7mm Mag loads

ncrypt · February 5, 2016, 05:57 PM

Hey guys. I'm working up some loads for 7mm Rem Mag. and I'm shooting for 3000 fps.

Browning A-Bolt with 26 inch barrel
150g Nosler Partition
WLRM Primers
Hornady Brass
H4831 SC Powder
OACL 3.290

Using my manual and the hodgdon site, I started at 60 grains and worked up to 62 in .5 grain increments. I got around 2800 fps with 62 grains with zero signs of pressure issues and my best group at 62 grains.

The Nosler site starts at 61 and goes up to 65 claiming just over 3000 fps.
http://static1.squarespace.com/stati...ersion-7-0.pdf

So, my question..is there anyone else shooting a similar load that can share their experience going up to 65 grains with this powder bullet combo? Three grains over the Hodgdon max seems like a lot.

appreciate any thoughts

jwrowland77 · February 5, 2016, 06:01 PM

Try IMR 4350 or IMR 7828.

I'm getting around 3200 with a 139gr BTSP. Not even a max load. 26" barrel Rem 700.

jmr40 · February 5, 2016, 06:43 PM

I assume you have a chronograph. Keep adding powder until you reach the max listed velocity in the manual. That is the max load with the components you are using and in your rifle. You may well reach that velocity before you reach 65 gr of powder. Stop at that point regardless of pressure signs.

I know some people would go farther and get speeds in excess of what is listed in the manual. It may or may not be safe, but that is what I'd do.

If you get good accuracy then you're good to go. If not then it may be time to tweak the loads and reduce the charge some.

You may find the need to use a different powder in order to get both accuracy and speed.

TimSr · February 5, 2016, 09:53 PM

I'm looking at Lyman, and they are closer to Nosler than Hodgdon. I wouldn't be so fixed on velocity though. Thats more a matter of the test fixture used. I would keep creeping up until your group starts to spread, or velocities begin to spread, or at 65gr, whichever comes first.

math teacher · February 5, 2016, 10:11 PM

Try Nosler's website. They show several loads that exceed 3000fps.

Clark · February 5, 2016, 11:08 PM

With a 26" barrel 150 gr Nos Bal Tip 3.4" H4350 I get 3333 -3375 fps over the chrono. That is with a VZ24 and the only slim Lothar Walther barrel that Brownells sells.

It works in mule deer AND antelope.

hooligan1 · February 6, 2016, 06:46 AM

With the 150 partition Nosler likes n160, that what my son uses with the 150 Btips.
With 4350, I could never get the precision I needed so I went with a 160 grn Accubonds and IMR 7828, now that is a great combo..

ncrypt · February 6, 2016, 04:16 PM

Thanks for the info guys

**Unclenick** · February 6, 2016, 05:47 PM

I used an estimator to fit Nosler's load data into Hodgdon's load data performance curve, and that got 3202 fps, and not the 3048 fps Nosler measured. So this load difference is some sort of artifact of the combination of different guns, different brass, different primers, and different lots of powder.

GeauxTide · February 7, 2016, 10:00 AM

In the Nosler Manual, IMR4831 gives over 3200. I was able to get 3000 with H4831 under a 154 Hornady.

std7mag · February 7, 2016, 05:32 PM

Alas, I've "settled" on the 150gr. Accubond Long Range and Reloder 26.

ncrypt · February 7, 2016, 05:56 PM

I worked up to 65 grains today. No pressure signs at all, but I'm a little disappointed with the numbers I'm getting. However I'm happy with accuracy. All groups were within 1" to 1.5", which is totally acceptable for a hunting rifle/me.

63- 2843
63.5 - 2870
64 - 2911
64.5 - 2926
65 - 2961

I thought I would see greater gains per grain. I'm thinking of working a little past 65 or trying a different powder, just because it's fun to shoot. ha

jwrowland77 · February 7, 2016, 07:54 PM

7828....

TimSr · February 8, 2016, 09:23 AM

Quote:

I'm thinking of working a little past 65 or trying a different powder, just because it's fun to shoot.

You will see much more dramatic velocity increases with a different powder.

pbcaster45 · February 12, 2016, 11:20 AM

I think IMR 7828 is pretty close to H4831 (at least in my 7mm RM).

Gun: Stiller TAC 300 7mm Remington Magnum (26 inch bbl./1 in 9 twist)

Bullet: Nosler 150 gr. Partition
Powder: IMR 7828 65.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Winchester 7mm Remington Magnum
LOAL: 3.270 (2.744 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Velocity: 3029.70 fps
ES: 38.75
SD: 14.59
Comments: Jam length 2.749 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point. Bullets seated for 0.005 bullet jump to lands.

