I have been thinking of getting a 7mm Rem. Mag. and I am wondering about handloads with 160 gr. bullets (probably the 160 Nosler AccuBond).

My question is: Is loading a 160 gr. bullet between 3,000 and 3,100 fps realistic? The Sierra manual lists several powders producing velocities this high, but I would like some practical experience.

1) How "hot" is this load? Are you right on the edge of pressue signs? Or, is it somewhat easy to work up to this level?
2) What velocity produced ejector marks or other pressue signs for you? (i.e. what was too much)
3) Did you have good accuracy with this load?
4) What powder did you use?

I know I will have to work up my own load, but I would like to hear about what worked and what didn't from others.

Thanks!

Fixed Power,

A 160 gr. 7mm bullet at 3000-3100 fps is not a difficult task at all. Check our 7mm reloading page and we have a number of loads that might interest you.

That load will shoot flat and hit hard. It really doesn't gain you much to try to jack it up past that level..

Good luck

You can get there w/ H1000, RL22 or IMR7828. I think the 160gr bullets are a good match in the various 7mags. I load the 160grNP in my 7mm Dakota. I have yet to try the 160grNAB but it perorms well in my .280. As far as pressures vs vel. every rifle is diff. You may reach max. pressure @ 3000fps or not until 3150fps, just start low & work up.

I've been loading the hornady 162 gr sst with with H1000. I don't have my notes in front of me right now but I am thinking it's either 71.5 grs or 72 grs. that I am loading. I chronied this load at 3174 fps and they do shoot sub-moa groups at 100 yds.

I am of the opinion that 7 m/m magnums are at their best with 160 grain bullets. This bullet weight has the right construction, and sectional density to do any job the 7 m/m calibre is capable of.

As for velocity, 3000 fps+ can easily be exceeded, and IMHO 3100fps is ideal. Some guns go a little faster, others don't, but these velocities are easily achieved in 24" tubes, and a longer barrel is a bonus.

Some folks like the heavy 175's, but I say save 'em for the old long-throated Mausers, they need that looong bullet to be at their best.

Powders? My best loads revolve around two:
1)V-V N 160
2)IMR 7828
I load the 160 grain Nosler Partition and Sierra Game King interchangeably, and both shoot to the same point of impact.

3200fps with a 160gr isn't unheard of in a 26" barrel.

I just love the 160 grain 7mm Barnes Triple Shock. I can get it up to almost 3600 FPS in my 7.21 Firebird with groups well under an inch!

63 grains of RL22 and a moly 160 gr. Partition Gold gets me 2750 fps.

62 grains of RL19 and a 160 gr. Speer boat tail gets me 2890 fps.

70 grains of RL25 and a 160 gr. Speer boat tail gets me 2900 fps.

This is outta my 26" barrel.

Make sure you get a 24" or longer barrel.

It is very do-able. And you can do it with several different powders which kinda tells you that you're not really overloading. I think the 160gr bullets are ideal for the 7mag. With just a little practice to acclimate to the recoil, you should be able to do some very precise target work.

Yes it is with a 24" or longer barrel. 72 gr H1000, 80 gr AA8700 or H870. Also RL 25 and retumo will do it!

Work up slooooooowly!