7mm SAW Cartridge

Well this weekend I went out and did some load testing with Re16 using Berger 168gr bullet at 200 yards. I started at 44.5gr and worked my way up to 46gr. I found that my best groups was between 45.0gr and 45.5gr. So, I loaded up some more rounds this time I went with 45.3gr and 45.5gr. Both loads shot promising groups to say the least.

Here are some pictures of the rig and a picture comparing my Re16 groups and H4350 minus flyers:mad::bangHead:.

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Yes some promising results for sure! I’m a big fan of Re16 in lots of calibers. Going to be trying it in 6 Dasher in a couple weeks.
Great looking rig too! Really like your Razor?
(As an aside, I think I sold you something of the EE a year or two ago, but can’t remember what it was?).
 
I do like the Razor, however I find it a tad heavy but it's a solid scope.

I am just debating if I should try loads past 46.0gr to see where I get max pressure and see how fast I can push it out. But, not sure if it will group better going faster because I got a decent group right around 45.5gr of Re16.

And on that side note, I looked back into my PM's and I sold you 6mm DTAC bullets, hahaha.
 
Haha, well mystery solved! Those Dtacs were for my 6XC, and they were a great bullet for that caliber.
I had that Razor as well, was excellent but wanted more mag, and am rocking the ATACRs, 7-35 now, and love them! Glass is real close but maybe a tad better on the Nightforce, but is splitting hairs, and couldn’t tell the difference if they weren’t side by side.
 
Oh really? For my next scope, I am thinking of going with a Nightforce.

I think next for load testing, I am going to do a ladder test and go by .2 increments and see where I can find a node and max pressure.
 
Another update.

I performed a ladder test this past Saturday to get a node and to see where max pressure signs. I started at 45.5 and worked my way up to 47.3 in .2gr increments using Re16. Here are the results.

45.5 = 2760
45.7 = 2802
45.9 = 2818
46.1 = 2826 **
46.3 = 2829 **
46.5 = 2852
46.7 = 2863 **
46.9 = 2867 **
47.1 = 2886
47.3 = 2897 - Signs of tight bolt relief

I got 2 nodes showing. So next group test I am going to try is 10 shots@ 46.6gr, 46.7gr, 46.8gr and 46.9gr. Hopefully one of these loads will show me will group well.

Stay tune!
 
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I wouldn't get too caught up chasing hypothetical nodes found on a ladder. Not enough sample sizes per charge weight to make it statistically relevant. I used to advocate for that style of load development, known as the "Satterlee method", and used it for a couple of years. I then decided to load up two identical ladders, and started finding that so called nodes on one ladder, weren't reproduced in a second identical ladder. From there I decided to do velocity stability testing with charges in minimum of 5 shots per, which produced much better results. All of my best loads, from 6BRA to .300NM, you wouldn't have developed by chasing a so called node on a velocity ladder.

Ladders are good for finding pressures, but not any so called nodes. There just isn't a large enough sample size to give statistically relevant results.

I agree with your idea of trying 10 shots per charge. I would try to stay well under pressure, as environmental changes such as high heats and rain can turn a load that isn't high pressure into suddenly one that is.
 
I fully agree with Kthomas, I have gone away from that ladder type load development. Everyone has their own system, and whatever works for you though.
Good to see your results with the Re16. It gives me a rough range to start my development. My dies etc are all at the border, waiting to be shipped, so it seems like it’ll be a couple more months before I have a barrel in hand.
Keep us updated and what you decide your final go-to load is.
 
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