For example, I didn't use the same brass but these two were pretty close in velocity.

Bullet: Sierra 168 gr. HPBT Matchking
Powder: Hodgdon H4831 64.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Federal
LOAL: 3.300 (2.742 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 2852.90 fps
ES: 44.38
SD: 20.19

Bullet: Sierra 168 gr. HPBT Matchking
Powder: IMR 7828 64.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 215
Case: Remington
LOAL: 3.300 (2.742 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 2851.65 fps
Extreme Spread: 41.73
Standard Deviation: 16.12
Comments: Once fired brass. Three shot group at 200 yards was about 1.5 inches.

ncrypt · February 12, 2016, 08:07 PM

thanks for sharing the info guys. I'l play around with 7828 some

Clark · February 13, 2016, 02:32 PM

Mark Twain once said there are white lies, regular lies, black lies, and then 7mmRemMag published data

You may start to suspect when the 7mmRemMag can't keep up with a hot loaded 7x57 surplus Mauser shooting over a chrono.

I am hunting with 11 grains more than max published. I know where the thresholds are and I have lots of safety margin.

SEHunter · February 14, 2016, 08:17 AM

I was gonna say... I don't own or have experience with a 7mag but these all sound like really nutered loads considering the case capacity. My .270 will throw a 130 grainer 3150-3180 fps. My 30-06 is at 2900-2950 with a 165 grain bullet. I'm not being critical but I couldn't help to think you can get the same performance in smaller cases of the same caliber and save yourself 10 grains of powder per round. Except for Clark. Sounds like he loads em like I do

Clark · February 14, 2016, 03:11 PM

The 7mmRemMag was SAAMI registered in 1962 at 61 kpsi and it should have been 65 kpsi.
It was registered at 3.29" over all length and it should have been registered at 3.34".

But that does not go half way to explain why published loads are so wimpy.

There must have been a push to make the recoil less than a 30-06 or one blew up in an executive's face, or some idiot had a job that year, or someone hated Remington, ....... or something.

30-06 loads are not wimpy.

std7mag · February 16, 2016, 09:57 PM

Clark,

From my experience, if I load close to the 61K max listed in the manuals, after the 2nd reload on the casing I'm throwing the brass in the scrap pile due to loose primer pockets.

Deer doesn't know the difference between 56K PSI, and 61K PSI...

Clark · February 17, 2016, 12:28 AM

I have had 7x57mm rimmed Norma brass get loose primer pockets when I did not expect.

Usually all brass is about the same for rifles. I got sever lifetime supplies of RP 7mmRM brass once fired from St Marks testing. [I got an amazing deal on Vmax bullets there today. My computer is a fishing pole.]

If I get the chrono to match the Quickload predicted velocity, then the QL predicted pressure is useful to me.

This was QL predicted at 108 kpsi
That is a loose primer pocket.
Don't do that. My VZ24 did not like it and needed valve lapping compound.

I have (4) Bolt rifles I chambered in 7mmRM and (2) factory 7mmRM rifles; Browning 1885 and Ruger #1.

In all (6) rifles I have been running the same load 140 gr Nos Bal Tip 3400 fps QL says is 77 kpsi.

That is a couple grains backed away from change in extractor groove diameter which is a couple grains backed away from easier primer insertion after one firing.

I am soon to build more 7mmRM rifles, and will probably switch to IMR-4451 instead of H4350. I will probably stick with the 140 gr Nos Bal tip, but I could get lucky with Nos 150 gr long range accubonds. I have not got lucky with 142 gr 6.5mm long range accubonds, so hope is shrinking.

Turok01 · February 18, 2016, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark

The 7mmRemMag was SAAMI registered in 1962 at 61 kpsi and it should have been 65 kpsi.
It was registered at 3.29" over all length and it should have been registered at 3.34".

But that does not go half way to explain why published loads are so wimpy.

There must have been a push to make the recoil less than a 30-06 or one blew up in an executive's face, or some idiot had a job that year, or someone hated Remington, ....... or something.

30-06 loads are not wimpy.

From what I've read on the 7mm Rem the pressures are held lower than most other cartridges because it has larger pressure variations from shot to shot.

I can't recall what the actual variation is in terms of psi, but if it's 3000 psi and your load is running 65kpsi as a max you'll quickly end up in an over pressure situation where you stand to pop primers and or damage your gun.

Pressure variations aren't limited to just the 7mm Rem, many other cartridges have them too, it's just that the 7RM has higher variations.

SAMMI published some numbers on this. Will have to see if I can dig it up.

