i am still pissed about my velocities, 160gr accubonds behind 68 gr or 7828 ssc yields 2900fps.

175gr. sierra w/ 64.5 of 7828 gives 2800 fps.
175 gr. sierra w/ 63.5 of 7828 gives 2750 fps.

these all seem low and to boot the 64.5 grains of 7828 seemed to give a sticky bolt extraction.

Try Rl-25

quote:

Originally posted by Bomber:
i am still pissed about my velocities, 160gr accubonds behind 68 gr or 7828 ssc yields 2900fps.

Maybe your velocities are low because you are loading the bullet behind the powder (sorry, I couldn't pass it up!)

175 Nosler Partition
66 grains of IMR- 7828
Muzzle Velocity 15' from Muzzle 3060 fps
3 shot group @ 100 yards 5/8"

Good Luck

Steve

Try Retumbo or MagPro.

I have only used MagProI noticed better, cleaner burns using CCI Mag primers when I used to use Magpro

2nd vapodog: RL-25. probably 68/70 grns.

b h

tried rl 25 and it was slower than rl 22 and 7828, with the charges i tried. did you have any pressure signs with 66 grains of 7828

Bomber....strange things happen in this business.....according to my loading data you should get about 100'/sec better with RL-25 than IMR 7828......but you know how that goes!!!!

Further you're several grains over the max listed loads in my book with all the loads you listed.

At least in theory....you should be incurring pressure signs.....and you say you are! Now you're saying that you tried RL-25 with equal dismal success.

Maybe it's time to look in the barrel for severe copper fouling or throat erosion.....

It's appearing the solution is not in loads but in the gun itself and that's all the advice I can muster right now.

160gr bullet at 2900fps sounds like pretty good elk and mulie medicine to me. That's about what I got from the load I used and it killed elk and mulies and antelope very dead. I used a different bullet however.
Let's say you squeeze another hundred feet per second out of your load, what have you really done???

Stillbeeman,
if i wanted to get 280 velocity i would have bought a 280. I want to get at least a little better than what my gun is getting. 2900 fps, would have sufficed for the 175 grainers, but not for the 160's, not enough improvement over a rem. 700 mountain rifle with a 22 inch barrel in 280.

I'll agree that your 7RM seems a bit "slow" but you are well above a 280. You may try a slower powder, maybe H1000. How far off the lands are you seating? Your bbl. could have a long throat or slightly oversize bore & you just aren't going to get the 3000fps+/160gr or the 2900fps/175gr you want.
I love my .280, she maxs out at 2850fps w/ 160grNPs from her 23"bbl. It's a good all purpose round for deer/elk combo.

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:
You may try a slower powder.....H1000.

That was going to be my suggestion. I spoke with a man whom I've never met, but he's been reloading for 45+ years.

He told me that there's only one true go-to powder for the 7mag and that is H1000. Sure other powders work, but this one is best if you know how to tweek your load.

Try changing your primers too.

You might just have one of those bores that isn't conducive to top velocities.

My data shows 2934 with Retumbo and a 175 Partition. RL25 should be close to that.I also have a 25" barrel. I found that I was getting 2700-2800 with my old (1978) Ruger factory barrel so I updated. Just my experience.

I don't know about your rifle, but mine takes 66 grains of RL22 to go 2907 with the 175 Nosler. I have loaded for a bunch of these and there is a big variation in the charge needed, but they always go 3000 with 160's and 2900 with 175's.

With my 175 gr bullets I get 2970 fps. I have a 26" barrel. And I use H1000 powder Max load from Steves loads

Rifles vary.

Some have "fast" barrels, which is a combination of the chamber dimensions, barrel bore size, and interior barrel finish (as well as effective length). Conversely, some have "slow" barrels.

Sticky bolt lift can be a result of rough lug or seat surfaces and not necessarily related to marginally high pressures. You might try honing your bolt working surfaces with valve grinding compound.

The more dependable pressure indication is primer pocket expansion. If those "sticky" loads don't develop a noticably looser primer pocket in a couple or three reloadings, then they're not producing unacceptable pressures.

Another variable is your chronograph. A slightly longer than standard screen spacing can register consistently low velocities. Check the screen spacing and try a rifle and load of known velocity as a function check.

But, if you're disappointed in the velocities you've gotten thus far from your 7mm Rem Mag, just try some factory loads. You'll think you're shooting someone's .30-30.

If your 'stickiness' isn't accompanied by brass flow into the ejector cut, then it isn't from high pressure. I'll bet the pressure developed by your loads are sub-par to match the velocity. 7828 should hit 2900 fps with a 175, 3000 fps with a 160 grain. Don't get frustrated, just work up a load. If you didn't own a chronograph, you'd be happy with the load you have, you'd kill game and never know the difference.

80 grains of H-870 gives me 3100 fps with the 160 grain Nosler Partition. Great load. Accuracy is 1" and no signs of pressure. What more could I want in a 7 Mag load.

quote:

If your 'stickiness' isn't accompanied by brass flow into the ejector cut, then it isn't from high pressure.

With all due respect here folks.....if one waits until there is brass flowing into the ejector cut then we've gone way way to far.....

You do as you wish.....but when I find sticky bolt lift it's time to back off! You may have nothing more than soft brass.....

This comes close to saying that one can use a chronograph for load developement.....just add powder until you get the velocity you want!

Everyone to their own.....I'm paying attention to anything that (all of a sudden) causes stick extraction or bolt lift!

quote:

Originally posted by Bomber:
Stillbeeman,
if i wanted to get 280 velocity i would have bought a 280.

