7WSM 160gr AB's and 264WM 140gr PT's

[SJB358]

Guys, I am getting really close to finishing up the work with the 264WM. It took the bedding job pretty well. Seems to be very consistent now and really starting to shoot like I want it too. I have had some odd variances of speeds after the bedding job, but again, I am thinking I should be able to back down into an easier speed range for both bullets out of the 264WM. Right now, I am getting 3400FPS with the 130gr AB's and 3275FPS with the 140gr PT. I am too close to the ragged edge with both of those and will back them down to 3350 for the 130's and 3200 with the 140's. Both loads have plenty of juice for me and shoot really well when I do my part. Anyhow here are a couple targets with the PT's.

Here is the 130gr AB group that Joel shot outta the rifle. Scotty

Now, the 7WSM, well, that seemed to shoot ever load with the 160gr AB's really well. I started at 65.5, it avg'ed about 3000

66.0 avg'ed 3050FPS

66.5 avg'ed 3080FPS

67 avg'ed 3120FPS (had some chrono problems so a full spread wasn't given)

67.5 avg'ed 3150FPS

Overall, I was very impressed with the 7WSM. Cycled all rounds really well, no pressure signs at all, and man, it just plain out shot well for me. I have a few different spots to really lock in and get some solid loads for the rifle. I am thinking I should end up between 3050 and 3100 with excellent accuracy (Scotty good accuracy) when I am finished. After seeing how the 160gr AB's held up on jugs, this rifle might go West this year as a back up. Scotty

 

[Too Tall]

What powder in the 7 WSM?

 

[SJB358]

I am sorry, Too Tall, it was WW Cases, RL22, CCI250's and of course the 160gr AB's. Seems like a great combo. Those only make about 45 rounds down the tube, so the barrel is still breaking in a but, but I have alot of hope for this rifle. Its' brother 270WSM shoots as well or better with everything as well, and it is one of those "old NH Winchesters"! Scotty

 

[FOTIS]

Scott,

3275 fps with the 140 PT? :shock:
I think it may be too hot brother. 3150 is about the edge of the envelope.
Careful. Looks good though.

Did I call the bedding job? :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[DrMike]

Oh, yeah, the 7mm WSM will give you good performance. That is excellent velocities. And the 264 WM is coming along nicely.

 

[338winmag]

Super Scotty. Nice groups man.
Man I wish I would have know you when I was in Spotsylvania. I would have done a few vulcan mind melds to get some of that super great reloading expertise! The wife's might not have liked it. We woud be out at the range all the time.

Are these rifles for some Adirondack mountain hunting this fall?

Steve

 

[JD338]

Scotty,

That 264 WM is smokin'. Throttle her back a little and you will have two long range loads.

The 7mm WSM is unreal buddy. The 160 gr AB at 3050 fps will be an awesome elk load.

Way to go.... :mrgreen:

JD338

 

[SJB358]

Super Scotty. Nice groups man.
Man I wish I would have know you when I was in Spotsylvania. I would have done a few vulcan mind melds to get some of that super great reloading expertise! The wife's might not have liked it. We woud be out at the range all the time.

Are these rifles for some Adirondack mountain hunting this fall?

Steve

Steve, Nosler has taught me a ton since I have been here. These fellers are the smart ones, I merely try to pick up some stuff from them. I am pretty sure our wives would have had our butts if we lived too close. I already catch a little guff for spending the entire day at the range.

I am hoping to use a few of them in Oregon for elk this year. Still not sure which ones, but I am slowly starting to get a picture.

Mike, I never doubted you in the least. This 7WSM is very impressive to me. I am really enamored with it right now. Can't wait to get it back out and finalize some loads. Again, this rifle is completely stock, other than a half butted attempt by me to adjust the trigger. Scotty

 

[SJB358]

Scotty,

That 264 WM is smokin'. Throttle her back a little and you will have two long range loads.

The 7mm WSM is unreal buddy. The 160 gr AB at 3050 fps will be an awesome elk load.

