioned are above book max. Just wondering if anyone is getting accurate loads at anywhere near 3200 with these powders. If not, what speeds are you seeing with the 150s?

Just trying to decide whether to stick with the load I have or if there is actually enough extra velocity available out there to start looking for another load with a different powder.

I'm convinced either Mr. Nosler either needs a new chronograph or they use nuclear primers.

I'd suggest working up to 68g of RL22.

I'm beginning to think the same thing. I had a member check the entire list of suitable powders in QL and none showed more than 3180 before reaching max pressure. I would like to get to the 3050-3100 range if I can find an accurate load at that velocity.



RL22 isn't listed in the manual for the 150s so where would you suggest I start? 65? 66?

I have no doubt that Nosler is getting exactly what it prints for velocities from the 7 Rem Mag. But they are getting those velocities from a Wiseman barrel(Wiseman for years made some very good pressure barrels for Nosler and others). These are likely made to very tight tolerances and will run pressures up with loads that will deliver lower velocities from other factory barrels.

The barrels of our factory rifles may have looser tolerances,different throat and leade configurations,made from different steels, different rifling, different lots of components,etc etc. This stuff can and does make a difference rifle to rifle and especially with a high velocity cartridge like the 7 Rem Mag. Other cartridges will easily show the same velocity differences and I have seen it with the 300 Win Mag.
as well,as just one example.Likely Nosler works loads in this very tight barrel just to be sure that we don't bump into pressure problems with our sloppier factory barrels but this causes us to see less velocity as well.

But the 7 RM is a very popular cartridge and has been chambered in many different rifles with different barrel characteristics.

I have a 24" Douglas barreled 7 Rem Mag that shows about 175 fps more velocity with a charge of H4831 and 160 gr bullet than a Krieger barreled rifle of the same length did. When manual data matches what I have gotten from my rifles it's more accident than anything else.

I know 4350 "works" in the 7 Rem Mag but it does not make my cut for powders in the 7 Rem Mag. I like powders a touch slower with that weight bullet...With the 150 gr bullet I have used H4831 and in my rifles have worked up to about 68 gr for about 3150 fps. This is a pretty "old" load and JOC used to use 69 of the WW II H4831 with 150 gr Partition for app. the same velocity.

When i see 3150 with a 150 gr bullet I stop,although a 26" barrel with more recent powders may do better.

I would reach for H4831 or 7828 with the 150. Recently I have been using 70 R25 and 150 BT for 3120 or so from a 24" barrel. Have not yet worked with the newer RL powders like 23 and 26. I'm still working on the last few pounds to R22 and 25.

I'd start at 65 myself. You should reach 3100 easily. My 7mag loads with R22 seem to like being pushed a bit. 140's worked best at 69g, 150's in the 67-68 range, and 160's at 66.5.

Bob's H4831/69g JOC load rocks in my Tikka 7mag with 150 BT's.

Handy thread!
I,m surprised I don't see any mention of anyone using Win Supreme 780 in their 7RM's. Wonder why? Availability perhaps, which is how I came to buy 5 cans of the same batch some years ago and am still working my way through it. At the time I had a stainless all weather Hawkeye and had worked-up a good load with Reloder 22, but when that ran out I couldn't find more anywhere in Melbourne. Tried AR2213SC (H4831) and got good accuracy but with velocity not much better than I was getting with my .280Rem. Couldn't get AR2217 (H1000) to perform up to expectation either. The Supreme 780 delivers good velocities and accuracy, and with ( so I am told!) the side benefits of a more even pressure-gradient, and a lower flame temperature for reduced barrel-erosion. Sounds like a sales-pitch, doesn't it!
The load I used in the Ruger with 24" bbl:
Norma cases
160 NAB
Rem 9 1/2 M
65.5 gr Win Supreme 780
.030" jump
MV= 2998 f/sec
Hodgdons list 65.7gr max. I could interchange 160 NPT without any POI change at 100 yds. Accuracy to .34", but realistic average 1.1 MOA. Shot a lot of game with this load- Sambar, Red deer and Fallow.
Now using a Sako M85 c/w 24.8"bbl with same components, but with 1/2 grain less powder (65gr), for MV3020 f/s.
I guess there is a good reason why Winchester use this powder in their Supreme factory loads! Anyone else tried it?
Cheers,
John

I haven't used W780 and have to admit Winchester rifle powders aren't as popular as some other brands here in the states. I have noticed though shooting some Winchester Supreme factory ammo through my Sako 85 7mmRM that I got excellent accuracy and better velocity than I can sometimes handload. I've been wanting to try 780 ever since I shot those factory loads-150 Silvertips.

