I'm having a 7mm WSM built, and will need some rounds ready to go through it when it arrives. Got all the components, just a few questions:

I'm assuming Magnum primers will give more uniform powder ignition? Opinions to the contrary?

I'll probably use 140 gr Accubonds for hunting, but have considered 120 gr Barnes TSX. Anybody out there shot a deer with a triple shock going 3400 to 3500 fps? Bullet performance?

I've got a ton of Reloader 19 and IMR 4831, so I was going to start off with these, any reason to get any other powders?

Thanks!

Jon

Magpro sure works wonders in my .270 WSM. I get .25-.30 MOA at 3200 fps with a 140 Accubond. Some are getting close to 3400 with the same combo. I just stopped because of the "sweet spot" I found.

I have a Kimber 7mm WSM and R19 and IMR 4831 are my powders of choice. I40gr Accubonds have been very acurate with both powders. IMR so far the better of the 2.
On the question of Barnes TSX, I have shot 2 Deer out of my 300WSM up in CAnada using a 150gr, so velicity is close to what you are talking about. Both deer had exit wounds that were very large, insides turned to mush, one at long range one at short range. My experience with Barnes is always 2 holes and always dead.
(if I can hit them)

Simdow

I tried regular and magnum primers in the 7mm WSM and accuracy was better using the magnums.

I don't think you are going to get near 3500 fps with a normal load and barrel shooting 140's. Mine topped out at 3250 fps with RL22.

I have little use for Barnes products due to the fouling the X bullets cause, their manual that had dangerous loads and was not recalled and the fact that the petals fall off of thier bullets when they hit at over 3000 fps or whatever. Their bullets also do not expand all that much.

On the other hand I would like to shoot non lead bullets without giving a lot up.

I would start with a powder with a burning rate and density like RL 22.

For long range deer hunting I am going to do accuracy testing with the Hornady Interbond 140 gr range of weight bullets for the 270 and 7mm WSM. That is if I still have a 7mm WSM next fall.

Thanks for the advice, guys!

Savage, I was only expecting to get in the 3200-3300 fps range with the 140's, but some of the data I've seen so far indicates that 3400-3500 is a real possibility with the 120 gr bullets. Obviously at this speed many traditional bullets would not hold up, that's why I was considering the Barnes TSX. Most shots would be at 300-500 yards with these loads so it will have slowed down by then, but you never know when one might give you a 50 yard shot.

If Barnes fouls the barrel a bunch, don't want to do any lasting damage to the new Lilja.

I've got a can of Re 22, just not as much as the others. May have to give it a try as well.

Jon

I shot an antelope with the 140 grain TSX out of my 7mm Mag last fall. The muzzle velocity was 3200 fps and the antelope was 283 yards away. The bullet entered behind the last rib and exited out the chest so no major bones were hit. The entrance hole was caliber size and the exit hole was about 1 1/4". The right lung and the top of the heart were mush.

RL-19 or 22 will pretty well cover any 140grn or over bullets for the 7WSM. Don't use many fast 120grn loads but sounds like you've got all the usual suspects. I mostly use Fed. 215 primers in mine.

Bill

megalo,

I just noticed the mention of X bullets in 120 gr. I am all for it but I have not seen the TSX offered in the 120 7mm's. On 24 HR Campfire one of the regulars shoots game with the 120 X from a 7mm-08 and he mentions aiming for bone meaning a shoulder shot.

In general I like to blast a big hole in game but for some reason I try to aim for the soft spots like the lungs.

It would be interesting to read some accounts of such 120 gr bullets at high velocities on deer sized game.

120 gr Barnes TSX in 7mm are available most anywhere this year. Cabelas, Midsoouth Shooters Supply, wholesalehunter.com just to name a few.

Although it's true the X bullets did foul you barrel up pretty bad, I have found no increase in copper fouling in TSX'S and other lead core bullets


Simdow

Thanks Simdow,

Here is the price of the BARNES 7MM .284 120gr TSX BULLET TripShok-BT 50/bx $27.79

And compare them to the HRN 7MM (.284) 139gr IB BULLET InterBond 100/BX $30.79 at half the price. I really liked the way the Interbonds opened up to such a large diameter in some tests. Also I don't trust the ballistic coeffients that Barnes lists. The sharp plastic meplat on the Interbonds just has to drag less.

It's going to be fun testing these bullets this spring.