Piggybacking on another thread in the Hunting Rifles folder, I'm trying to work up a whitetail load using 120 TTSXs for a Rem Mtn Rifle (RP brass, Fed 210 primers). I worked up to the Barnes max of 43 and kept going at 0.5-gr increments, all the way to 45gr of Varget.

I've typically been quite chicken and have been happy to stop at book max for hunting loads. In this case, I couldn't help but notice how much lower the Barnes data was; I wanted to eek out a little more FPS for these bullets; and others had gone as high with good results.

At 45gr, I noticed none of the typical pressure signs: bolt lift normal, primer looked normal, head showed no ejector marks that I could find after multiple iterations of trying to make myself see them. I won't be able to shoot over a chrono anytime real soon. The 'groups' shot were at 45 and 43 grains, and the 45-gr load showed much more promise (only single rounds were fired at other powder charges). When you get down to it, I probably wouldn't be at all apprehensive were I not 2 grains over Barnes' max. Of note, their max for Re15 is like 44.7, practically identical to Nosler's. Why is Varget the one that has such a delta?

Anyway, I'm soliciting advice. Should I be scared of the 45-grain load? Any other first-hand experience with it?

I have noticed Barnes put out some impressive loads earlier this year and then they have walked them back.

I would be damn concerned about being two grains over Barnes max load.

I couldn't get the 120 TTSX to shoot in my rifle. I opted for the 140 TTSX and they shot much better!

I found 45.0 Varget to be mild with the 120 NBT in a factory tubed Remmy. Take that as just reference data, of course. I was seeing 2950fps from a 22" tube.


Me personally, I'd go up 0.3gr increments until you just see some pressure starting then back down 0.5gr or so. That or stop when you hit the velocity you want if you don't find pressure first.

I had the same experience with 45gr in the NBT -- another reason for me not having too much reservations working that high, slowly. I'm just second guessing it now, I suppose. Having never encountered any high pressure, I'm in new territory.

I've found that Barnes' data has been pretty spot on. Or I've chickened out at their top end...

Thanks for the input. By chance, have you noticed their recommended charges to be markedly lower than others? It's really just Varget that's different than other 120-gr 7-08 data. Re15, for example is pretty similar, and I've always thought those of those powders as near equivalents.

Well, I think I have my answer. Chrono showed 2840fps for 43 grains. 44 grains gave 2900, but velocity didn't increase for charges of 44.5 and 45 grains. This would indicate that somewhere between 43 an 44 is my limit, I suppose. However, still no pressure signs observed. Kinda disappointed in the meager velocity I'm topping out at. Hopefully, 2800+ is plenty for deer. I was getting over 2800 with 140gr Hornday Am Whitetail factory stuff (though with high SD). In my very short experiment, I'm left with results implying these Barnes boolits are hella sticky!

I'll hunt with the 43-grain load for now, as load-development, range time is waning and I'm zeroed for that load. Maybe, come spring, I can piddle with some 44-grain loads to eek out a few more fps or try some Big Game or CFE-223.

Big Game gave me 3000 fps with the 120 TTSX and 3100 with the 120 NBT. Roughly 50gr with a 22".

Under no circumstance would I go above book without using a chrono. I wouldn't even attempt to develop any loads without a chrono, but that's just me.

I quit working with Varget in the 7mm-08 after I noticed some weird pressure spikes with max (not over book) loads that were producing velocities below book values. A few years ago I was trying to buy some RL15 for the 7mm-08 and after a few months of looking with no luck, I bought some RL17 that was available. The RL17 provided good speed and accuracy and I never have felt the need to move away from it.

This is what I was using in my 7mm-08 Kimber Montana w/ 22" barrel:

49.0 grns RL17, 120 TTSX, COAL 2.790, 3000fps

Regards,

David

Bucking the trend here.

I have no idea why, but the latest load data published on the Barnes site has several with "new" data that are markedly lower than previously provided. Generally, Barnes data has been close to others with bullets of similar weight, but their latest "new" numbers are quite a bit more conservative. Barnes #4 lists 44.0 gr Varget as max with 120 gr TSX and Barnes has stated since the origin of the TTSX to use TSX data for loading.

Personally, based on what you are seeing, and based on my personal experience, I'd feel very comfortable using 45.0 gr Varget.

bludog

I go 44gr in mine, the max of what I've tried. Accuracy was great so left it there.

Very helpful, blu! Thank you. Current Barnes data shows a max of 44.7 for Re15. What does your previous data show for that powder?

I to would be afraid to push the limit with any load. Sounds like there is a load that is sub max that would work or I /me /personally would switch to H4350.

HaYen

Barnes #4 lists 44.0 gr RE15 as max for 120 gr TSX and gives a MV of 3081 fps. So you're in the ballpark. This is a good combo.

Online, Barnes now lists 44.7gr of Re15 as max, 3051fps. So for this revision, they bumped it up 0.7 and bumped Varget down 1.0gr. Funny.

Well, if it's any consolation, there are two loads on reloader's nest for that same bullet and Varget at 48 and 49 grains for 3200 and 3245 fps. No pressure signs noted

Note to self......stay off reloaders nest!!

I worked up to 45.0 grains a few years ago with Varget and the 120 TTSX. Accuracy was superb and velocity averaged 3025 out of my 22" barrel. Primers were fine, no sticky bolt lift, etc.

i don't remember the source, but I think it was online data from Barnes. I'm not one to push the envelope, so there was some trusted data somewhere that supported 45 grains of Varget.

I did the same for a Marlin XS7 a few years back. Worked up to 45 gr in RP case with COAL of 2.800". Shot around 3/4 MOA and no pressure signs. Didn't have a chrono at the time so unsure of velocity.

I'd be willing to bet the powder isn't Varget and the barrel is not 22".

I saw that as well, chuckled, and shook my head.

22.5" barrel with Varget (what is listed)

http://reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=43

Dang. I get 3050 in mine (22") with 45 grains of Varget, thought I was doing well to get that.

That's actually really good.

Wonder how the guys brass is holding up that is shooting 50 grains with a Nosler Ballistic Tip at 3298?

That doesn't matter, it's top speed that counts

Wife took this 7x8 bull at 405 yds in October with 45 gr Varget and 120 TTSX out of her 7-08AI. 24" barrel and MV was just over 3100 fps. I think in most guns it is a safe load in a std 7-08.




Here's a link to the thread:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/10633082/Hope's_7x8_Gila_Bull_-_pics_ad#Post10633082


VR,

bludog