I can shoot up to 1500 yards of my back deck.

During the powder shortage couldn't find any reloader 22 but reloader19 worked well with 140 gr barnes. Bumping 3200 fps and solid 1/2 moa. 3.260 coal cci250.

4350 performed well also.

175gn Woodleigh Weldcore over 64gn of IMR4831 for 2944fps. This load is very accurate in the .6-.8MOA range in my rifle.

That's truly a blessing. Enjoy and don't take it for granted...


Bob,

Excellent piece on the 7RM, as always.

DF

Anybody tried IMR 7977 with the heavier bullets?

Thanks for the suggestion. It was just what I was looking for. Worked up to 68gr then started playing with seating depth. Ended up with a 1/2 inch group at 3100fps(ES of 7). Gotta load up some more at that depth to see if I get the same results, but I'm optimistic.

Anybody tried Ramshot Magnum in the 7mm Rem. Mag.?

Thanks

160 Nosler Accubonds
60.5 gr IMR4350
WLR primers
Remington brass
0.07 jump
2904 fps
Rem700




-Doug

Tag

66g of R22 under a good 150-160 in R+P or WW brass lit by 215s is always my starting point(and usually the ending point) for every 7RM I work loads for. I've dabbled with many other combos, but that one just plain works more times than not. It's kind of like 60grns of H4831 under 130s in the 270Win.

When 22 is not available, 67g 7828 is a good sub.

For 140s, my go-to load is 69g of H4831.

Often overlooked but a great all around lood for longer ranges and elk is the Sierra 175 Gameking burning 70 grains of Retumbo for 3k.

Ditto on the Retumbo and 175 gr pills. I burn 69gr of it under a Hornady Spire point. Routinely puts up 1/2" groups.

180 vld with 70.2 retumbo in hornady brass with 215M primers... yields 3040 fps. This load holds under 1/2 moa out to 1000 yards if I do my part.

Shot my Voere in 7mm rem mag yesterday at the range.
66 gr RL22 and 162 HornadY SPBT at 3075 fps and .65" almost perfect equilateral triangle. First day out with it and done.
BTW the set trigger? That is the cat's meow!!

Anyone use the 162 SST on elk?

I would not do it. I had them dynamite on small deer in a .308. There are much better elk bullets.

I am a fan of Re 25 and 160 Partitions at 3000ish fps. I did try some Re33 though, and it was impressive in my 26-inch barrels. With 175 Interlocks, I got half-minute accuracy and over 3000fps. I used .5 grain under the Alliant max. It was also very impressive with the 160 Partition.

If I ever change loads, Re 33 will be it. I need to test it with some 140-grain Partitions.

This is interesting.

I've had great results with RL-25 and 160's. RL-33 is an interesting concept. I just so happen to have a can and will check this out.

DF

It will be interesting to see if others get the same results as me.

I don't post here often, as it is a nightmare for me to get on this forum. Login issues and popups. It is the only one that is a problem.

Some of the LR .264 WM shooters like RL-33. From what I've read, it's made by the same Swiss powder maker that supplies RL-17. Reportedly, some of the technology that makes RL-17 a performer is used in RL-33.

DF

I recently tested RL26 and the Barnes 145 LRX.

Rem standard primer
Nosler brass
70.0 grains for a mv of 3,220.

It shot consistent 3 shot groups of .5 or less.

Very pleased.....

Tikka T3
72.0 grains MagPro
WLRM
160 NAB
3.290"
2997 MV



First time at the range.



P

69 gr Retumbo
fed cases
CCI 250
175 gr. PT, horn sp
2900 fps

Two rugers tang 'r.i.p' and hawkeye, plus a tikka T3 like this load. Older ruger averaged a little higher velocity, but not enough to worry about.

