Start point needed for 7mm RM 168gn Accubond Long Range

[dsteedsman]

Getting some 168gn Accubond Long Range in. Looking for some data from anyone that has been working these up. Nosler just told me to use any 168gn data to start with but that was a little to broad for me.

 

[jsthntn247]

What powder's do you have?

 

[dsteedsman]

What powder's do you have?

I have IMR 7828, Retumbo, RL 19 and I am looking for some RL22 and H1000. I'd look at any other powder recommendations that anyone may have as well.

 

[jsthntn247]

I've only used rl 22, 4831sc, and h1000 in my 7mag. 64ish grains of rl 22 and 68-70 grains of h1000 shoot well in all guns I've tried it in.

 

[dsteedsman]

I've only used rl 22, 4831sc, and h1000 in my 7mag. 64ish grains of rl 22 and 68-70 grains of h1000 shoot well in all guns I've tried it in.

jsthntn247, what bullets are the numbers you posted for?

I've had good results in two 7mm RMs so far with IMR 7828 and RL19 with 160gn Accubonds. I have heard good results from the RL22 and H1000 with 168gn VLDs, which is why I am looking to pick those two powders up. The big thing is just finding the starting spot for these 168gn Accubond LR bullets.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

Getting some 168gn Accubond Long Range in. Looking for some data from anyone that has been working these up. Nosler just told me to use any 168gn data to start with but that was a little to broad for me.

I'm working with the 150 alr in my stw.. The pill doesn't generate pressure worse than other bullets of similar weight. Nosler's advise seems sound to me... I'd work with a book that mirrors your rifle's charge preferences.

 

[dsteedsman]

Thanks, Lefty.

I did pick up some H1000 today, so I am going to start with that and IMR 7828. Probably start both around 59gn and work up from there based on some other 168gn numbers I have.

 

[freebird63]

I had good luck with 61gr of retumbo out of my 280AI. At 200 yards I can put 3 in the size of a quarter.

 

[dsteedsman]

I have everything prepped just need to load them up and then get some range time. I am going to use H1000 and follow what the book says for the Berger 168 hunting VLDs and see how that goes.

How far off the lands have you guys been loading these?

 

[Dick Tinsley]

This is just my 2cts. One load I shoot for the 168 Berger,( this might work with the AccuBond, I don't know) is 71grn H-1000,CCI 250 mag primer, Winchester brass. One of my 7mags likes em on the lands( shoots em really well) the other rifle likes em about 20 thousand off the lands. Hope this helps!

DT

 

[dsteedsman]

Thanks. Book says 66-69.5 for H1000. I am going to work there first.

When you guys start with a new bullet and rifle where do you start with loading off the lands? Is there a good starting point? I've been reloading for about 1.5 years and played around a bit with 7mm, 223 and my 375 h&h but I haven't played with seating depths yet.

 

[dsteedsman]

I found the thread on here that lays out how to work the VLDs from the lands to find the sweet spot. I think I will follow that for the ABLRs as well. I did some measurements last night. My mag box for my Model 70 is 3.400 and the COAL for the ABLRs to the lands is 3.460. I hunt with this rifle, so need rounds to fit into the mag. Guess I will start at a hair under 3.400 and work back from there based on the VLD thread.

 

[WRG]

Does the twist rate of your rifle support the (heavy for caliber) 168 gr bullet? Nominal bullet weight for the 7mm RM is 140-150 grs. with a 1:9.5 / 1:10 twist rate.

What will this load be used for, hunting or target?

Lastly, what are you considering long range, 300 yards and beyond?

Just curious.

WRG

 

[dsteedsman]

WRG to answer some of your questions:

I should be good on the twist rate. Both the 168gn Berger Hunting VLD (on the box and website) and 168gn ABLR Nosler (on the phone) say minimum is 1:9.5, which from what I understand they tend to be pretty conservative when making those recommendations. In any event, my rifle is a 1:9.5.

I use this rifle and will use the ABLR for hunting if I can get them to shoot. If not, I already have a pet load for the 160gn Accubond that I am confortable with out to 500 for hunting but like a lot of others I suspect, I like to tinker.

I would consider long range for my skill and this caliber to be 400-600 yards. I wouldn't consider trying a shot longer than 600 at this point. If this happens, I move closer if possible or let the animal walk.