Reloading For 7mm Rem Mag

[markg]

I appreciate the info. Some great advice. I had a good load with IMR 7977 it was just north of 3000 fps with good standard deviation and a nice group but man was I excited when i had it up over 3100. Your points about switching to the 140's are well made. Plus the lower BC of the bullet would be offset against any velocity gains i may realize. I guess I will just have to be happy with what I have.

Doesnt mean I cant tinker though! I just wish I wasnt restricted by my magazine length.

[markg]

I may have found a solution to my Tikka problem. In montana there is a company called Mountian Tacticle and they make a bottom metal piece that replaces the plastic one in the TIkka. It may allow for a longer magazine like and AICS.

I sent them an email and hope to hear back from them soon. I have my fingers crossed and my credit card ready to go!

I thought i would post a link for any other Tikka Shooters.

https://tikkaperformance.com

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by markg

I may have found a solution to my Tikka problem. In montana there is a company called Mountian Tacticle and they make a bottom metal piece that replaces the plastic one in the TIkka. It may allow for a longer magazine like and AICS.

I sent them an email and hope to hear back from them soon. I have my fingers crossed and my credit card ready to go!

I thought i would post a link for any other Tikka Shooters.

https://tikkaperformance.com

The problem that I have run into with the Accubond LR is that if I was to seat them to the lands in some of my rifles, I would not have enough bullet shank in the case neck. So check that out before spending money on bottom metal and a magazine,

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by markg

I appreciate the info. Some great advice. I had a good load with IMR 7977 it was just north of 3000 fps with good standard deviation and a nice group but man was I excited when i had it up over 3100. Your points about switching to the 140's are well made. Plus the lower BC of the bullet would be offset against any velocity gains i may realize. I guess I will just have to be happy with what I have.

Doesnt mean I cant tinker though! I just wish I wasnt restricted by my magazine length.

100 FPS is completely irrelevant. Go for the highest speed that produces great accuracy and is NOT already too hot. If you really want more speed switch to a Bigger case like the STW or move up to a 300 RUM. For 150 grain bullets 4831/7828 are about the perfect burn rate in a 7MM Rem Mag. Whatever max speed I could get with these powders, I would not try to exceed them using 4350.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by Dean2

100 FPS is completely irrelevant. Go for the highest speed that produces great accuracy and is NOT already too hot. If you really want more speed switch to a Bigger case like the STW or move up to a 300 RUM. For 150 grain bullets 4831/7828 are about the perfect burn rate in a 7MM Rem Mag. Whatever max speed I could get with these powders, I would not try to exceed them using 4350.

I have always found R-22 to produce some of the the higher velocities in my various 7mmremmags with the 140gr to 150gr bullets, but then it has worked so well, that if I have a 7mmremmag to load for, I usually start with R-22, and I often never need to try anything else.

As Dean stated, don't worry about obtaining the absolute top velocity, concentrate on good velocity and accuracy. As far as the larger cases go, the 7mmSTW is my favorite, but I don't recommend the cartridge for the majority of shooters.

[markg]

When the barrel on this rifle is done i think i will probably turn it into a 7mm STW. I assume the bolt face is the same as the 7mm rem mag?

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by markg

When the barrel on this rifle is done i think i will probably turn it into a 7mm STW. I assume the bolt face is the same as the 7mm rem mag?

Same bolt face.

[sdeviation]

7MSM or7 Practical would fit better and get u where u want to be...

[markg]

I got some of the new Hornady ELDX Match bullets in 162 gr. I just loaded a few. When i get a chance to shoot them ill post my results. I will be doing load development with IMR 7977 and Retumbo.

[eagleclassic]

Following this thread as I am currently loading for a new Tikka 7mm rem mag and the 150 ABLR. First day at range was dissapointing with Rel 22. Low velocities and horrid groups. Got to Quick load max and hardly broke 2950. Im getting 2850 out of my 7mm08 with same bullet and Rel 17. Tried some 168 bergers and got .7 moa but at max load around 2775.
On we go.

BTW the ELD x is not bonded, and is typical cup and core if it matters to you.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by eagleclassic

Following this thread as I am currently loading for a new Tikka 7mm rem mag and the 150 ABLR. First day at range was dissapointing with Rel 22. Low velocities and horrid groups. Got to Quick load max and hardly broke 2950. Im getting 2850 out of my 7mm08 with same bullet and Rel 17. Tried some 168 bergers and got .7 moa but at max load around 2775.
On we go.

