Reloading the 7mm Rem Mag

[Wookie316]

I've used RL19 in the 7mm for years now because I have found it to usually be consistently accurate. I find the FPS is slower than I like though

With my new 7mm I just got I am finding with a 140gr bullet I am still in that 3000FPS all the way up to 67grs?

It is A Sako contour Ted Gaillard 1-9 twist 24 1/4" barrel.

What are pet loads & speeds & out of the following powders I have in my cabinet which would be best to try?

I was hoping I'd be in the 3100-3200 FPS range with decent accuracy. RL19 is looking like it won't cut it though.

Here is what I have for powder

RL25, RL22, RL19, H4831SC, IMR7828SC, IMR4831, IMR4350,

CCI 250's or 215F are what I have for primers. So far I have not found any real noticeable FPS difference between the two?

I'm sure one of those powders would work, but being I am running very close to hunting season & have limited range time I need a good starting point. Fine tuning will have to happen next year I guess.

This rifle is for my Dad & the 140's are for deer. Dad is not a real LRS so this will be 400 yard rifle. If it was farther I would step up to the 168gr for sure.

Thanks.

 

[MontanaRifleman]

I would try H1000 and Retumbo with a 160 AB. You should be able to get 3000-3100 withe 160 and a good bit more with a 140.

Those are the powders and bullets I'll try soon in my 7mm.

-MR

 

[J E Custom]

I use a lot of H4831 or H 4831 SC in my 7mm Rem Mag with excellent results.

My long range load is 66.5 gr H 4831 9.5 m Rem primer and a 168gr SMK @3254 ft/sec
this is a hot load and I have used 67.5 grs but it was tricky and on the edge.

The H 4831 SC should yield some great velocities with the 140gr bullets and be very consistant.

I have never been unhappy with H 4831 in any of the rifles that I have used it in.

J E CUSTOM

 

[jimbires]

I've had great results with RL22 . I'm playing with my 7 rem mag now . I'm using the 160 accubond . my rifle is a factory barrel 9.5 twist and 24 inches long .

65.5 grain gave me 2965 ave . FPS
65.9 grain gave me 3007 ave FPS
66.2 grain gave me 3030 ave FPS .


with these velocities using a 160 grain you should have no problems getting a 3100 or faster load with a 140 grain . Jim


I just looked at my lyman book . a 140 grain nosler using RL22 . 64.5 min 3037 FPS ---- 70.5 max 3275

 

[baldhunter]

My two pet loads for my 7mags with 140gr bullets down a 26" tube are:69.5grs of Reloader-22,1/2" or less groups at a 100yds,3200fps and 65.3grs of IMR-4350,1/2" groups at a 100yds,3225fps.

 

[coyotezapper]

Try VVN560. I use it with 120 TTSX WS2 coated and I get 3560 fps with a 25" barrel. I am sure that 140 would reach 33-3400 fps with this powder. VV shows a max of 78 grains for this bullet weight and powder combo but I am using 76 grains/fed 215M. I got pressure signs at 77 grains, shiny case head. ES-25, SD-15.

 

[ferrett]

Hi Jimbires;
A question: I just acquired a model 70 LH, 7mm Rem. mag, 26" SS, bl. I will be shooting only 175gr bullets in this gun. I have on hand for powder, Win. WXR, R22, Magpro, and IMR 7828
The bullets are Nosler PT and speer GS. Have you or any other on this site had any experience with any of these combination. My gole is to achive a MV of 3000 to 3100,FPS?

ferrett











If you know how many guns you have you need to buy more

 

[Wookie316]

Well well well. I was blown away today

I switched from RL19 to RL22 & my eyes were opened

First of the range conditions SUCKED! The wind was terrible, but I have today & next Friday to finalize everything, so it was now or never.

I loaded 15 shells starting at a 5 count 68gr RL22, the 69gr & lastly 70gr.

The barrel was freshly cleaned, so I had one RL19 load left from last trip which I used. 3093 FPS I will mention also

I started with the 68gr RL22 load. First shot 3385 FPS # 2 shot was 3414 FPS Those are the 2 shots to the right. After 3 fouler's it seemed to settle a bit. The 3rd shot was the lower one by itself & was 3349 FPS, then the last 2 in the cluster were each 3347 FPS. I can live with that.

No visible pressure signs with 68gr RL22. I stopped there. That is lots fast enough. I brought the other shells home & will pull the bullets. I may drop down a gr & see if the accuracy stays there.

I am now a believer that a 24" 1-9 twist 7mm Rem Mag will push a 140gr over 3300 FPS.

I think my Dad will be happy It puts my 26" 264 Win Mag to shame so far. 3100 FPS is where it is at with a 140gr in that rig so far.

 

[jimbires]

Hi Jimbires;
A question: I just acquired a model 70 LH, 7mm Rem. mag, 26" SS, bl. I will be shooting only 175gr bullets in this gun. I have on hand for powder, Win. WXR, R22, Magpro, and IMR 7828
The bullets are Nosler PT and speer GS. Have you or any other on this site had any experience with any of these combination. My gole is to achive a MV of 3000 to 3100,FPS?

ferrett











If you know how many guns you have you need to buy more

I've never used the 175 grain bullets . I just looked at my lyman book , it shows IMR7828 as being the highest velocity for a 175 grand slam bullet .the book shows the max powder load of 68.5 is producing 2910 FPS . I think you will be hard pressed to safely reach the 3000 FPS goal . Jim

 

[eric2381]

I haven't shot much of the 175gr Partitions, but I have shot a pile of the 175gr Hornady IL. The load I use is 64gr of RL22, Rem brass, and Fed215. This load shoots well in the three rifles I've tried it in. I get 2950fps out of my 26" barrel. This is a warm load that is upand above the book max. Work up to it. I doubt you will be able to get over 3000 fps.


Good luck, Eric