Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles RL19 or RL22 for 7mm Mag

Remfan,
There is nothing wrong with using 160gr bullets in the 7RM, however you are wrong to put down the lighter bullet crowd. You wrote:

"It is foolish to use anything less than a 160 gr in a 7mm because the .280 Rem and others in that class can do nearly the velocity of the 7mm with less powder."

Then I suppose it is is foolish to use anything over 160gr in a 7mm because the 30/06 and others in that class can do nearly the velocity (160gr) of the 7mm with less powder (with bullets over 160gr). Umm, think about what you just posted. MtnHtr

Remfan,

I'd like to see the 7 mag that will get an honest 3000 with 175 gr bullets out of a 24" bbl over the chronograph screens.

Have you ever seen one?

As far as heavy bullets and penetration on really big game, we have quite a few 140 gr bullets today that will do better than the traditional heavies, and even some of the premium ones, Barnes X being the most-used so far.

You pays your money and takes your choice!

Ted

Don't know if he has, but I have...

64.8 of RL-22 does over 3000, but accuracy is better around 2900, also 78.5 grains of AA-8700 will do over 3000, as will 80 grains of H-870.

I have a load in 7 mag using 140 gr Nosler Boattail, RL-19 (check Nosler's book for grains, I dont remember off the top of my head). I tried RL-19 first on the suggestion of my gunsmith. I also believe both 19 and 22 to be excellent choices in a 7 mag. Mine I didnt crony, but I was shooting the max load, less 1 grain of RL-19, and it was both accurate, and flat shooting.

The 7 mag is a great cartridge, flat shooting and hard hitting. I consider it an all around rifle for western hunting.

One other note on the 7 mag, I think it is the best mix due to bullets and size available, although a mag, very comfortable to shoot, easily improved upon with reloads, and capable of taking anything on the continent, except the great bears, but then, many have done that also with it. Myself, not being one of them, neverless, the 7 mm Rem Mag is a classic, and excellent choice.

I have chronographed a few 7 mags over the years and have never seen it out of a 24" bbl with repeated reloadings and good case life. Have seen it in print, but never over my Oehler. Don't recall any of the guys at the club who have ever done it either, at least not without expanded primer pockets.

Actually I have seen loads with considerably more Re22 than your experience not make it to 3000.

Anyway, certainly accept your post, seeing as I have a 270 Wby that gets exceptionally high velocities out of a 24" barrel, 130 gr at over 3500 and 150s at 3200, but it is the exception that proves the rule.

Sound like you have a winner! Don't sell it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Ted