Beginner 7 SAUM reloading tips

[MallardAddict]

My 7 saum just landed on Thursday and I shot it yesterday. I’m shooting virgin brass and a brand new barrel so I know it will speed up some after 100-150 rds so I’m not pushing it yet.

My rifle:
Defiance anti-x xm length
25” 1:8 Benchmark fluted #4 with .180 freebore
Weighs 8lb 1 oz loaded with the 4-32 nx8 on top. New brake is due to arrive today hence the cap.

Load:
180 Berger Hybrid
60.3 Reloader 26
Cci 200 primer
Coal 3.025 (.045 jump in my rifle)
2845 fps and shoots in the .3’s

This load shows absolutely no pressure in my rifle due to the xm action and longer freebore. I’m guessing I will pressure out around 62 grains and velocity will be +/- 2950 ish but as well as it’s shooting I may not change a thing long term.

 

[Roughrice]

I'd say that's a very good load to start until it breaks in and then possibly try the next node....heck, when it speeds up you may already be near that 2900. If so, and still shooting in the 3's... I'd call that an exceptional load and be done!
At that velocity with the 180 Hybrid... you're good for a looong way out!

 

[MallardAddict]

I'd say that's a very good load to start until it breaks in and then possibly try the next node....heck, when it speeds up you may already be near that 2900. If so, and still shooting in the 3's... I'd call that an exceptional load and be done!
At that velocity with the 180 Hybrid... you're good for a looong way out!

Indeed, if it speeds up cool, if it doesn’t that’s cool too as nothing will walk away from a 180 Berger at over 2800 fps.

I’m pretty happy with the speed and accuarcy for everything being new and less than 40 rounds on the barrel.
Loaded the other 60 with the same load and will see if it needs tweaked once brass has been resized to my chamber.

 

[Roughrice]

I have a 26” Benchmark #4 8.5 twist in 280 Ackley that absolutely hammers 162 eldx and 168 ABLR @ 2975 with RL23.
Benchmarks can shoot!

 

[JakeC]

My 7 saum just landed on Thursday and I shot it yesterday. I’m shooting virgin brass and a brand new barrel so I know it will speed up some after 100-150 rds so I’m not pushing it yet.

My rifle:
Defiance anti-x xm length
25” 1:8 Benchmark fluted #4 with .180 freebore
Weighs 8lb 1 oz loaded with the 4-32 nx8 on top. New brake is due to arrive today hence the cap.

Load:
180 Berger Hybrid
60.3 Reloader 26
Cci 200 primer
Coal 3.025 (.045 jump in my rifle)
2845 fps and shoots in the .3’s

This load shows absolutely no pressure in my rifle due to the xm action and longer freebore. I’m guessing I will pressure out around 62 grains and velocity will be +/- 2950 ish but as well as it’s shooting I may not change a thing long term.

View attachment 469187

That’s really cool, really nice work. Wish my action could handle that pressure but it’s still fun.