I am loading 140 partitions in my 7mm wsm and can't find any loading data using RL22. I would kind of like to find out what max is and stay below that. Alliant doesn't list the 7mm wsm in their manual and when I emailed them, I got no reply. I don't have the newest Nosler manual to see if they have it listed either. Mine is several yeears old. Can anybody help me out here? I really like the Rl22 and also have a large jug of it as I use it in most of my large calibers.

The reason you won't find the data is because RL-22 is not a suitable powder for the 7MM WSM with a 140 grain bullet. RL-19 is.

RL-22 isn't useful until your bullet weight gets up to 150 grains to 175 grains.

Then why does Speer list 68 gr of RL22 for the 140 TBBC? I used this as a top and today worked up a load of 68 gr of RL22 with the 140 partition @3157 fps and shot under an inch with both 66 and 68 gr loads. There is room in the case for more, but I don't like the idea of pushing the envelope. Hornady has the Rl19 top at 71 gr with the 139 sst which makes for a lot more powder as in most cases, the RL 19 and RL22 loads are very close in the same weight bullet loads.

70gr is max in my Browning
It shoots in the .6" range with 140 Accubonds at 100 yds at 3260 fps.

quote:

Originally posted by ricciardelli:
The reason you won't find the data is because RL-22 is not a suitable powder for the 7MM WSM with a 140 grain bullet. RL-19 is.

RL-22 isn't useful until your bullet weight gets up to 150 grains to 175 grains.

I don't agree with the above comment at all. I happen to have been loading for the 7mm WSM since 10/2002 and have tried a few powders including RL's 19 & 22.

Since each rifle is an individual one must work up a load to find what works but data helps and there is little out there. But with the maximum load of RL 22 in my M70's 7mm WSM chamber there is still space for more behind a 140 gr bullet so RL 22 is not too slow in my rifle.

As I said each rifle is different but of course not a lot different in most cases. I would use a chronograph and make all other pressure observations. A maximum load should do about 3250 fps out of a 24" 7mm WSM barrel. Keep in mind that there are other variables such as chronographs, temperatures etc. the list goes on and on.

I am up to 68 grs of the lot of RL 22 that I have. The five pound can is almost gone and I have to start over working up again after this fall hunting season.

Here is some data from Speer showing that the lots they had of RL 19 and 22 are about the same!

http://shortmags.org/shortmags/downloads/Speer_7MMWSM.PDF

If my 7mm WSM were not so accurate with RL 22 I would try other powders but it's so good.

quote:

Originally posted by cliffs2:
Then why does Speer list 68 gr of RL22 for the 140 TBBC? I used this as a top and today worked up a load of 68 gr of RL22 with the 140 partition @3157 fps and shot under an inch with both 66 and 68 gr loads. There is room in the case for more, but I don't like the idea of pushing the envelope. Hornady has the Rl19 top at 71 gr with the 139 sst which makes for a lot more powder as in most cases, the RL 19 and RL22 loads are very close in the same weight bullet loads.

Cliffs,

You have proven Hagel to be right again. Your 68 gr load seems like a good one and it's getting colder anyway. Stick with that this season. It seems that your rifle/chrono/conditions etc. vary a little from mine.

On the other hand the cartridge is supposed to be a magnum and Hagel pushed them. If you need the velocity then it should do a little more.

Your attitude of being safe is a very good one.