10 October 2003, 08:28
DamnYankee7mm Mag load questions
I'm getting ready to start load development for my Weatherby Vangard 7mm mag, I plan on using the Barnes TSX as it is a very accurate bullet in my .30-06 auto and I've witnessed the fantastic terminal effects of this bullet. I wanted to use a 150gr but it's not available in the TSX, should I go with the 140 or 160? My hunting will be for Whitetail out to about 350 yds (longest shot possible where I hunt). I have read that RL22 is a very accurate powder for this catridge, is that the consensus or is there another powder I should try? Are there any match primers available for magnums as well?
I also need die recommendations. I plan on neck sizing the fireformed cases and I already have the K&M expandiron so I won't need a die with an expander ball. I also need feedback on the belted magnum collet die by Innovative Technologies
www.larrywillis.com that supposedly takes care of the bulge that develops above the belt after repeated firings. As for a bullet seater, I've had good luck with my Forster seater die for my .308, should I stick with that or should I try the inexpensive Lee seater die that others have had good success with(Redding dies are out as I have a Forster Co-Ax press)?
10 October 2003, 08:55
Cajun56I've played with the barnes 120 gr XBT this past summer and came up with a pretty good accurate load. i haven't shot anything but paper with them but i will find out what they will do on game later. this is the load i plan on using
7MM RM Rem Cases
Barnes 120 gr XBT seated 0.20 off the lands
71.5 gr RL22
Winchester WLR primer
3486 fps 10ft from muzzle
0.863 average groups
10 October 2003, 09:09
<Delta Hunter>DamnYankee, I just ordered some 140 TSX's for my 7mm Mag. I think the 140's will be fine for you also. The 160's would be okay too, but for whitetail you really don't need them. As far as powders, I would consider IMR 4831 as well as RL22. IMR 4831 has given me excellent accuracy in my 7 mag. H4831 is another option. And yes, there are magnum match primers. Try Federal 215M's. Personally, though, I'm not sure you're going to see a lot of benefit with match primers.
As far as a neck sizing die, I use the Lee collet neck die. It is so simple to use since you don't have to lube your cases and it makes really concentric ammo. I also have the Redding S type bushing neck die, but it basically sits on the shelf gathering dust now because I like the cheaper Lee die that much more. If you decide to go with the Lee, send me an email and I'll give you some tips on how to make it function to its maximum potential.
I think the die that's supposed to cure the belted magnum bulge is a solution without a problem. Except for one rifle, I load for nothing but belted magnum cases and I've never had any such problem.
10 October 2003, 12:09
Rob1SGDY, I like RL 22 and IMR 7828.The 140 gr is more than enough bullet. Another place to look is in favorite loads on this website do a search for 7mm RM
Good hunting