7mm Rem Mag Bullet Recommendations?

30 November 2003, 13:36

I recall some discussion about this some time ago on Shooters, but I don't recall the advice I got, alas. My 7mm Rem Mag has been used only for those j*ck*t*d bullets, which it devours with alacrity. I like the 175 grainers in that category. The chamber is pretty short throated (I've measured it but not written it down, and it's been shot more since then, anyway.) It has a 1:9 1/2" twist. I'm getting interested in the idea of light cast bullet practice loads for all my rifles, especially since getting that .30 cal "soupcan" mould. Anybody found any bullet designs and loads that worked especially well in the 7mm Rem Mag? Punching holes in paper's all they'd have to do.

30 November 2003, 15:46

aladin

I put a lotta rds thru a Ruger 7 Mag years ago before I got to shooten cast. If I had that gun now I'd buy that Lee 285- 130 gr bullet and make sure the bore ride nose rode the land tops at chambering. If not, I'd lap the nose enough to get that fit [which is easy to do].

I'd shooten said Lee unsized and measure my bore by shooten a slug thru slowly. About the same numbers used for the 06 and similar would work nice... 4759, Blue Dot, Unique.. take your pick or use what's on the shelf at home.

Methinks you'd have a nice cast shooter to at least 1800 fps. Clean the copper out thoroughly and start your loadings conservatively. Enjoy.

30 November 2003, 15:51

starmetal

Aladin
I'm glad to see someone else besides me uses that shoot a bullet thru real slow to get a slug to measure the bore. Seems everyone else always mentions driving a lead slug thru with a suitable rod. I just wonder if they were holding back alittle like me? Well now you broke the ice and that is good.
Joe

30 November 2003, 16:50

aladin

quote:
Originally posted by starmetal:
Aladin
I'm glad to see someone else besides me uses that shoot a bullet thru real slow to get a slug to measure the bore. Seems everyone else always mentions driving a lead slug thru with a suitable rod. I just wonder if they were holding back alittle like me? Well now you broke the ice and that is good.
Joe

Been doing such and posting it for yrs... and then some.

Methinks the problem is most don't wanna fire the gun anywheres but at the range...

30 November 2003, 17:26

felix

That's what a swimming pool is for, if you have a few teenagers for divers. A couple grains of BE and a loosly tailored toilet paper wad, and then bingo you got a perfect boolit. ... felix

30 November 2003, 18:24

NotRicochet

Thanks for the suggestion, Aladin. I just started using Lee moulds a week ago; they work a bit differently from the Lymans, but I like 'em! I've got the old Ideal/Lyman mould numbers burned into my head for 30+ years, and it's hard not to think of those primarily.
[Smile]

I wish I had a swimming pool for that purpose! I don't care about swimming and sure don't want to keep one clean and maintained with all these deciduous trees around. I've been thinking about filling up an old big plastic trash can with water, climbing on a stepladder and shooting down into it. I'd have to siphon the water back out later (assuming no bullet holes), as I couldn't tip it over. Might put down a net in the bottom to haul up the bullets. My neighbors think I'm insane already, but haven't called the cops out in a while.

01 December 2003, 01:28

aladin

quote:
Originally posted by NotRicochet:
Thanks for the suggestion, Aladin. I just started using Lee moulds a week ago; they work a bit differently from the Lymans, but I like 'em! I've got the old Ideal/Lyman mould numbers burned into my head for 30+ years, and it's hard not to think of those primarily.

I wish I had a swimming pool for that purpose! I don't care about swimming and sure don't want to keep one clean and maintained with all these deciduous trees around. I've been thinking about filling up an old big plastic trash can with water, climbing on a stepladder and shooting down into it. I'd have to siphon the water back out later (assuming no bullet holes), as I couldn't tip it over. Might put down a net in the bottom to haul up the bullets. My neighbors think I'm insane already, but haven't called the cops out in a while.

No Felix bullet trap at my house either. I use a 'bang box' which is two old folded blankets in a 2 some cubic foot cardboard box. This is backed by 3"+ of newsprint. Finding the right load to make a trip thru sans a bullet hopping around the room is the trick. I use 2 to 2.5 grs of Blue Dot in my 06... for a bullet that's 2-3 tho oversized otta aged ww alloy.

If you use pure lead some careful tuning of the charge is needed. Lead obturates easily at impact and upsets of course the measureing. And it'll pass thru much easier course meaning less fuel. Then I usually pop the slug well into the rifling and tap it out the end with bolt actions.

01 December 2003, 02:26

sundog

NR, I participated in that 'cast in the 7 mag' discussion, because I've been there. Too short a neck, too big a boiler room, BUT I did find one load that shot okay. Not the best combination for cast, but it will work. RCBS 175 grainer over 30.0 3031 and a dacron filler. With the 'normal' 9 1/2 twist the shorter boolits didn't shoot as well, not to say they won't. Hmmm, maybe somthing to play with over the winter.... sundog