Long Range 7 Rem. Mag.

damadama

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I am re-aquiring an interest in long range shooting after many years. I last shot 1000 yards plus at Bisley in the UK with a 303 Enfield in 1968 while serving in the military. Things have changed a great deal since then so I'm sure that I have a great deal to learn or re-learn.
I currently own several hunting rifles which I have had custom built. They all feature 26 inch stainless match barrels and the two which are probably most suitable wear Schmidt & Bender 3-12x50 sniper scopes with AI (Accuracy International) mil dot reticles. The calibres are 7mm Rem. Mag. and 30.06 Ackley Improved. and both are capable of 1/4 moa accuracy if I do my part.

So, this is a plea for help, advice, suggestions and possible bullet/powder combinations. All the ammunition I use is hand loaded using precision techniques so I am well versed in the art of producing consistant ammo. I now live near Williams Lake and would also like to know if there is anything going on in the area that will help me get back into the game or anybody who would like a shooting buddy willing to learn and share a mutual passion (and probably more than a few beers).:confused:
 
I have had great success using Hornadys 162 gr amax over 61.0 gr IMR 4350 with a 215M primer, very accurate in my rifle, nto terribly hot so good brass life I am using Norma brass but suggest starting a bit lighter and working up needless to say.
Your rifle twist rate will dictate alot about what weight of bullet it will like.
Have fun, I don't know much about the ranges out there , but glad to see more long range shooters coming on board
 
Just so we clear, the data that ATR is detailing above, is for the 7mm Rem mag.

If I may add my two cents worth, all other things being equal between the two rifles, I would lean towards 7mm for a couple of reasons.

The first is simply due to the fact that 7mm bullets (particularly the Amax and SST) have higher ballistic coefficients than their 30 cal counterparts. Second, in my opinion, the 30-06 AI, simply does not have the case capacity to take advantage of the 200 grain + bullets, which is the weight range where at longer distances, where 30 cal. really begins to shine.

These are just my thoughts. I am sure individuals like ATR, Mysticplayer and others will be able to give you more detailed and helpful advice.

Regards and all the Best

R
 
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My LR 7RM receipe goes like this: Bullet 162gr Amax moly coated (no big deal if naked), Lee collet neck sized brass (you want near zero runout ammo), Fed 215M primer (yes, match primers do make a difference), Rem brass (surprisingly very good), Re25. Just use the printed data and work up.

I am presently testing Retumbo to see if I can get that to work. I have tried H1000 and IMR7828. The H1000 was too fast for my liking. The IMR worked very well but not temp stable (why I prefer the Hodgdon powders). The new SCC type may be better.

The Amax really likes it above 2900fps but below 3300fps (kind of blows up so I have been told). Standard 9 twist is all you need.

Enjoy...l

Jerry
 
Thanks Guys

I really appreciate the info and the pm's guys. I have H 1000, Re 25. Fed 215's and RP Brass so I will start with those under the 162 grain Amax both molyed and clean. I use Redding Bushing Neck Size dies and a Neco Concentricity Gauge for zero runout. I would be interested to hear how Retumbo works out as I have been considering getting some to drive my hunting loads.

Any thoughts on cartidge oal and distance from the lands? I usually start just touching and then back off in 5 thou. increments shooting 3 round groups. Smallest group wins!

One thing that I have not addressed is the limits of my scope. At the moment with a 100 yard zero I can adjust to about 700 yards with this bullet. Would you recommend just setting it for a 1000 yard zero or using the mil dot reticle markers? This is probably a dumb question, but the last time I shot at 1000 yards it was with iron sights albeit adjustable target versions.
 
You did not mention what your rifle is or your mounts and rings, but to get more from your scope, a forward canted rail with added moa will help immensely. I have a plus 20 rail on my own 7Rem mag and can easily get enough elevation to get out to the 1000 with come ups to spare.

Thankyou to Mr Wagner for clarifying that I did in fact mean 7 Rem Mag
 
Just been doing a bit of surfing and I think I have come up with the answer to my scope question. Burris ring inserts. My rifles are built on Ruger M77 actions (NOT the Mk II) and I currently use Conetrol Mounts and rings. Fro what I read, the Burris 30mm Ruger Signature rings with Posi Align inserts should do the trick. Now all I need to know is the best (cheapest?) place to buy them.
 
7 Rem mag @ 1000

I have used this cal for 1000yds, One thing to note don't get stuck on the heavier bullets I've found the 162 amax and the 168 sierra did not prove out to be the best. I found the nosler 150 baltip and the 140 baltip shot better. Of course every gun is different. Point being there are a lot of different match grade bullets in the 7mm. If you go to 6mmBR.com you will see predictions that the 7mm is going to kick ass in the future(better bullet selection). Take care Bill.
 
b72471, what twist are you using? some have found poor results with the 9.5 twist and the heavier bullets. If you have a 9 or faster twist, you might also want to try the 162gr SST, 175MK and 180gr Bergers if you can find them. I am having very nice results with the SST and others are shooting the heavies with excellent results.

Wildcat Bullets is making some really interesting 7mm bullets. A 200gr is already being shot and heavier ones are coming. Interesting times indeed.

I fully expect the 6mm to take over in the light class and the 7mm in the heavy. The wildcard will be the 25 and 270. Right now almost no representation but that can change very easily. We will just have to see what the bullet makers come up.

Jerry
 
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