7 mag/168g VLD's

remingtonman_25_06 · Aug 25, 2006

I acquired a Rem 700 BDL wood/blued 24" 7 rem mag. This rifle now has the long range role, so I"m going to feed it a 168g VLD. I asked what powder to use and most everyone came up with RL-22. So I started at 64g. Loaded 3 each at 64, 65, 65.5. First 3 shot group was .35" at 100 yards with the 64g RL-22 load with an average velocity of 2940fps. 65g produced .9" with a flyer. 65.5g produced .46" at 3000fps, I'm stickign with the 64g load. Not to shabby! I was very happy to see the first combo tried to group a hair over 1/4" These were shot with a heavy trigger as well. I now have it down to a good 2.25#. Im on a limited number of supplies but wanted to check drops at 400 and 700 with the Leupold MK4 and the 168g VLD's. 2 shots at 400 measured 1.75" and 2 shots at 700 were 3.5". These bullets are extremely accurate and fly very well through the air. There advertised BC is .640, but from my limited shooting session last night, I am using 2 clicks less to get to 800 then what the program calls for. This load has right at around 1,000ft lbs energy at 1000 yards. Anyway here is a pic of the rifle and 3 loads shot at 100 yards.

Guy Miner · Aug 25, 2006

I let a nice 7mm Rem mag/700 ADL go last year to a friend. Yours reminds me of it... Really nice rifle!

I'm impressed with the accuracy you're getting from a factory built sporter. Nice job of handloading and good work behind the trigger too!

JD338 · Aug 25, 2006

Remingtonman_25_06,

Nice looking set up! Like yourself, I have never had too much of a problem finding good loads for a 700. They just plain shoot.
I have always taken #0000 steel wool to my 700's high luster finish to give it a satin look, works well.
Great load you have developed. Any chance of posting a picture of the 168gr VLD compared to a 160 gr AB?

JD338

remingtonman_25_06 · Aug 25, 2006

Thanks Guy. I'm kinda surprised myself to see how well its shooting. However, like JD stated, I have never ever had any problems getting model 700's to shoot. With trigger job and handloads, I expect a factory rifle to shoot 3/4" 3 shots at 100 yards, but thats just me. All the Remingtons I've owned would easily do that with room to spare. I can get a pic of those bullets tomorrow. Bullets are out at my parents house, along with my memory card to my camera. Those 168g VLD's are sleek.

JD338 · Aug 26, 2006

Thanks Remmy, just curious as to how much longer the 168 gr VLD is compared to the 160 gr AB. I plan on smokin' some venison this fall with my 280 AI and the 160 gr AB.

JD338

FOTIS · Aug 27, 2006

You're better off with the 160 AB. Leave the match bullets to just that. :wink:

remingtonman_25_06 · Aug 27, 2006

JD- Here is the pic I promised. As you can see, theres not much difference in length. The design however of the VLD just allows it to fly through the air soooo much better, and they are plenty accurate to!

POP- I'm gonna give the 168's a try on everything but big bull elk. I think it will take care of everything inbetween. When I draw a big bull tag :roll: I think I will use a 160g PT gold, or a 175g Partition just in case. I'll be reporting, good or bad, how the bullet performs, and will be taking pics of entrance and exit wounds. I shot a milk jug at 400 yards with the VLD, my dad was watching through his 18x Leupold, at the shot, he said it was just a poof of mist. So me thinking this bullet is going to work real well.

JD338 · Aug 28, 2006

Thanks Remingtonman, looks like there is more bearing serface on the AB. Try lining up 7-8 milk jugs filled with water and "catching" a couple of bullets.

JD338