Thinking about changing up my 7mag...

[desertcj]

Some groups...

 

[desertcj]

And the 140gr E-tip...

 

[gerry]

Looks like you have numerous load combinations with the 180's that will work so far. That last group with the E-Tips looks really good too. Nice work.

 

[desertcj]

Oh ya, the muzzle brake is awesome! This thing doesn't kick at all anymore. I do think I blew out one of my rear blinker bulbs from the concussion though...lol

 

[thatguySHM]

Very nice. I did initial velocity readings with H1000 and the 160gr Federal Trophy Bonded tip, five shots in half grain increments.

67.0 - 2963
67.5 - 3035
68.0 - 2993
68.5 - 3021
69.0 - 3087

No pressure signs so I may flirt around 69gr to see how it groups, this was just a quick prelim velocity test. I'm going to fire another 68gr to see if that down trend is real or just an anomaly.

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[desertcj]

You're right there for velocity with a 160gr, but it probably has a bit more left in her.

I'm going to try 71.5gr and 72gr with these 180gr. I also was not using magnum primers, they were BR2s. I have 250Ms as well as 9 1/2 M but, I will wait on those and I'm sure I will have to back down the powder charge a bit. I'm hoping to hit 3000fps with these 180s but I tried a few shots at 750yds yesterday on some rocks. All three were hits, so whatever ends up being the sweet spot is going to work fine.

 

[SJB358]

Man, looking at your speeds, 68.5 with the 180 ELD looks like it is perfect. Really good numbers and I'd bet just finding the spot where the bullet wants to shoot would make one wickedly consistent load at 2850.. That's some serious HP from a 7 Rem Mag.

And 76.5 with the 140's looks to be a spot where I'd focus on.. Two easy shooting loads right there with great speed!

 

[desertcj]

Yes, I'm pretty happy with the way it's starting off. I will put together some more test loads, but I really want to replace the stock before I continue shooting. I believe those groups would have been tighter with a stiffer stock. I'm thinking a Boyd's Pro Varmint laminate.

 

[SJB358]

Yeah, those floppy Hogues don’t seem to help with good shooting but even still, that rifle is shooting great.

I don't think you’ll have much to do in order to come up with a few great hunting loads.

 

[preacher]

My first time hunting on the WY "short grass" prairie ( out of Laramie) was in '93. I had a Mod 700 Mountain rifle reamed to 280 Ackley Improved, 150 NBT. Mule deer/ pronghorn combo hunt. Up in the foothills for deer it was perfect...down in the flats that godawful wind blew me and the rifle all over the place, ha. I could not read the wind as there were no wind indicators ( grass too short) and I didn't know how to read mirage then ( still pretty bad at it!). I came away with the idea that there was indeed a different need for a dedicated LR rig! Heavy is where you "start" and work your way toward wheels!

 

[desertcj]

I put together some more test rounds this morning. Creeping up to max. Went 78.5gr and 79gr of H1000 with the 140gr E-tip and 71.5gr, 72gr, 72.5gr and 73gr with the 180gr Eld-M. I really want to replace this stock before I take it out shooting again though.

 

[desertcj]

Got a Boyd's Pro Varmint on order as well as a pillar bedding kit. May be a few weeks before I get it in and bedded but I'm hoping for some improvement with the next round of test loads.

 

[desertcj]

Wow, it's been a while! Been super busy, had an archery deer hunt a couple weeks ago which ended with venison in my freezer and with another Wyoming antelope hunt coming up in October, I needed to get my butt in gear! I finally got the Boyd's laminate stock pillar/Devon bedded, free-floated barrel. I had to finish the stock, used tongue oil/mineral spirits and it came out pretty good. Going dove hunting tomorrow and bass fishing next weekend, but the weekend after that.....range time hopefully! Busy time of year...lol. Great problem to have!

 

[joelkdouglas]

I keep thinking...no changing anything with rifles after July! But somehow it keeps happening!


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[SJB358]

I keep thinking...no changing anything with rifles after July! But somehow it keeps happening!


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I hear that. I’ve been good this year. The move kept me from monkeying around too much though.

 

[Joec7651]

Don’t overlook RL-33 either with that length barrel and the extra case capacity of a 3.500” OAL. You’re getting into wildcatting with a chamber throated in that manner for a heavy projectile. I know you prefer H-1000 but it will be all custom. You’ll have to do a good bit of experimentation.

 

[desertcj]

Planning on doing a bit of shooting this weekend with the new bedded stock and a few steps higher with the H1000. I'll update with results.

 

[desertcj]

Back from the hills!
180gr Eld-M, wet moly coated, H1000 powder, Win brass, CCI Br2 primer, .005" off the lands.
71.5gr- 2969, 2936, 2949, avg-2951, es-33, sd-16
72gr- 2943, 2962, 2982, avg-2962, es-39, sd-19
72.5gr- 2996, 3003, 2982, avg-2993, es-21, sd-10
73gr- 3003, 3009, 3030, avg-3014, es- 27, sd-14

 

[desertcj]

72gr

 

[desertcj]

72.5gr