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Old May 15, 2012, 07:32 PM   #1
Jevyod
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Feeling good!

Just got back from the range after shooting some of my 1st reloads! I had a great feeling of satisfaction that is hard to beat! I am shooting a 7mm rem mag and loaded up 160 grn Sierra Game King over 58,59,60,61,62,and 63 grns of IMR 7828. The 61 grn load shows a good potential with a grouping of around an inch at 100 yds. The rest were 2-3 inches. My question is this; do I now work by increments of 2 tenths or so on either side of the 61 mark? And if i can't get any better than that should I start messing with seating closer/farther from the lands? Or just try another powder?
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Old May 15, 2012, 07:42 PM   #2
m&p45acp10+1
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I would start at 60.4 grains, and work up in .3 grain increments for up to 6 weights. That would cover 1.8 grains of the powder range. The next thing is I use Dan Newbury's round robin method. Here is a link to it.

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspa...ons/4529817134

My best rifle loads were developed using this method.
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Old May 15, 2012, 07:45 PM   #3
jepp2
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Sounds like you are off to an excellent start!

I normally try to start by picking a powder that has a fill % I am targeting and is knows as an accurate powder for my caliber (the Nosler reloading manual can be an excellent resource as it shows % fill, and lists powders by burn rate).

If you haven't checked out the Dan Newberry OCW it is a very good process to guide your load development. It sounds like you are asking what your process should be.
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Old May 15, 2012, 07:57 PM   #4
Daggitt
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My friend really likes the Swift Scirrocco Bullets I have been reloading for his 7 mm Mag. They are a little pricey. I've been using IMR 4350. He reports exceptional accuracy at 200 and 300 yard targets.
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Old May 15, 2012, 09:20 PM   #5
Horseman
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I have found small increments of powder don't do much with larger cases. I would take your 61 grains and experiment with seating depth. IMO seating depth will likely have a larger impact than a small powder change. How far are you off the lands?
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Old May 16, 2012, 01:16 AM   #6
Jevyod
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Well to be honest I really don't know. How do i measure that? The way I did was make a dummy round and seated it till I saw just a hint of rifling, then backed it off another half turn.
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Old May 16, 2012, 02:49 AM   #7
uncyboo
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Backed it off? As in seated it even further into the lands?
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Old May 16, 2012, 05:25 AM   #8
Jevyod
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I am sorry; I meant to say tightened another half turn! I guess thats what I get for being up at 2 am.
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Old May 16, 2012, 01:14 PM   #9
William T. Watts
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Your starting load should have been 60 grs of 7828 with 160gr bullet, when using a slow powder like this number I would go no lower than the recommended starting load. William

Last edited by William T. Watts; May 16, 2012 at 01:19 PM.
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Old May 16, 2012, 07:14 PM   #10
Jevyod
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Will, What manual was that in? I checked several of mine and if I remember right 2 out of 3 suggested 57 g starting load. I remember 1 did say 60 but I though a good place to start would be 58 g......Still learning.
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Old May 16, 2012, 08:56 PM   #11
William T. Watts
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www.imrpowder.com Hodgdon distributes Winchester, IMR plus Hodgdon powder. Specifically Sierra 160gr bullets weren't mention as one of the component bullets used in their test. Hodgdon used 160gr Nosler partitions starting load 60grs, max 64grs of IMR7828, 162 Hornady SP starting load 61grs, max 65grs of IMR7828. This caliber is one of my favorites and works well at the upper end at or near max loadings, it also is one that may give problems if loaded to lightly! William

Last edited by William T. Watts; May 17, 2012 at 07:30 AM. Reason: correct min/max charge from imrpowder website
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Old May 17, 2012, 10:23 AM   #12
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I found that 61.6 grains of IMR 7828 was the cats meow,, this only after I tested each and every listed powder charge, from start to max. None came close to the 3/4 inch groups I get with 160 grn Accubonds, and the powder weight mention.

When I got close like the OP to my OCW, I then started working my way up and down in .3 grn increments, until 61.6 turned in the tightest group at my original zero. I then started tweaking OAL..

It is a very rewarding feeling when it all comes together and you find "The One"

P.S. I couldn't get my rifle to shoot the swift bullets consistantly enough with any powder and I tried numerous powders, to continue testing them.
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