Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Moderate deer and target loads for 7mm Rem Mag?

Despite me trying to steer him into getting a 7mm-08 or 308 Tikka T3X my nephew is getting the Superite
T3X in 7mm mag.

Anyway, I never loaded for the 7 mag so was hoping someone can point me in the right direction on where to start as far as some light to moderate loads that still have the potential for good accuracy. Of the powders I have, it looks like IMR 4064, H4350, or maybe even Big Game or Reloader 17 could be used. Willing to buy different powders if I can find it. I don’t have the bullets yet but thinking of using Hornady Interlock 139 grain as they seem to be pretty easy to find and not too expensive.

Leaning towards a load that will give 2800-3000 fps will be good for deer and still not be too bad on recoil

Also, assuming I can pretty much ignore the fact that the case is belted? I’ve never loaded a belted case before.

Thanks,
Mike

I used the data from an older IMR manual. Look at page 49 here. https://archive.org/details/19414482-imr-reloading-manual/page/49/mode/1up?view=theater

Using 44 grains of 4198 with a 120 grain BT to fireform some new brass I found it to be easy to shoot and accurate too. Recoil was light. If I put that barrel back on that will be my preferred load. I'd have confidence using it on elk.

You'll see loads for 4064 and others too. I haven't tried them personally.

Look up making a false shoulder for belted brass.

I don't have much experience with belted brass either, but using the shoulder instead of the belt should extend the life of the brass.

Ignore the belt. Multiple manuals show loads you are looking for.

GreggH

If you're using a garden variety two die set, then ignore the generic set up directions included with most of those dies. Look into sizing the brass just enough for smooth, reliable chambering without shoving the shoulder back too much.

I've prolly killed more deer in my lifetime with 63 gr imr4350 and 150 nosler bt. Nothing fast or fancy but accurate and deadly

Use starting load for both, H-4895 for a extremely reduced load.

Although I do a lot of downloading on cartridges, for the 7 Rem Mag I have found a nice balance for accuracy and recoil reduction is using 3031.

For use on Elk, myself I'd move up to a 139/140 grain or 150 grain bullet...

From Load data

From Load data

from load data

from load data

Tell him you bought it, you load for it.

Downloading a 7mm Rem Mag makes zero sense to me.





P

I don’t see big game powder listed for the 7mag.

https://ramshot.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/WesternPowdersHandloadingGuide8.0_WEB.pdf
140s at 3000 is a 270 win.
He should have listened to you on 7-08, 308 or even the creed if he wants mild recoil deer and target.
Probably got sold on the magnum And now he’s going to put on 6-24 vortex viper on?

Yep.................

Dumb move.

MM

This^^^ Guys always wanting to overthink this. Load it like you would anything else. Bump the shoulder .002-.003" and you are good to go and brass life is going to be substantially better, than if you FL size your brass.

Exactly. Let the fugger learn from his own mistakes.

I've recently handloaded three different loads for a Sako 22-250 and it's been a real eye opener. Hot load shoots 2 1/2" high @ 100 for a 300 yard zero. Medium load 1-1/4" high at 100 for a 200 yard zero. Small game load with 5.7 grains of pistol powder and a 40 grain bullet for a 30 yard small game load. I'm reasonably sure the same could be done with a 7 mag.

My question is, why WOULDN'T you do something like this if you could figure it out? There are nothing but advantages. Only brokedick lamebrains that don't think outside the box would criticize versatility.

Sounds like a good idea to me. He could use the rifle with the mild loads and if/when needed use full power loads. I don’t see a downside.