info on 7mm Dakota + 180 berger?

[Shan]

I'm having a rifle built at the moment in 7mm Dakota and I'm starting to think about load development. I want to start with the 180 berger and just wondered if anyone has used this combo and if they can suggest a powder choice and perhaps some charges? I have been sent the info from walt berger on this combo, but just wondered what loads people have been using. Thanks

 

[coyotezapper]

I'm having a rifle built at the moment in 7mm Dakota and I'm starting to think about load development. I want to start with the 180 berger and just wondered if anyone has used this combo and if they can suggest a powder choice and perhaps some charges? I have been sent the info from walt berger on this combo, but just wondered what loads people have been using. Thanks

If you are going to be shooting long range ( 600 yds. + ) pick a Hodgdon Extreme powder and go from there. If those don't work study the data that Walt sent you picking a powder that has good velocity in the 85% fill ratio at mid load and try that one. Don't be afraid to try a faster burning powder if needed. Every barrel is different.

 

[elmerdeer]

The best powders I have used for speed and accuracy are Retumbo and Rl-25 with the 180's, start at 70 grs with both these powders and work up 74 to 76 grs these are the maxes I have found depending on the primers.
Elmer

 

[Shan]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Gonna try retumbo first and see how it goes. May try the 162 amax after that.