Seating depth depicts group size. Bug hole groups very common with just touching lands to .020 jump, gotta find the rifles happy spot

Have worked with both 140 and 150 sierra SPBT. Best results with 150. Used both H4831 and IMR7977. The 7977 load proved out to 1/2" @ 100yds. Details; Win Br, CCI 200, And 67 Gr. 7977. The barrel is an Apache prefit on a Savage 110. Awaiting an order of brass and will reconfirm and get chrony results. Your results may vary - So work your loads carefully in your rifle so as to prevent over pressure or accidents.

Here's a follow up to some loads I was working on (26 inch, 1 in 9 Rock Creek barrel). I'd like to reach 3100 fps with the 150 gr. Partition but I'm not there yet.

Bullet: Nosler 150 gr. Partition
Powder: IMR 7828 65.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Winchester
LOAL: 3.270 (2.744 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Velocity: 3029.70 fps
ES: 38.75
SD: 14.59
Comments: Jam length 2.749 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point. Bullets seated for 0.005 bullet jump to lands

Bullet: Nosler 160 gr. Partition
Powder: Alliant Reloader 25 69.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Federal
LOAL: 3.285 (2.745 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Velocity: 3030.59 fps
ES: 34.16
SD: 17.02

Anyone try vv165 ?
Seems close to rldr 22 ?
66.0 gr's of rldr 22 for me, 160gr accubond at 0.030 off.
It's consistent enough, that I can say, my gun shoots ragged hole groups.

And just the other day. 3 shots.

Nosler 140 grain accubond 65 grains IMR 4350. Kills em dead

Tag for future reference.

Tag.

Lots of guys using reloader 22, I'm going to have to try it.

Nosler lists a max of 63 grains of Reloader 22 and the 160 Accubond. I ran that tonight in a factory SPS with a 26" tube and CCI-250s. I got a pathetic 2789 average. And this is with a Magneto Speed chrony with is spot on.

I realize the books are a "guide"....but 3 grains is a schitt ton over isn't it?

Not really. Carry on up until you see the velocity you're expecting, or until you see traditional pressure signs, whichever comes first.

Tag

Not surprising results from many factory barrels,and manual data.You may have completely different throating and barrel from what Nosler used to work up their data.

Seen it many times. Different barrels can have a substantial effect on velocities with the same loads.

Spot on, each bbl/chamber is an individual.

Bob's post nails it. 63 is pretty anemic in 7RM under 160NABs IME. 66ish is what shines in many 7RMs for me personally, some bbls can handle more w/o any hint of pressure and great pocket life. I've used it enough that 65 is what I would consider a starting load

Loader the mostly may as well be wildcats.

Very true. Some fellas would croak when working up wildcat loads. Tis no different....

The 7RM has been basically denutted in recent manuals. Following manual recipes will basically give you a warm 7mm-08 load.

And another update to the Nosler 150 gr. Partition load I was working on earlier (26 inch, 1 in 9 Rock Creek barrel). Not much change in Velocity, ES, and SD but accuracy at 100 yards is 3 shots inside 1/2 inch. Should be good enough for my next hog hunt!

Bullet: Nosler 150 gr. Partition
Powder: IMR 7828 67.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Winchester (3rd Firing)
LOAL: 3.270 (2.744 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 3088.57 fps
ES: 29.14
SD: 14.56

Any experience/advice using the Hornady 139gr GMX monometal projectile? I'm hunting in the Peoples Republic of Californication, and next year non-tox will be mandatory Statewide. I'd assume it's similar to the Barnes 140 TTSX...

Just today. Load workup, 5 difference seating depths. I should have stopped at the shortest OAL.





MV 3040.





P

This old post keeps popping back to the top!

Here are a few more.
65.0grs A-4350 150gr Nosler BT


63.5grs A-4350 160gr Accubond


69.5grs Reloader-26 150gr Nosler BT


70.0grs Reloader-26 150gr Nosler BT

Tag

RE: the Hornady 139 gr. GMX, I ended up using the Hodgdon data from their 2018 Manual. Their max load is w/ IMR 7828, 70.0 gr (compressed) @ 3191 fps. These are for use in a "rode hard, put away wet", mid-60s Rem 700 BDL (with the black copper and iron plating SS barrel) I picked up from a friend. I did put a Hogue Comp-stock on it (I'm a recoil wimp) and didn't cut my eye on the scope). I used IMR7828SSC and Fed215 primers in Win brass. I started at 65.5 but only got to 68.5gr. with very, very flat primers @ 3176fps. 66.5 of 7828SSC had a much less flattened primer @ 3100fps. At 50 yd. (my range's 100 yd. alley is out of action now), all but one of my mini-ladder loads were in an inch group. I think this Rem 700 has potential ! I can hear the choir saying "try Re22", and I will later but they don't list that powder in the Hodgdon Manual, nor does Alliant list the GMX projectile...I also intend to try the Barnes 120 TTSX w/ Re19 in the next round. Will check in with that info later.

