7mm STW and Berger

[340Shooter]

Not sure if my rifle will stabilize the 180gr VLD, so wondering what a good starting load would be with the 168gr VLD? Rifle is a M70 Laredo with factory 26" barrel (just incase someone might know the twist rate)

Thanks
Ian

 

[Derek M.]

If it has a 10T or better it will stabilize just fine. If you want to try H1000, and Retumbo, take a look in the manuals or go to the Hodgdon website. They have starting loads of 70.0 and 72.0 grains respectively with 175 grain bullets. I'd say drop one grain for starters. Just reference the powder website with whatever powder you think you will try. I'd also look at Ramshot Magnum, US869, IMR7828.

 

[Irish53]

I use 180g Berger's in my 7mm STW. The rifle twist rate is 1:9. The chamber has a very long leade and with the bullets seated to maximum COAL of 3.65" there is right at .25" until contact with the lands. I have found that this barrel loves the 180's traveling at ~3000fps. I can consistently place 10 rounds inside of 1 inch at 100 yards. For my rifle the load is 76.8g of Retumbo.

 

[trueblue]

I never loaded the 180's, but the 168's behind 79.8 gr Retumbo will get you 3150fps out of a 26"barrel. Work your load up thou.

 

[Long Time Long Ranger]

My accuracy load with the 162 Amax is 82.5 grains of 7828 at 3335 fps out of a 26" barrel. If that helps any. 162-168 will be close within a grain probably.