7mm Rem Mag - reloading advice please

[scotsgun]

Folks,
I've just bought a pristine Sako TRGS M995 in calibre 7mm Rem Mag. I believe the twist rate is 1 in 10. The guy I bought it from supplied it with boxes of bullets:

• nosler 120gr Spitzer
• hornady 139gr BTSP
• Sierra 130gr matchkings HPBT
• Berger 168gr VLDs

Now I have a stockpile of a few trusted powders:

• Ramshot Magnum
• Ramshot BigGame
• Varget
• Vhit N133
• Vhit N140

Question 1: Can anyone suggest some loads using these bullet and powder combinations? I'd rather try to work out something accurate with what I have than start with an unknown powder that is specialist for this rifle only.

Question 2: I've never tried these VLDs but have heard that they can be particularly troublesome to get the best out of. Does anyone have any advice with this bullet, in this calibre? Perhaps a powder I really shouldn't miss or setup with the rifle?

Thanks

 

[Frank in the Laurels]

Any of the bullets and powders will work but you didn't say if this was going to be used as a hunting rifle, target, plinker, long range banger, big game, varmint long ranger...etc, the use will determine the bullet more so than the powder. While all that you listed are OK and can be used I've found that good ole' H-4350 works best for me and the 5 other rifles of friends that I load for. Big game, the good ole nosler partitions or x-bullets will handle any big game animal that you choose to take out..long range bergers in the hybred version would be a great choice.. you need to narrow down what your plans are for the rifle

 

[scotsgun]

Oops, sorry. I should have mentioned that it will primarily be used for long range deer and occasionally target shooting out to approx 1000-1300 yds.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I would go with the Berger 168's and go find you some Hodgdon H1000 powder. Load to around 70gr.

 

[boomtube]

"I'd rather try to work out something accurate with what I have than start with an unknown powder that is specialist for this rifle only."

A happy dream but truth is only you have that specific rifle so only YOU will be able to find what works best in it. Sorry, but that's the way it works.

 

[roninflag]

"I'd rather try to work out something accurate with what I have than start with an unknown powder that is specialist for this rifle only."

A happy dream but truth is only you have that specific rifle so only YOU will be able to find what works best in it. Sorry, but that's the way it works.

Scotts- i very nice rifle it is. i have shot against 995 sakos. i bet it shoots great . probably best with h-1000 , retumbo. h-4831 . 168 bergers .

 

[MudRunner2005]

IMR 7828 SSC would be another good option.

 

[str8shoot]

I tested Ramshot Magnum a little in my 7mag with 168vlds. I got great accuracy at about 3000fps (better than half MOA at 333 yards). I loaded some more up for more testing but haven't had a chance to shoot them yet. Its burn rate is right between H-1000 and retumbo. I'd give it a shot if you already have some.

 

[scotsgun]

I tested Ramshot Magnum a little in my 7mag with 168vlds. I got great accuracy at about 3000fps (better than half MOA at 333 yards). I loaded some more up for more testing but haven't had a chance to shoot them yet. Its burn rate is right between H-1000 and retumbo. I'd give it a shot if you already have some.

Thats sounds great. Do you remember how many grains of Magnum?

 

[str8shoot]

My best node was 72.5gr-73.5gr. This is over Berger's max (70.8gr) so work your way up slowly. 74.2 showed pressure signs in my rifle. These were shot in temps in the 40s. I don't know how temp sensitive this powder is as I have yet to test and have read contradictory results from really good to really bad. I'd start around 69gr and work your way up from there.

 

[Joe King]

+1 on the 168's and Magnum, I think you like what you see there

 

[Dick Tinsley]

71grn of H-1000,Federal 215 primer,168 Berger works good in all three of my 7 mm mag's. Little bit warm, but no signs of pressure! Later on if you decide,160 Sierra's work good in a 7 mag also. An old load of mine was 64grn of IMR 4350, CCI 250 mag primer, 168 Berger or 160 Sierra. Hope this helps!

DT

 

[7 loader]

No Varget, all others work well. I likeIMR 7828 in mine velocities and accuracies are consistent from 5 deg f, to 95 deg f. 1 in or better groups on a rest at 200 yds.

 

[wisdeerkiller]

Oops, sorry. I should have mentioned that it will primarily be used for long range deer and occasionally target shooting out to approx 1000-1300 yds.

If your shooting this far I wouldn't use anything less then 160gr.

Nosler is coming out with some 168 and 175gr long range accubonds with very high bc at the end of july.

I use IMR-4831.