In my 7mm Mag I only use 160gr Bullets. either Accubonds or Trophy Bonded Tipped.

1. 66gr RL23 160gr Accubond 215M primer Hornady case 3.300 OAL 3070fps SD 8.2 Very Accurate.

2. 67gr Norma MRP 160gr Trophy Bonded Tipped 215M primer Hornady case 3.290 OAL. 3080FPS SD 13.5

3. 68.6gr of RL26 160gr Trophy Bonded Tipped 215M primer Hornady case 3.300 OAL 3107fps SD 9.4

4. 73.0gr Retumbo 160gr Trophy Bonded Tipped 215M primer Hornady cases 3.280 OAL 3067fps SD 5.1

All shot thru a Vanguard S2 with 24" barrel. Using LabRadar.

Did this today




The lower hole is two shots.






P

Tag

[quote=Pharmseller]Just today. Load workup, 5 difference seating depths. I should have stopped at the shortest OAL.





MV 3040.


Pharmseller-great pics and groups. Just making sure on the COAL that is working for you? I have a 2018 Tikka T3X Lite Stainless 7mm 24" barrel with little bastard brake on it. I've been working a load using IMR 7828 160 grain Accubonds, COAL 3.291.

I have one of those Hornady comparator thingies, it measures from the ogive (shoulder) of the bullet. Tip to base measurements can vary significantly, especially if you’re using exposed lead tipped bullets like the Partition. Measuring from the shoulder I have found to be much easier and consistent.

I usually post in terms of OAL, not COAL.




P

Pharm-OAL I get it. Could you by change take a COAL measurement for me? SAMI says 2.90 for COAL, are you any where near that? Thank you!

Using your 160 Accubonds for the COAL. Thank you.

Pharm-sorry forum, I can't type today........

COAL using your 160 grain Accubonds, SAMI says 3.290 for COAL, are you any where near that? Thank you.

I find that the 7mm RM is one of the easier cartridges to shoot accurately. I used to shoot mainly 162 grain Hornady Interlock bullets, then 154 grain. I'm tending towards 150 Grain Nosler Partition these days. Nothing wrong with the Hornady bullets though.

Notes say 2.655” = 3.244” or thereabouts.




P

Pharm-thank you sir.

Wonder how the terminal performance of the 162 ELD-X compares with the 160 NAB at 7RM speeds.

DF

I have no experience with the AB but I hear it has been the standard by which all others are measured.

I sure can’t complain with how dead the ELDX made my bull last year. He was fully dead, and I mean right now.






P

About to take deliver on my newest rifle, I was shopping pretty wood and found a beautiful Model 70 Super Grade . it is a 7mm Magnum. I will shoot and hunt with it so, I'm going through this thread looking for proven load data, Thread is kinda old but I have some good starting points.

any new data out there?

Old thread.

I love to read BobinNH posts.

My latest 7RM load is 67.5 gr. RL-26 with a 160 NAB at around 3K fps. My good bud took that load and his 26" Sendero to Africa for a PG hunt. Lots of one shot kills. PH and fellow hunters were impressed with that combo.

I was able to shoot a 3" group at 400 as I worked up the load.

I am an RL-26 fan these days. I had used RL-25 as this vintage thread indicates..

Both work, just using '26 currently.

DF

Does the Accubond slip easier down a tube than the Partitions? I tried my 160PT loads with the ABs and was nowhere close, on velocity and POI. It may seem I need to step up the charges, but it left me puzzled.

