I bought 10 boxes of the 175g LRAB, they work in all calibers I shoot 280 AI and 7 RM. 175g LRAB penetrates deer, near and far. I sort by ogive length.
Never being satisfied, I ordered a 7 Mashburn and 7-300 practical reamers along with unithroater. I will try the 180g eld-M at those speeds this year, barrels will finish at 27", #5 contours with Gentry muzzle breaks.
I shot some acceptable groups with a custom 7 STW this year with the 180g eld-M, we shot some does at the end of season here in SC, and a coyote. All died in their tracks. I am hopeful that the 180g eldm will be holding up as these shots were 100-125 yards with MV of 3150 fps using R#33. I had complete penetration on the does, one shot from a quartering angle. Hogs will be the test.
I am hoping that my horde of old Winchester brass will hold up in the Mashburn and 7/300 Practical...we will see how the primer pockets last. I just tried the 180g Hornady eldm in a 7/08 that I throated out, glory be, 2640fps shooting tiny groups with H4350, will try R#17 next. Lapua brass is holding up the primer pockets well. 8.5 twist is my choice.
Hard to believe, but a std 280 or AI throated for the 180g eldm using lapua brass maybe the holy grail using only a fraction of the powder of a 7 STW. A standard 280 will be very easy to work with regarding using Lapua brass.