Neil

Pathfinder45 · February 18, 2016, 04:59 PM

It ain't that hard to get 3,000 fps with 150 grain bullets from a 24" barreled 270 Winchester with select powders. Seems like you fellas ought to be able to safely attain 3,200?

February 5, 2016, 06:01 PM	#2
jwrowland77 Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2012 Location: Conway, Arkansas Posts: 1,398	7mm Mag loads Try IMR 4350 or IMR 7828. I'm getting around 3200 with a 139gr BTSP. Not even a max load. 26" barrel Rem 700.

February 5, 2016, 11:08 PM	#6
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	With a 26" barrel 150 gr Nos Bal Tip 3.4" H4350 I get 3333 -3375 fps over the chrono. That is with a VZ24 and the only slim Lothar Walther barrel that Brownells sells. It works in mule deer AND antelope. __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?

February 6, 2016, 06:46 AM	#7
hooligan1 Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 4,585	With the 150 partition Nosler likes n160, that what my son uses with the 150 Btips. With 4350, I could never get the precision I needed so I went with a 160 grn Accubonds and IMR 7828, now that is a great combo.. __________________ Keep your Axe sharp and your powder dry.

February 6, 2016, 05:47 PM	#9
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,061	I used an estimator to fit Nosler's load data into Hodgdon's load data performance curve, and that got 3202 fps, and not the 3048 fps Nosler measured. So this load difference is some sort of artifact of the combination of different guns, different brass, different primers, and different lots of powder. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

February 12, 2016, 11:20 AM	#15
pbcaster45 Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2010 Posts: 139	I think IMR 7828 is pretty close to H4831 (at least in my 7mm RM). Gun: Stiller TAC 300 7mm Remington Magnum (26 inch bbl./1 in 9 twist) Bullet: Nosler 150 gr. Partition Powder: IMR 7828 65.0 grs. Primer: Federal 215 Case: Winchester 7mm Remington Magnum LOAL: 3.270 (2.744 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point) Velocity: 3029.70 fps ES: 38.75 SD: 14.59 Comments: Jam length 2.749 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point. Bullets seated for 0.005 bullet jump to lands. For example, I didn't use the same brass but these two were pretty close in velocity. Bullet: Sierra 168 gr. HPBT Matchking Powder: Hodgdon H4831 64.0 grs. Primer: Federal 215 Case: Federal LOAL: 3.300 (2.742 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point) Average Velocity: 2852.90 fps ES: 44.38 SD: 20.19 Bullet: Sierra 168 gr. HPBT Matchking Powder: IMR 7828 64.0 grs. Primer: Federal 215 Case: Remington LOAL: 3.300 (2.742 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point) Average Velocity: 2851.65 fps Extreme Spread: 41.73 Standard Deviation: 16.12 Comments: Once fired brass. Three shot group at 200 yards was about 1.5 inches. Last edited by pbcaster45; February 12, 2016 at 02:13 PM.

February 5, 2016, 05:57 PM	#1
ncrypt Member Join Date: December 3, 2013 Posts: 72	7mm Mag loads Hey guys. I'm working up some loads for 7mm Rem Mag. and I'm shooting for 3000 fps. Browning A-Bolt with 26 inch barrel 150g Nosler Partition WLRM Primers Hornady Brass H4831 SC Powder OACL 3.290 Using my manual and the hodgdon site, I started at 60 grains and worked up to 62 in .5 grain increments. I got around 2800 fps with 62 grains with zero signs of pressure issues and my best group at 62 grains. The Nosler site starts at 61 and goes up to 65 claiming just over 3000 fps. http://static1.squarespace.com/stati...ersion-7-0.pdf So, my question..is there anyone else shooting a similar load that can share their experience going up to 65 grains with this powder bullet combo? Three grains over the Hodgdon max seems like a lot. appreciate any thoughts

February 5, 2016, 06:43 PM	#3
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,806	I assume you have a chronograph. Keep adding powder until you reach the max listed velocity in the manual. That is the max load with the components you are using and in your rifle. You may well reach that velocity before you reach 65 gr of powder. Stop at that point regardless of pressure signs. I know some people would go farther and get speeds in excess of what is listed in the manual. It may or may not be safe, but that is what I'd do. If you get good accuracy then you're good to go. If not then it may be time to tweak the loads and reduce the charge some. You may find the need to use a different powder in order to get both accuracy and speed.

February 5, 2016, 09:53 PM	#4
TimSr Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: Rittman, Ohio Posts: 2,074	I'm looking at Lyman, and they are closer to Nosler than Hodgdon. I wouldn't be so fixed on velocity though. Thats more a matter of the test fixture used. I would keep creeping up until your group starts to spread, or velocities begin to spread, or at 65gr, whichever comes first.

