7mm Remington Magnum loads

[Pathfinder]

IM not looking to reinvent the wheel here so Im wondering what are the popular combinations out there, from a bit of research I see that 160gr. Bullets and RL-22 seem to work.

Id like to use existing powders in inventory so H4831, RL-22 and RL-25 are my options here (in that burn rate range).

I think a 160gr. at 2950-3000 fps is doable in a 24" barrel ? What did you use to get there ?

 

[stubblejumper]

I generally go with a 140gr bullet and R-22 for around 3200fps. I never found the need to use a heavier bullet for elk or moose.

 

[snoopycda]

I generally go with a 140gr bullet and R-22 for around 3200fps. I never found the need to use a heavier bullet for elk or moose.

x 2.

 

[Dogleg]

I've never seen as much velocity variation from rifle to rifle as with a 7mm Rem. One guy gets close to STW speeds, and the next clocks numbers that make a 30-06 seem inspirational. For what its worth, my results tend to look a whole lot more like an '06 than an STW.


I wouldn't venture a guess as to where your velocities will end up.

 

[TONOFFUN80]

I have used rl 22 with 150gn partitions, good accuracy. i now use imr7828ssc

 

[kman300]

In the process of working up a load with 160 accubonds and h4831. Will post my recipe when I have one.

Rl22 is not temp stable like h4831 for example. I had a 120gr tsx load with rl22 and between summer temps (+25) and hunting temps (-25) I lost 180 fps. So if u do use rl22 and make ur loads in warm weather be sure to check them for poi and fps in hunting temps.

Cheers

 

[Pathfinder]

Yeah, Ive had my temp issues with RL-22 so I try to work up loads at the same temps that I would think they would be used.

Let me know how it works out for you.

 

[john-brennan]

7mm

I used H4831 with 140gr accubonds for everything, I had a 160gr. load that was great but never needed it, 160gr accubond with Retumbo and WWLRM primers for 3100fps and accurate.

 

[Buckmastr]

RL 22 is a dirty powder compared to IMR 4831, which is my preference on all loads from 140-160 gr. H4831 as mentioned might be even better for consistent velocities w/ different temps but i have never used it.

It seems like i need to exceed book max loads to get the 7mm mag to do its thing in my sako and rem but I would never suggest starting there. Be careful out there kids!

 

[Ceilidh69]

I load 150 gr Nosler CTs or 140 gr Accubonds over IMR 4350 or IMR 4831. Both have provided excellent results.

 

[kman300]

Decided to go with retumbo instead of h4831. Retumbo has lower pressure and higher speed and is also temp stable. Will let u know how it goes. Made up 160 accubond loads and 162 sst for practice. Going to range tonight or to tomorrow.

 

[Pathfinder]

Anybody Try the Matrix 168gr. VLD ?

 

[john-brennan]

7mm

Good choice, work great for me. Let us know how it works.

 

[jacky]

I have been reloading my 7mm mag for a number of years now. I too do not use RL22 anymore. I used to load around 67.3 grains if memory serves me well using a 145 grain speer.

I now use IMR 4350 as it works well in my rifle. Given your existing powders you might be best served to work up some loads using all of them and then choose the best. I have use RL22, IMR 7828, H4831 and now use IMR 4350. The RL25 has always interested me but again I am not sure about the temp thing. It might be the same as RL22.

Buying powder and working up loads is so much fun. The 7mm mag is a great one as each rifle seems to be different. I have a buddy that can shoot 140 gr bullets at 3200+ fps second all day long. Accurate too. He loads at max and his deer are no more dead than mine. My rifle just doesn't shoot any bullet well if my velocity exceeds 3100 fsp.

Have fun and work your loads up carefully.

 

[Pathfinder]

I have been reloading my 7mm mag for a number of years now. I too do not use RL22 anymore. I used to load around 67.3 grains if memory serves me well using a 145 grain speer.

I now use IMR 4350 as it works well in my rifle. Given your existing powders you might be best served to work up some loads using all of them and then choose the best. I have use RL22, IMR 7828, H4831 and now use IMR 4350. The RL25 has always interested me but again I am not sure about the temp thing. It might be the same as RL22.

Buying powder and working up loads is so much fun. The 7mm mag is a great one as each rifle seems to be different. I have a buddy that can shoot 140 gr bullets at 3200+ fps second all day long. Accurate too. He loads at max and his deer are no more dead than mine. My rifle just doesn't shoot any bullet well if my velocity exceeds 3100 fsp.

Have fun and work your loads up carefully.

It will be interesting. Ill be stopping by Epps on the way home Sunday...Ill see what they have for bullets...I have no intention of adding again yet another powder my growing "magazine" lol. thanks all. I update when I get some shooting in.

 

[dthunter]

I am surprized that so many people have trouble with R22!

I havent seen this "YET".
I have a load that I Shoot targets out well past 1000yards.
I havent had the chance to test this load in very cold temps.

 

[22to45]

I've never seen as much velocity variation from rifle to rifle as with a 7mm Rem. One guy gets close to STW speeds, and the next clocks numbers that make a 30-06 seem inspirational. For what its worth, my results tend to look a whole lot more like an '06 than an STW.


I wouldn't venture a guess as to where your velocities will end up.

I have a century arms 7mm rem mag, and was wondering why I was able to get such high velocity out of it, then I checked, and it had an 11 inch twist. I stopped at 3050 fps with 175 grain bullets as I saw no need to shoot them faster. I still get good brass life at that velocity.

 

[Pathfinder]

bump, I should have some 160's and 175's to play with soon. Ive got Win Model 70 post 64 Push feed gun I want to sight in and I really cant bring myself to buy factory ammunition so Ill wait a little bit more. Hopefully Ill post a good range report soon.

 

[7mmager]

FWIW- I reload 65 gr of IMR 7828 over a 162 gr Hornady SST in a Winchester case with CCI #250 primers. Any big game I have ever shot with this mix has dropped in its tracks with a round to the lungs.

On deer where there is an exit wound I would classify it as substantial (in most cases), and on moose or elk where there has been no exit, I would describe the chest cavity as turning into instant jello.

 

[07blackwater]

I'm getting an average velocity of 3050 fps with 160 grain partitions and 62 grains of IMR 4831 out of mine. It's grouping about 1.5 inches though. Standard deviation is only 13 fps. so it has potential I think. I'm using federal brass, wlr primers and FL resizing. I have to start neck sizing because my brass is starting to show signs of imminent failure after 3 reloads. I'm going to get some Winchester brass soon as well.
I've got my col 0.020 off of the lands but I'm going to load some at factory specified col because I've been reading partitions like to be seated deep for better accuracy.
So far with this load I've shot a deer through the neck at 150 yards, 1 moose in the head at 130 yards, a moose through the neck at 130 yards and a moose through the boiler room at 250 yards.
All were pass through so I can't comment on expansion but they all tasted good!

From what I gather rl-22 is temperature sensitive so it's better to develop your load at the temperature you expect to use the load at. IMR 4831 isn't so much so I went that route. I'd rather sacrifice a bit of accuracy for a load that's consistent over a broader temperature range.