Way to go.... :mrgreen:

JD338

You are dead right Jim. I plan on backing them both off about 1 full grain and running with it. They shoot plenty well and have a ton of speed as they are. Backing them off will only save cases and save powder, and be entirely safe during any temperature I want to shoot them in. Scotty

 

[SJB358]

Scott,

3275 fps with the 140 PT? :shock:
I think it may be too hot brother. 3150 is about the edge of the envelope.
Careful. Looks good though.

Did I call the bedding job? :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Fotis, you are right buddy, I didn't see this when I posted before. I am running off of QL, and last weekend I was getting 3200 with the same loads, powder, cases, everything, just minus the bedding job. I plan on backing it down to the 3200 mark and calling it a day. I am not trying to wear out my cases faster than I have to. I will say this though, I am in love with the Nosler cases. They are TOUGH and seem to really take the abuse they have been dealt. With normal, sane loads, they should last a LONG time. It was odd, as it was the same chrono as well. Either way, I believe next time will have me in business with two excellent loads that would do anything I would ever ask a 264 to do. 3350 out of the 130's is pretty awesome in my book and man, they shoot like I can't believe either. Can't imagine much walking away from them. Scotty

 

[FOTIS]

The 7 shorty is doing ok too! :mrgreen:

 

[SJB358]

The 7 shorty is doing ok too! :mrgreen:

Fotis, this 7 is really changing my outlook on cartridges a bit. Seems to really produce as it should. Data backs it up as well. Seems pretty accurate to boot. Scotty

 

[DrMike]

The 160 AB at those velocities is good for almost any game in NA. It will work wonders on black bear, moose and elk, and I can assure you that it performs remarkably on mule deer and whitetail.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Scotty, it looks as though both rifles like RL 22 and are starting to group really well for you. I have not owned a .264 but have heard good reports from friends who do. I also have really good luck with the 160 Partitions in the 7mm Rem Mag. Never have owned a 7 WSM but the loading density looks to be about the same as the 7mm Rem Mag. I have been getting sub MOA groups from 160 Partitions in my 7mm Mag for many years.

Anytime a factory stock Model 70, small magnum will shoot MOA, you have a really good rifle for hunting any medium game that you want to use it on, at any reasonable range. Keep up the progress on those Model 70's.

 

[Elkman]

Great groups guys, My Hodgons #26 shows a 139 gr load at 3500 out of the STW with a 26 inch barrel. Thats screaming for a 139 wonder what happens when it hits.?

 

[nomosendero]

Scott,

3275 fps with the 140 PT? :shock:
I think it may be too hot brother. 3150 is about the edge of the envelope.
Careful. Looks good though.

Did I call the bedding job? :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Fotis, you are right buddy, I didn't see this when I posted before. I am running off of QL, and last weekend I was getting 3200 with the same loads, powder, cases, everything, just minus the bedding job. I plan on backing it down to the 3200 mark and calling it a day. I am not trying to wear out my cases faster than I have to. I will say this though, I am in love with the Nosler cases. They are TOUGH and seem to really take the abuse they have been dealt. With normal, sane loads, they should last a LONG time. It was odd, as it was the same chrono as well. Either way, I believe next time will have me in business with two excellent loads that would do anything I would ever ask a 264 to do. 3350 out of the 130's is pretty awesome in my book and man, they shoot like I can't believe either. Can't imagine much walking away from them. Scotty

I see that you are using Nosler cases & one poster mentioned RL22. Is that the powder you are using?
I did not want powder charge, but your loads are smokin for sure. What primer.
I was hoping for a temp. insensitive powder, but maybe not.
I will post 264WM tests of my own next mo. hopefully.
thanks

 

[SJB358]

Sorry I forgot to put that intel in there, I'm using Retumbo and CCI250's. I would start around 65 and keep pushing till you get where you want to be. Retumbo seems to work really well in this rifle. Accuracy is excellent and speeds are great. I should be around 3350 with 130's and 3200 with the 140's and actually have great case life. Mike ran QL for me and it was excellent data to work with. Scotty

 

[Hegland]

Good job dude! That 7mm looks mean!

 

[SJB358]

Man I am really starting to like that rifle a bunch. Just a plain good shooting rifle and not heavy at all. Having alot of fun working with the 7mm's again. Forgot how much I like them. Plus when you put the coals to it, it seems to really come alive. Scotty