7 STW E-Tip Range Report

[Bob in TX]

150 gr. E-Tip
74.0 grs. IMR-7828
Win. Brass
GM215PM Primer

The good news-.616" group
The bad news-flat primers and sticky bolt.

This load was below the 50% rule and is still too hot for my rifle.

I am going back to the 140 gr. TTSX. I will wait for more feedback before loading any more of the 150 gr. E-Tips for the 7 STW.

Bob

 

[JD338]

Interesting, brings up several questions in my mind.
Did you work up from a starting load? Where did you start running into pressure signs? By chance, did you clock your loads?

JD338

 

[Delta Hunter]

My experience with the 180 gr. in my .300 Win mag was somewhat similar. Nosler doesn't have load data for H4831sc, so I consulted several other sources and it seems the max load was generally around 73 grs. or a little more. So, I prepared a small batch starting at 68 grs and went up to 70. I got sticky bolt lift at 69 and stopped there. Velocity was running around 2950 fps with 69 grs.

I disassembled the remaining rounds and will load up another batch. Probably start around 66 grs and stop at 68 grs. In my previous test 68 grs. gave me around 2915 fps. In a .300 WM I'd prefer more velocity out of a 180 gr. bullet considering I've got a 26" Lilja barrel, but if that's all these bullets are good for then so be it. Most all of my shots are at sane ranges anyway, so I should be fine with that.

BTW, I only managed two groups of three shots, but those two had me scratching my head. Both groups were almost identical with 2 shots touching and the other about 1.5" higher. Further testing is in order to see if the one high shot was just a fluke or bad shooting by me. If I can get all three to touch I'll be a happy camper.

 

[FOTIS]

Bob...did you get a speed?