Short cut this load

[WTNUT]

After going through OCW testing and tweeking a load for Berger 168 VLD and a load for 162 ELD-X in a 7mm mag that has proven consistently to be repeatable and falling between 1/2 MOA and 3/4 moa at 100-600 yards I am wanting to try the 180 VLD with Retumbo. The builder who I will leave out of the picture tested rifle with 180s touching lands. He gave me a range for retumbo of 70 to 70.5 gr as the best powder range. I have loaded 3 rounds each for 69.7,69.9, 70.1,70.3, and 70.5 touching the lands.

I was going to just do an ocw at 100 find my node assuming I had one then test node at 500. Tonight, I am thinking why not just shoot at 500 and see what I have got. If I hit a good load then just see if it is repeatable. I should also see a ocw type node at distance. I just want to speed this last bullet up and move on with a 180 load or not. Thoughts

 

[southpa]

Seems like there's more left on the table with 70.5? As always I'd work up but it's not uncommon for a 7RM to use 73ish grains on tumbo. I have a couple that will eat 73. Is your chamber SAAMI?

My experience with VLDs and this chambering is that it seems pretty happy just off pressure and right behind the lands.

As for 500 yards I don't see a problem with that. Some guys prefer shooting groups long. I personally find my load and then test it long but there's many ways to skin that cat.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I like your thinking, but honestly, you'll get ample data results at 300, then verify at 500 or 600, if that's your maximum verification point.
Wind is your biggest factor doing OCW testing beyond 300.

Cheers.

 

[DUCKMAN11]

Wind will effect the bullet less at 100yds vs 500yds. If you are shooting in very low to no wind conditions and trust your point of aim at 500yds then go for it. The distance definitely won't make a bad load group better.

I still start everything at 100yds until I have something worth walking 500yds for.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Send it.

 

[WTNUT]

Seems like there's more left on the table with 70.5? As always I'd work up but it's not uncommon for a 7RM to use 73ish grains on tumbo. I have a couple that will eat 73. Is your chamber SAAMI?

My experience with VLDs and this chambering is that it seems pretty happy just off pressure and right behind the lands.

As for 500 yards I don't see a problem with that. Some guys prefer shooting groups long. I personally find my load and then test it long but there's many ways to skin that cat.

I have certainly heard of 73 grains. I may load a few more today and come up some, but always have this in mind. I do work up, and I honestly do not know about the chamber in that rifle.

 

[WTNUT]

Send it.

LOL that is my motto nearly always.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

Seems like there's more left on the table with 70.5? As always I'd work up but it's not uncommon for a 7RM to use 73ish grains on tumbo. I have a couple that will eat 73. Is your chamber SAAMI?

What kind of brass you're using can determine max for sure.

My experience with VLDs and this chambering is that it seems pretty happy just off pressure and right behind the lands.

Agreed.

 

[WTNUT]

What kind of brass you're using can determine max for sure.

Agreed.

Shooting Peterson