February 5, 2016, 10:11 PM	#5
math teacher Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2012 Location: Southwest WA Coast Posts: 558	Try Nosler's website. They show several loads that exceed 3000fps.

February 6, 2016, 04:16 PM	#8
ncrypt Member Join Date: December 3, 2013 Posts: 72	Thanks for the info guys

February 7, 2016, 10:00 AM	#10
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	In the Nosler Manual, IMR4831 gives over 3200. I was able to get 3000 with H4831 under a 154 Hornady.

February 7, 2016, 05:32 PM	#11
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Alas, I've "settled" on the 150gr. Accubond Long Range and Reloder 26.

February 7, 2016, 05:56 PM	#12
ncrypt Member Join Date: December 3, 2013 Posts: 72	I worked up to 65 grains today. No pressure signs at all, but I'm a little disappointed with the numbers I'm getting. However I'm happy with accuracy. All groups were within 1" to 1.5", which is totally acceptable for a hunting rifle/me. 63- 2843 63.5 - 2870 64 - 2911 64.5 - 2926 65 - 2961 I thought I would see greater gains per grain. I'm thinking of working a little past 65 or trying a different powder, just because it's fun to shoot. ha

February 7, 2016, 07:54 PM	#13
jwrowland77 Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2012 Location: Conway, Arkansas Posts: 1,398	7828....

February 12, 2016, 08:07 PM	#16
ncrypt Member Join Date: December 3, 2013 Posts: 72	thanks for sharing the info guys. I'l play around with 7828 some

February 13, 2016, 02:32 PM	#17
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	Mark Twain once said there are white lies, regular lies, black lies, and then 7mmRemMag published data You may start to suspect when the 7mmRemMag can't keep up with a hot loaded 7x57 surplus Mauser shooting over a chrono. I am hunting with 11 grains more than max published. I know where the thresholds are and I have lots of safety margin. __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?

February 14, 2016, 08:17 AM	#18
SEHunter Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2009 Posts: 332	I was gonna say... I don't own or have experience with a 7mag but these all sound like really nutered loads considering the case capacity. My .270 will throw a 130 grainer 3150-3180 fps. My 30-06 is at 2900-2950 with a 165 grain bullet. I'm not being critical but I couldn't help to think you can get the same performance in smaller cases of the same caliber and save yourself 10 grains of powder per round. Except for Clark. Sounds like he loads em like I do

February 14, 2016, 03:11 PM	#19
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	The 7mmRemMag was SAAMI registered in 1962 at 61 kpsi and it should have been 65 kpsi. It was registered at 3.29" over all length and it should have been registered at 3.34". But that does not go half way to explain why published loads are so wimpy. There must have been a push to make the recoil less than a 30-06 or one blew up in an executive's face, or some idiot had a job that year, or someone hated Remington, ....... or something. 30-06 loads are not wimpy. __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?

February 16, 2016, 09:57 PM	#20
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Clark, From my experience, if I load close to the 61K max listed in the manuals, after the 2nd reload on the casing I'm throwing the brass in the scrap pile due to loose primer pockets. Deer doesn't know the difference between 56K PSI, and 61K PSI...

February 17, 2016, 12:28 AM	#21
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	I have had 7x57mm rimmed Norma brass get loose primer pockets when I did not expect. Usually all brass is about the same for rifles. I got sever lifetime supplies of RP 7mmRM brass once fired from St Marks testing. [I got an amazing deal on Vmax bullets there today. My computer is a fishing pole.] If I get the chrono to match the Quickload predicted velocity, then the QL predicted pressure is useful to me. This was QL predicted at 108 kpsi That is a loose primer pocket. Don't do that. My VZ24 did not like it and needed valve lapping compound. I have (4) Bolt rifles I chambered in 7mmRM and (2) factory 7mmRM rifles; Browning 1885 and Ruger #1. In all (6) rifles I have been running the same load 140 gr Nos Bal Tip 3400 fps QL says is 77 kpsi. That is a couple grains backed away from change in extractor groove diameter which is a couple grains backed away from easier primer insertion after one firing. I am soon to build more 7mmRM rifles, and will probably switch to IMR-4451 instead of H4350. I will probably stick with the 140 gr Nos Bal tip, but I could get lucky with Nos 150 gr long range accubonds. I have not got lucky with 142 gr 6.5mm long range accubonds, so hope is shrinking. __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?

February 18, 2016, 04:59 PM	#23
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	It ain't that hard to get 3,000 fps with 150 grain bullets from a 24" barreled 270 Winchester with select powders. Seems like you fellas ought to be able to safely attain 3,200?