Good powder for reduced loads in 7mm Rem Mag?

[Eagleye]

Thanks guys! This is a faster powder that could get me into trouble with case as big as 7RM if I'm not careful, right?

Since you would probably be running 40-45 grains of 3031, you would not likely be able to double charge
....but....you can put enough in the case to make a serious overload. I always look into each charged case with
a good flashlight before I seat any bullets. Dave.

 

[1899]

Since you would probably be running 40-45 grains of 3031, you would not likely be able to double charge
....but....you can put enough in the case to make a serious overload. I always look into each charged case with
a good flashlight before I seat any bullets. Dave.

Same with 4064 - my load of 49.0gr is 69% case capacity.

 

[stevebc]

Yes I have loaded my son's 243 when he was small at 60% of Max with IMR 4895 and it was fine.

I've used IMR4895 for reduced loads in my M305, and I don't need any sort of recoil pad to shoot it.

Really nice to shoot a 30 cal rifle without pounding my shoulder or my wallet.

 

[nitro-express]

So I'm switching to left handed due to eye dominance. I reload for 243win, 270win, and 7mm Rem Mag. Due to switching to my off hand and not wanting to develop a flinch (i'm right handed and have been shooting rifles right handed for years) I was leaning towards getting a 270win rifle in left-handed, but I haven't found one I like for a reasonable price (or a 243 for that matter). However, I've seen a few 7mm Rem Mag rifles in my price range. This got me thinking about use going with a 7RM and loading things a bit lighter for recoil reasons while I get used to shooting rifle lefty.

So, with that in mind, what powders might be suitable? On my shelf I have the 162gr Hornady BTSP, and 139gr GMX. I'm thinking something like 2700-2800fps for the 162gr bullet (I'm thinking I want to save the GMX for full power loads down the road). The only powder on my shelf is IMR4350, which at minimum book value should give me something in that ballpark (Book lists 56-60gr powder, Nosler says 2888-2998fps, Hodgdon says 2704-2861fps, both used a 24" barrel). Is it safe to go under book max with this powder? Nosler also lists the full-house loads as the most accurate, can anyone comment on their own experiences with mild loads using imr4350?

Thanks for your input!

If you look at several different manuals you will notice that the grains and velocity aren't that consistent. A chronograph will help in picking a load. Your velocity goal is a starting load in most of the manuals I've looked at.

If I may, I'd suggest a 162 gr Hornady ELD-M: At 2500 to 2700 fps it shoots flat(ish) to 300 yards. My son shoots that bullet in his 7mmx57 Mauser Ruger No. 1 RSI. He wacks the 300 yard gong consistently, with just a bit of Kentucky elevation.

4350 usually gives good accuracy in the 7mm Rem Mag, but it usually will not give the highest velocity. I quit shooting 7mm RM when I sold my last 8# of H870. Every load with 7mm RM I had was a compressed load of H870. H870 was like powdered coal, I always used a F215 primer.

Nitro

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

Not to hijack or derail your thread and question.

You may be able to find a suitable rifle in 7/08 in your price range, it isn't an uncommon chambering anymore.

You can load a 140gr projectile in the 2600-2800 ft/sec area and have very manageable recoil and still have the take down energy you want, with less powder and a more efficient chambering.If you aren't interested in giant critters you could even go 120gr.

Back to the 7RM , I load for a few for a couple hunters, one fellow who was concerned about confidence and flinching let me have at his rifle to find him something suitable.I loaded 7828 with 160gr partitions in the 2600 ft area, still plenty of jam and very manageable recoil and accurate, he was very happy with the performance on the back end of the rifle and got his confidence back in the front end results.That would still down an elk or moose at reasonable distances easily.

That all being said, loading at the minimums will still be quite mild with suggested regular use powder, you could even go a grain or two less.

If you are going slow , make sure to use a weak projectile like an SST or ballistic tip or soft point.

 

[Suther]

While finding a 7mm08 is certainly an option, it would require me to get new dies and brass thus adding to my overall cost, whereas I already have 7mmRM stuff on the shelf (plus 7mm08 rifles seem to demand more money on the used market). I'm not looking for a low-recoil rifle long-term, I just want something that won't beat me up too much when I first start shooting lefty. The goal would be to work up to full house loads between now and September. Alas, the rifle I was eyeing just sold. Damn it. Thats what I get for waiting too long...

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

While finding a 7mm08 is certainly an option, it would require me to get new dies and brass thus adding to my overall cost, whereas I already have 7mmRM stuff on the shelf (plus 7mm08 rifles seem to demand more money on the used market). I'm not looking for a low-recoil rifle long-term, I just want something that won't beat me up too much when I first start shooting lefty. The goal would be to work up to full house loads between now and September. Alas, the rifle I was eyeing just sold. Damn it. Thats what I get for waiting too long...

I'd seriously just use what powder you use and notch it back a few, find the lowest book minimum go back a grain or two and I'm sure you'll pleased with the recoil.Use a light fragile/soft bullet and I think it will work out for you.