My 160NPT charge is 65gr RL22 and Rem 9 1/2 Mag primers, same charge with CCI250s gave me a sticky bolt.

what twist yall running the 160's "9"?

would the NAB be overkill on Texas deer? i was thinking Ballistic Tips

9.25 and 10

Use the NBT, especially if you can get them a bit cheaper at SPS. http://www.shootersproshop.com/loading-reloading-bullets.html

Theoretically, the NAB may be a tad tougher than the NBT (not always). It may open a bit more in WT's. But, you'll never tell enough difference to write about, IMO.

DF

thanks DF

I think the Accubond build a bit less pressure than the Partition.I know I've had better luck getting Partitions to shoot better if I reduce my load a bit.Both bullets are designed to shed about the same amount of weight,that's why I prefer the Accubond.I can push them harder if I want and they seem to be a little easier to load for.

Thanks for the info

I have seen a 30 cal ballistic tip, ether 150 or 165 factory load, I can't recall which, fail to completely penetrate a small whitetail buck from a 30-03. The deer was maybe 170lb live. I shot a big Saskatchewan buck, 275lb , on the same hunt with my 7mm Rem Mag 160gr Accubond through both shoulders, did a 3ft run, straight down. Personaly, I prefer my bullets to pass through, giving maximun tissue damage the entire length of travel, as well as giving an exit hole to bleed from. I muvh prefer the Accubond or Partition to a ballistic tip for anything larger than antelope. Just my opinion.

I forgot to mention, that 30-06 ballistic Tip also came apart, separating the core form the jacket. This at modest velocity, and on a small animal. They are indeed very accurate, but to me, are to soft. I understand each bullet is purpose designed, and the 30 cal 180 is a much tougher bullet, but the a smallish whiteail buck at modest velocity from a 30-06 just didn't impress me any.

Odd I have had so many exits and perfect performances from 30 caliber Ballistic Tips weighing 150 and 165 grains from both a 308 and a 30-06 pushed to factory velocities I consider them both top notch deer bullets. I have found them very occasionally with their core and jacket separated but lying right next to each other under the hide on the far side. I have had them separate when I handled them. How long ago did this "failure" happen? Obviously the deer died or you wouldn't have been able to recover the bullet. As for good 7MM Remington magnum loads I like R22 and run either the 150 gr. Ballistic Tips or the 160 gr. Partition, the former for Mule deer and the latter for elk. If all I had loaded were the Ballistic Tips I would happily use them for elk.

That particular hunt was 2019 in Saskatchewan. Yes, the bullet did kill the deer, so that can't be argued. It's just not the kind of performance I want, particularly when I have $5,000 riding on a hunt. I much prefer the complete penetration scenario, along with good expansion and trauma while doing so. I feel much more confident if presented with an angling shot and the need to penetrate deeply. I think bullets like the Accubond and Partition do this quite well, and that's why I prefer them. I have killed quite a few deer with ballistic tips, mostly from a 270 Win, and a few from a 7mm-08. I can't say I ever lost a deer because of one. I have had several fail to completely penetrate, but did kill quickly. Some people prefer massive expansion, to the degree the bullet remains in the animal to "expend all the bullets energy" in the animal. The only problem with that philosophy is, it's not expended energy that kills game, it is destruction of vital tissue. However we accomplish that, doesn't much matter. To me, the extra vent hole of an exit is always a welcome asset too.

Correction, that was a 2018 Saskatchewan hunt. Got my years confused. I do that with a lot of things lately lol

“ I can’t say I‘ve ever lost a deer to one” I think that sums it up pretty well. The old ballistic tips were more fragile. Nosler thickened the jackets. I’ve had more bang flops with 150 ballistic tips in 06 and 7 mag than just about any other bullet. Don't sleep on IMR 4350 either.

168 vld
68 grain retumbo
.020 off of lands

Just picked up a box of Hornady 150 eldx bullets. Thinking of starting with R26. Anyone have any experience with this bullet in the 7 RM?

Nope, but I do using R26 and 162 eldx.

Very, very positive.



P

Old Faithful RE-22 (found 2 lbs last summer) with CCI 250. Stacked on top is a 140 TTSX. Running 3140 FPS in 1/2" group. Rifle is Ridgeline FFT.

Tag

RP Case, CCI 250 primer, RL 26 68 GR, 2932 FPS, 180 Horn ELDM, 3 @ .90", 3 @ .395", at 100 yards even space group load more!!!

In my LH Tikka T3 LW 24" 7 Rem Mag