7mm RM questions

[C.Smith]

For those of you that are loading and shooting for the 7mm Rm, what kind of velocities are you getting from 160 grain bullets? I can't seem to get more than 2950 fps using Rl 25. But with 69 grains I am getting a sticking bolt (not good).

I tried Retumbo but had the same problem with less velocity. I keep looking at how fast I'm getting out of the it and then looking at the velocities I am getting out of my nephews .270 and quite frankly makes me wonder why I'm shooting a 7mmRm.

By the way it's a Remington 700 BDL with 24 inch barrel. Any observation comments or help would be greatly appreciated.

Corey

 

[JD338]

Try RL22, should get you over the 3k mark. :wink:
Remember to start low and work up.

JD338

 

[Guy Miner]

Second that recommendation, Reloader 22 has always been a good one for me, in the 7mm Rem Mag. H4831 is worth trying too, but my best velocity came with Reloader 22, well over 3000 fps...

 

[Powerstroke]

3rd for the RL-22.....cant' give you velocities, but half inch groups with my Dad's and 140gr A.B's

 

[YoteSmoker]

Another RL-22 fan here with the 160 Partition. One nice ragged hole 5 shots groups!

 

[C.Smith]

That's interesting, I will have to give it a try. I wonder if Rl 25 and Retumbo are just too slow for 7mm and its not all burning up in the barrel. Thanks for the advise I will give it a try.

Corey :grin:

 

[YoteSmoker]

Those 2 powders may serve well with 175 grainers.

 

[C.Smith]

Cool thanks. I guess I have almost a pound of each with no use. I hate that. Oh well thats part of the fun reloading I guess.

Corey

 

[JD338]

That's interesting, I will have to give it a try. I wonder if Rl 25 and Retumbo are just too slow for 7mm and its not all burning up in the barrel. Thanks for the advise I will give it a try.

Corey :grin:

You are correct, RL25 and Retumbo are too slow.

RL22 is what you want, it "should" get you to 3000 fps with very good accuracy in your 7mm RM and 140 gr to 160 gr bullets.

Let us know how she shoots.

JD338

 

[C.Smith]

Sounds good, you guys have been a big help.

Corey

 

[R Flowers]

I have to agree with the other guys on here. RL 22 is a very good powder in the 7mm Rem Mag. I would also recommend trying IMR 7828, it works well for me too.

However, this topic is just another example of how guns and loads vary. I had very different results using RL 25 in a 7mm Rem Mag. The gun is a custom built rifle. It consists of a Remington action with a 26 inch custom barrel. Maybe the barrel length is the answer, but I got 3100 fps with 160 Accubonds using 70 grains of RL 25. No pressure signs at all and groups under an inch.

The same gun gives 3000 fps with the 160 Accubonds when loaded over 65 grains of RL 22. Groups were an inch as well.

 

[C.Smith]

Well fellas, I loaded up and over book maximums with Rl22 and IMR 7828 yesterday. I only went three grains over RL22 and two over 7828 and went and shot them.

I shot the 7828 first thinking that I would not get that great of results. Boy was I surprised. Nosler says that 66.5 grains was max in their test gun. I shot three rounds at 67 grains with an average velocity of 3041 (at 66.5 grains I got 2829 on average), hence my surprise at getting over 3000 fps on each shot. Accuracy was 1.409", 83 degrees and breezy.

At 67.5 grains I average 3091 with two of those being over 3100 fps :shock: Accuracy was 1.384". And the final three was 68.0 grains with an average of 3129fps and 1.921". Not the best accuracy but not bad. (By the way this was with RP cases, GM215M primers and a COL of 3.810. 68 grains seems to be the max for my rifle the bolt handle was just getting sticky.

Onto Rl 22. I started with 63 grains and averaged 2925 fps, .971"group. 64 grains gave me an average of 2943fps and .331" group :shock: . 65 grains gave me an average of 3003fps and a group of 1.497. All three of those shots the brass was difficult to eject. (These where all Nolser cases with same COL as above and primers.

Interesting note, all the different rounds I have tested that made my bolt hard to open where with Nosler brass. I am going to have to experiment with them more. However all the best groups I have shot came from Nosler brass.

Now my delima, I like speed and accuracy. I'm sure that deer and elk won't know the difference between 3100 fps and 2950 fps, but I will.

Sorry about the long post.
Corey

 

[JD338]

Corey,

I trust you are starting low and working up to those MAX loads.
We want you around here to chat with. :lol: Stiff bolt lift is a high pressure sign, back off on that load.

Keep in mind that speed is fun and flashy but accuracy kills!
Sorry to rant, just 33 yrs of reloading experience speaking......

JD338

 

[YoteSmoker]

"I like speed and accuracy. I'm sure that deer and elk won't know the difference between 3100 fps and 2950 fps"

Corey, I think if you concentrate on this part of your statemement you will not feel like you are in a dilemna and you will be more confident in the accuracy of your rifle. My advice fwiw is concern yourself now with shot placement. The speed and energy is a plenty!

 

[Guy Miner]

The two posters above beat me to it. You've got plenty of power for the job. More than enough. At this point a reliable, accurate, safe load, well placed should be the goal, not trying to turn the 7mm Rem mag into something it's not, like a 7mm STW or 7mm RUM...

Best of luck, Guy

 

[C.Smith]

To answer your guys questions, I did start low, with the book lows and worked my way up. I have no intention of using either of the three loads that I got the sticky bolt with.

Thank you for the advise on accuaracy kills, I think that is what I will have to go with. You guys are great and I have no intention of blowing up a rifle, I can't afford it in more ways than one.

I'm starting to get very excited to go hunting.

Corey

 

[JD338]

To answer your guys questions, I did start low, with the book lows and worked my way up. I have no intention of using either of the three loads that I got the sticky bolt with.

Thank you for the advise on accuaracy kills, I think that is what I will have to go with. You guys are great and I have no intention of blowing up a rifle, I can't afford it in more ways than one.

I'm starting to get very excited to go hunting.

Corey

Good deal Corey!

Keep in mind that every rifle is different. Some have tight/fast barrels, some don't. Going with a quality custom barrel like a Hart will usually give you a step up in performance over factory barrels.

I think if you keep working with RL22 and play with the COL, you will find the sweet spot for your rifle. You are already on your way. :wink:

JD338

 

[C.Smith]

You guys have been a great help for me. Thank you.

Corey