The Accurate Reloading Forums
Which powder should I use?
12 March 2015, 05:09
Michael b FreemanWhich powder should I use?
I only have time and resources to work up a load this week for an upcoming hunt. Bullet 120gr Barnes TTSX in -7mm-08 -22" barrel Tikka, Brass -Norma -CCI primers. I have to choose between Varget or RL15? I am leaning towards the RL15.
"I will not raise taxes on those making more than 250k"
12 March 2015, 05:30
butchlocuse the charcoal gray stuff not the pink red orange or purple stuff
it'd help to know what you're loading for
12 March 2015, 05:43
geoffAccording to the Barnes manual, both will give you over 3000fps at max. load. RL15 is indicated as their most accurate powder used.
Try 10 rds. of each load on paper and see what the results are, then load for the hunt.
Shooter
It won't matter, both will work fine. There are no MOA rifles in the field.
12 March 2015, 06:30
Michael b FreemanAs mentioned I am using the 120 gr Barnes TTSX this is the only copper bullet I have, I will be hunting in copper only zone. Yes leaning towards the RL15 as Barnes notes
"I will not raise taxes on those making more than 250k"
12 March 2015, 11:48
Shootshellzdpcd: There may be no MOA rifles in the field but never forget only accurate rifles are interesting.......
12 March 2015, 14:39
eagle27Varget (AR2208) and H4350 (AR2209) are the two most popular powders here for the 7mm-08. RL15 is just on the faster burning side of H4350.
Some rifles seem to perform better with Varget, others with the slower H4350. I've used both for similar results, now use Varget giving just over 3000 MV with a 120gr bullet and 2800-2900 MV with 140gr.
Take your pick.
12 March 2015, 14:59
vinesboth are great powders for this round. let your rifle decide, load 4 of each and go from there, i load RL-15 and imr 4064 in mine, very little difference if any, but i shoot 140's H-414 is also a great powder for this round..
12 March 2015, 16:59
jeffeossomild load and -.065 off the lands -- per the barnes manual .. do NOT jam solid copper bullets up into the rifling ..
in fact, "mild load and X distance off" is GREAT advice, for most load dev .. mild, to me, means under medium listed loads.. the last 100fps is expensive in terms of pressure
13 March 2015, 06:35
Michael b Freemanyep that is good advice
"I will not raise taxes on those making more than 250k"
15 March 2015, 04:24
RMillerI guess one thought I have is use one that is available. I have seen Varget one time in the last two years. Havent seen any reloader 15 in that time.
I use IMR 4064 in anything that can shoot it. There is a lot of it around.
--------------------
THANOS WAS RIGHT!
17 March 2015, 06:29
rushisrightI have the same gun & caliber (my wife's actually) I recently worked up a load for it and used R15 and the same 120 grain TTSX bullets. 42.5 grains gave me two consecutive three shot groups of .403 and .673. I was pleased to say the least.