BTW the ELD x is not bonded, and is typical cup and core if it matters to you.

Which tells me that the pressure being produced is low, regardless of what Quickload tells you. Quickload can't compensate for variances in chamber/barrel dimensions, or lot to lot variations in powder or other components, so I would be trusting the chronograph reading rather than Quickload. I would be working up the powder charge while watching for pressure signs, and see what happens with the accuracy. In most cases ,you should have no issues achieving 3100fps with a 24" barrel, and it should take another 2 to 3 grains to reach 3100fps.

[markg]

Well i went out shooting tonight. Had some bad results. I tried the Nosler Accubond LR 150grs with 70 grs of IMR 7977 with winchester mag primers and the groups really opened up (inch and half and inch and three quarters) I didn't chrono any of the groups as the conditions were crappy with the bench being underwater and the mosquitos being awful. COAL was 0.020 off the lands.

I did a bit better with my first Hornady 162 gr ELD-X just under an inch on the 68grs of IMR 7977 the second group opened up with 69grs of imr 7977 COAL was also 0.020 off the lands.

The poor results may have been some of my bad shooting. I just didnt feel like i was in the zone.

[eagleclassic]

Thanks elk will move up

[markg]

I got I finally got it. I have my 1/2 MOA load. I have been trying all the magnum powders and just haven't got that right load. I have been shooting some old nosler 150gr ballistic tips with some "left over" IMR 4831. They were shooting pretty good, a bit better than MOA. I recently bought a Hornady lock n load OAL gauge and fine tuned them a bit. I thought what the heck Ill do the same (use IMR 4831) with my fancy Accubond Long Range 150grs and see what happens. Presto! supreme O they shot like a dam!

It couldnt happen at a better time, because hunting season is just around the corner and now I can practice with my final load. I am officially done doing load development!!!!!!!

[markg]

I had a chance to Chronograph the latest load. Its both bad and good. The good is the Standard deviation was 4 fps (amazing) and the Extreme spread was 10 FPS on a 5 shot string (2976, 2976, 2984, 2982, 2986) Average 2980fps

The bad news is this is pretty damn slow for a 7mm Rem mag shooting a 150 grain Accubond Long Range. With velocities like this I may as well be shooting a 30/06. Group size was under 1/2" again. Sorry no pics you will just have to trust me.

I was using a magneto speed chrono so the data is probably pretty spot on.

The load was 63 grs of IMR 4831

[Dean2]

Originally Posted by markg

I had a chance to Chronograph the latest load. Its both bad and good. The good is the Standard deviation was 4 fps (amazing) and the Extreme spread was 10 FPS on a 5 shot string (2976, 2976, 2984, 2982, 2986) Average 2980fps

The bad news is this is pretty damn slow for a 7mm Rem mag shooting a 150 grain Accubond Long Range. With velocities like this I may as well be shooting a 30/06. Group size was under 1/2" again. Sorry no pics you will just have to trust me.

I was using a magneto speed chrono so the data is probably pretty spot on.

The load was 63 grs of IMR 4831

Would suggest you keep adding piwder till you get pressure signs or the speed you want. I use 66 grains of H4831 with horn 162 grain hpbt at 3100 fps and they group under .25.

[markg]

Originally Posted by Dean2

Would suggest you keep adding piwder till you get pressure signs or the speed you want. I use 66 grains of H4831 with horn 162 grain hpbt at 3100 fps and they group under .25.

Thats dam near the perfect load! Congrats.

[7mmremmag]

Im getting 3040fps with 168gr LRAB and 71.0gr of Retumbo.
But only getting 1.25" groups 10 Thou off the lands.
My next batch is loaded in decreasing increments of 10 thou off the lands to a shorter COAL. Heres to hoping it works, The rifle shoots 140gr TTSX into a 0.7" group at 100yds but I feel like im wasting the potential of the Benchmark 1-8.5" twist barrel using 140's

[TUFFBUFF]

Originally Posted by Dean2

Would suggest you keep adding piwder till you get pressure signs or the speed you want. I use 66 grains of H4831 with horn 162 grain hpbt at 3100 fps and they group under .25.

Mine was 66 of H4831 as well but with 150tsx, didn't get speed rated.

OP - Nosler data shows 65 of IMR4831 as max, one cartridge I load for follows the Nosler book spot on. Try more powder and see!

