Are published Max Loads Low for the 7mm STW?

04 November 2003, 17:12

A couple years ago I worked up a load for deer in my Rem 700 Stainless Synthetic 7mm STW. Using the nosler guide and 150gr CT Ballistic Silvertips I worked up to the max reccommended load with okay, but not real good accuracy. In various forums, a lot of guys were posting loads that were exceding max loads by a fair margin. I proceeded to keep working up looking for any signs of pressure. At 4 grains over max loads, I got a very accurate load and didn't bother going any higher. The CT is coated with winchesters lubalox coating which might account for some of the increase in charge needed, but 4 grains seems like a lot. I have over 150 rounds of this handload through the gun without any problems at all. Anyone else notice the 7mm STW to have low max charges?

Thanks, Jeff

05 November 2003, 03:48

stubblejumper

It all depends on the manual.The listed maximum loads vary a great deal from manual to manual.

05 November 2003, 07:37

E O

Although the factory/manual listed loads appear "low" they are right in line. This is 1 of the worst overloaded handloaded cartridges out there. I have seen published data from L.S. from a few years ago that was as much as 10 grains over loads listed today. I know all about powders changing and different guns but this is alot. The Mashburn wouldn't do it in the 1950's and the STW will not do it today.

ED

05 November 2003, 13:26

McCray

If the primer pockets are staying tight and you're getting good brass life, I wouldn't worry about it.

Joe

06 November 2003, 02:02

<eldeguello>

quote:
I proceeded to keep working up looking for any signs of pressure. At 4 grains over max loads, I got a very accurate load and didn't bother going any higher.

This happens with a whole lot of cartridges! Like the .30/'06 and 7X57mm Mauser too!

You did it just right! You worked up, looking for signs of unacceptable pressure. Then you quit increasing powder charges when you found the accuracy level you wanted. I have no doubt that, had you found unacceptable pressures before you got to the accuracy level you sought, you would have dropped back on the powder. Right?

Since ALL guns are individuals, you HAVE to develop unique loads for each one! [Big Grin]

[ 11-05-2003, 17:03: Message edited by: eldeguello ]

10 November 2003, 02:03

4bambam

E O you are so full of B.S, I have the Layne Simpson data and it is not 10 grs over. Have used it for 5 yrs now no problem at all. 83gr Imr 7828-3520-3550 av.fps. 140 gr bullet. Have wby accumark and can put 3 shots on a circled quarter 100 yds. [Razz]

WAKE UP P.S. Have 1972 Hornady manual volume 2, In it has the 7mm mag 139 gr bullet H-4831 71.4gr -3400 fps-[[69.8-3300fps]] you will not find this data for the 7 mag any more and have used this load also for 32 yrs. All kinds of brass,no problem. You do not know as much as you think you do. The only thing over loaded is you, come off you high horse. He did invent the gun, and if the data was so bad there would not have been any of his load data sent out.
[Roll Eyes]

Double P.S. Steves Reloading Pages will show loads for the 7stw with the same powder as I've listed for this same 139-140gr bullet were not all stupid like you think. [Eek!]

Another question on the{{ reloading forum }}about 7stw load for 140 gr bullet. I also have article about a gun writer from American Rifleman who probably got [[sweet bucks from remington]] saying the 7stw would only achive 3220fps verse the 7 U mag at 3420fps with 140 gr bullets. My 7mag got over 3220fps. with the load listed above. Remington loaded the shells for the stw and would not load them to there full potential, cause they were comming out with there own gun 7u-mag. [Embarrassed]

[ 11-09-2003, 18:22: Message edited by: 4bambam ]