Realoding the 7mm Allen Mag

[OneLunG]

So, I just recently aquired a 7mm AM.

Its been a LONG time since I've reloaded, so I'm pretty much starting from scratch.

I know the very very very basics, but am in need of some help.

What steps do I need to do to get good accurate loads for the 7mm AM?

I have some Retumbo and am starting with 160grn Accubonds since the SMK's I wanted were backordered as well as the Bergers.

I have custom dies for the caliber.

I just don't know what all I need to be doing for this caliper?

Someone, please give me newbie instructions!

Thanks!

 

[B23]

I would send a email to Kirby Allen and ask him these questions. Who would know better than the guy that made and developed it.

 

[OneLunG]

I've got an email into him, but I'm curious to see what the guys on here do for reloading their 7AM...

 

[ss7mm]

Here's a couple of links that will give you a little reading to get you started. http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f23/allen-mag-shooters-group-18433/

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f17/175-gr-smk-7mm-allen-magnum-47204/

 

[Buffalobob]

Don't waste your time on the Bergers. They will not handle the velocity.

 

[B23]

I don't have one so I don't know this for certain but will the Match Berger bullets hold up better than the hunting bullets to those velocites or do they come apart also?

 

[OneLunG]

So I shot about 20 rounds today of my first loads through this rifle.

Started at 90grns Retumbo behind a 160grn Accubond seated about .005 off the lands. Worked all the way up to 98 grns.

At 98 grns I was pushing about 3,650FPS with very minimal signs of pressure. Accuracy was quite nice, less than 1/2" groups at 100.

Time to work up some more!

Love the rifle - First time shooting it. I was also shooting my Remington 700 that my PD issued me. The 7mm AM by APS has less "felt" recoil then the 700. Tis truly a dream to shoot.

 

[Buffalobob]

Keep the barrel cool if you want it to last.

The normal pressure signs will not be obvious even when there is a lot of pressure. That is the way Kirby designed it.

Clean the barrel and especially the throat.

Don't waste your money on the Bergers.

Once you have found a good load quit testing.

Develop your drop chart and keep good written notes on the results and conditions under which it was developed.