[Pioneer2]

My son's rifle did not care for IMR 4831 or H4831 with the 140gr bullets. RE#22 was around an inch,so I'll seat them a little farther out OAL and play with the load to tune it.May try H1000 or RE#19.It shot the Speer 130gr into one hole but they are reserved for doe antelope only as I hear they are quite fragile.Standard load is 61gr of IMR 4350 with a 160gr Accubond with 1/2" groups.I have a bag of loose 120gr HPBT's but they won't group so far for target or pests.Harold

[Salavee]

Originally Posted by markg

Normally i would do that but with the Tikka's we are limited by our magazine length. The person in our group that shoots a Sako doesnt. We have him backed about .020 off the lands. Thanks for the adivce and i appreciate were your going with that.

Anyone know if there is another magazine (aftermarket) that would help with our problem?

If magazine length is holding you back try cutting the plastic tips off flush to the jacket with a Dremel. I found no difference in POI to 300 yds .. pbly further but I haven't shot them further.

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by markg

I had a chance to Chronograph the latest load. Its both bad and good. The good is the Standard deviation was 4 fps (amazing) and the Extreme spread was 10 FPS on a 5 shot string (2976, 2976, 2984, 2982, 2986) Average 2980fps

The bad news is this is pretty damn slow for a 7mm Rem mag shooting a 150 grain Accubond Long Range. With velocities like this I may as well be shooting a 30/06. Group size was under 1/2" again. Sorry no pics you will just have to trust me.

I was using a magneto speed chrono so the data is probably pretty spot on.

The load was 63 grs of IMR 4831

Taa Daah!

Don't chrono factory fodder or you will want a '06!

Even Speer recognizes the Rem Mag is a temperamental cartridge.



Pressure spikes and better pressure trace technology, coupled with litigation prospects, are showing the Rem Mag in a light that doesn't flatter.

If it shoots well, what's 50fps-75fps really? I doubt 98% of the time most shooters couldn't wring any advantage of those few fps anyways.

Shoot more, chrono last, and learn your come ups.

[markg]

I am starting to think that way. It shoots well and my load is good for group size and velocity consistency. Might just have to be happy with that.

[markg]

Originally Posted by Dick284

Taa Daah!

Don't chrono factory fodder or you will want a '06!

Even Speer recognizes the Rem Mag is a temperamental cartridge.



Pressure spikes and better pressure trace technology, coupled with litigation prospects, are showing the Rem Mag in a light that doesn't flatter.

If it shoots well, what's 50fps-75fps really? I doubt 98% of the time most shooters couldn't wring any advantage of those few fps anyways.

Shoot more, chrono last, and learn your come ups.

The 7mm LRM looks impressive and it is not a banded cartridge.

[-JR-]

Originally Posted by markg

What primers do you gents find to work best for your 7mm rem mag loads?
I noticed today that all of Noslers load data on there web page uses Federal 215 for there 7mm tests

My velocities have been well shy of there numbers but i am using CCI magnum 250 primers.

I did notice an accuracy jump when i changed from there small rifle 250 primers to something else.

THoughtS?

rem.9.5

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by markg

The 7mm LRM looks impressive and it is not a banded cartridge.

Banded?
Don't you mean belted.....

Just shoot the damned thing, it's acting like any other Rem Mag I've had over the years.
Sure you might stoke the thing up and get a hundred extra fps outta it, but really, do you think it'll make a bit of difference on anything.

You're mired in chasing numbers, not getting your form, function, and abilities any better.

[bulletman]

I use Fed 215 Match primers in all my magnum loads.

[elkhunter11]

I use Federal 215 primers in all of my magnum cartridges, as for the belt, I have never found the belt to be an issue with any cartridge.

[Smokinyotes]

Originally Posted by markg

The 7mm LRM looks impressive and it is not a banded cartridge.

I have a 7LRM, guys are either running extremely high pressures or B.S a lot. I am using 70 gr of H1000 and Rem 91/2 primer with a 180 Berger hybrid target and am getting 3025 fps out of a 31" barrel. Any more powder and the groups open up. I also tried cci200 and fed215m primers. The Rem 91/2 work the best.

[Dean2]

In all hunting rounds, magnum or not, I use CCI 250 to 70 grains. Over 70 grains of powder Federal 215 or Winchester Mag Large Rifle as the CCI is not hot enough to consistently ignite large powder loads.