Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Barnes original 195gr 7mm?

I've had a box of them on the shelf for probably 25 years. Going moose hunting next fall. Thinking of running them in my 7mm Rem Mag. Rifle has a 9.5 twist. I suspect that it isn't ideal for stability, but don't imagine shots would be beyond 200 yards. Stable enough at that range? Powder on hand that should work with it are Re-22, AA8700, magpro and maybe some magnum. Thoughts? Suggestions for load data? With only 50 bullets, I can't do a ton of experimentation. Thanks, Al

I wished I could find a couple of boxes of their original 100 grain 7mm X Bullets. They are deadly accurate in my 7 X 57 Featherweight and kill the crap out of our small bodied TX Whitetails.

I bet those 100 grainers do knock the dust off. My normal go to bullet for the 7mm when I hunt away from home is the 140gr X. Lately the ttsx. Really like that bullet. Worked great for me in Colorado and Africa. If the 195 doesn't work out, I've already got a bunch of the 140 ttsx loaded. They'll do the job, just think it would be kind of neat to use that long missile on a moose.

I tried some back in the early 80's. My rifle was a Mod 700, 7mm Rem Mag. They keyholed. I had IMR4350, H870, IMR4831 at the time. I'm sure that a 9.5 twist "will" IF you can push them fast enough. I'd start with R22, but R26 or 33 may end up being your huckleberry...let us know.

Jim, I'll probably start with the R22. Keyholing is a concern. Doubt that I can get them above 2800, if that. Wonder what that 195 would do if it hit a moose sideways.....lol

You should be fine. I can stabilize the 195 Berger EOL in my 9.5" twist 7WSM, and that's likely a fair bit longer than the 195 Barnes Original.

I would bet those old bullets were designed for the rifles of the time.. Before all this quick twist stuff became the thing.. Let us know how they do..

My nephew had great results with the 140 gr TSX out of his 7 X 57 last year in Africa with plaid game. I may have to buy a boy and give them a try. I normally prefer the 140 gr Partition.

I wouldn't bother working up a load for a bullet that I couldn't buy any more. You'd be better off with a current NP or TSX.

Those Barnes originals are great for cup and core bullets of their era. They were the inspiration for the Bitter Root Bonded and others. I asked if they would stabilize in my 1-9 rifle and Mr. Barnes sent me some for free to test alonf with the 6mm 120s.

Bob Hagel liked them but for low velocity cartridges like the 38/55 he would hollow point the bullet. The jacket has little if any taper but is made from soft nearly pure copper tubing so will open up fairly well on larger game.

I loaded a few with H870 and they were devastating on hogs. Never shot an Elk with them as I always had to be ready for a longer shot in most situations. AA8700 is close to H870 and if you can find an old Alliant manual it has loads for the 195. As far as stability the 195 is shorter than many 175s so should be OK in your rifle.

Since you've got some time and the bullets, it's worth a try, but be prepared for them not shooting particularly well for reasons that have nothing to do with the twist. If you have early success, fine, but with only 50, you're cutting it close, so have a backup plan (Partitions). It's also possible that you can find some more on ebay or Gunbroker, but I wouldn't pend the money until you know they'll shoot.

Good luck.