I've used 61 grains of H-4831 with 140-145 grain bullets for a long time, until starting to fiddle with 7828, a fellow in Raleigh once told me I should get a 280 if that was satisfactory. I dunno, it's always worked well enough and it shoots 1/2" groups.

I fought the velocity battle too, and won with VV N-160, but I was using 160 grain bullets. My model 70 was 200f/s slower than I thought it should have been when I tried (H 4831, RL 22, and IMR 7828) you know, all of the usual suspects. Now I get 3050f/s day in and day out with long case life. I am of the opinion that the the 7m/m mag is at its best with 160s. 175s are great, but why give up the flat trajectory if you don't have to? What did I learn from this? Sometimes one has to turn to the medium burning powders for best results, and that books are often wrong.

With that said, I would avoid CCI primers along with H 1000 powder and spend my money on others instead. The RL powder series is wonderful except that it varies from lot to lot. If you use it, buy it in large quantities. F215s are the primer of choice, so look no further.

A word or two about brass flow: don't do it!! If your brass has flowed, your pressures are, well, dangerous. Keep in mind that belted cases can present "sticky" problems, but in reality the situation might be as simple as the ring left behind where the size die doesn't do its job. You can see and feel this ring just forward of the belt. While on the subject of brass, pick one brand and stick with it. I was a Federal fan for decades, but now use Remington, or Winchester as Federal's quality control isn't what it use to be and their primer pockets stretch, even when pressures aren't insane.

I used to get 3000 fps from 78g of H870 and 175g Sierras. That is from a 26" barrel on an A-bolt....haven't found faster powders to be as effective. I may need to try H869 when I have the time.

Happy shooting,

Dan

I happen to load for quite a few 7RMs. One thing that I'll tell you right off is the velocity for any given load is all across the board in those rifles. I'd be glad to hit 2900 with 160s in a couple of them when some will do it with mild charges.

You may just be stuck with a slow barrel, but don't let it get you down. I can promise you that most of your average 7RM shooters shoot factory loads swearing they are getting the velocity printed on the box


2900 with a 160AB is nothing to be ticked about. The 160 AB has a very good BC and good SD as well. I'd be proud to take that load, zero it at around 200-225, and head to the woods with very high confidence in my loads. The 160 AB is a flat shooting hard hitting bullet.

I will say that I have found the 160 AB to give lower velocities than other 160 grain bullets in my rifles.

As far as powder goes, I'd have to say IME R22 and H1000 give about the best velocity you can achieve in the 7RM with that weight class. I'd work up to max with each and see what you achieve. If you don't get the results you desire you could always try the 150 TS or 150 NPT.

Even if you get another 50-100 fps, you will not notice the difference in the field and the trajectory will be very close out to 400.

Good Luck

Reloader

I use IMR-4350 for all my 7mag reloads.I have a Winchester Mod-70 with a 26" barrel.65grs. behind a 160gr Speer Grand Slam will get me 3140fps.(chronographed) with sub 1" groups.

Ditto with Reloader. The 7mm Rem Mag can be a whimsical cartridge between different rifles and loads. The 7mm Remington Mag is my pet caliber and has been since 1974.

My question is, with the knowledge you have, can you make it work? How does that extra 100-200 fps help you on a shot under 300 yards?

Just a question, inquiring minds want to know.

From the IMR site:
160 GR. NOS PART IMR 4350 .284" 3.290" 59.5 2856 58,500 PSI
WOW BH, that's way over any book load I have seen. Mine wouldn't even take 65gr of 7828. It's best to add one of those stupid disclaimers when you post a powder charge online. There are those that will go with that & not work up a load. I'm sure your load is safe in YOUR RIFLE, but new handloaders may misunderstand.

I have two 7mmRemMags and load for others. My first is a Ruger #1 with 26" bbl. The second is a Rem 700 with 24" bbl. The 24" barrel shoots to a higher velocity using the same load than the 26" barrel! Seems to be a trait for some reason with the 7 Mag. Both H-1000 and RL-25 have given me the velocities I've wanted. IMR-7828 is a favorite powder of mine, but usually only with 140-154gr bullets.

I'd try a different powder, H1000, Retumbo, & RL25 all would be worth a look

IMR 7828ssc, their web site says burns at the exact rate as the regular 7828 and to use the same reloading data.

In IMR's reloading data they show the max load for the 7mm RM w/ 160 gr partition, yes I know not accubond, to be 64 grain and having a velocity of ~2868 fps. Hornady has a max load of 63.5 grains of 7828 for their 162 grain SST with a velocity of ~2900. Speer doesn't list 7828 for the 160 grain bullet. So, from these two resources your shooting 4 grains over maximum. Could explain the sticky bolt.

The book I didn't mention above is the Barnes book, they show 66.0 grains of 7828 at ~2922 fps for their 160 grain X-bullet.

As far as being pissed about 2900 fps, what are you expecting? I have three books in front of me and the max velocity ranges from 2800 fps to a hair over 3000 fps, so you hit the average for all powders, and the average max velocity for 7828 in all the resources I've checked.

BTW, since nobody else has asked how did that load shoot?

Vapo
I have no arguments with the fact that if there is brass flow, the load is too hot. I was saying that if the bolt opens hard and there isn't a shiny spot on the case head, the hard opening likely isn't caused by pressure. Another powder that always gives good velocity is H870 and I doubt you can get enough in a case to cause high pressure. It never shot all that well in mine and was dirty, but velocity is there.

With my 7mm Rem Mag I get 3024 with a speer 160 gr bullet using H4831 powder. Steves Load. I have a 26" barrel. I could go more FPS but this is fast enought with no pressure signs.

When the 7 mag came out did they not all have 26" bbls? I have read in several places, not knowing if true, that the 7 mag looses from 150-200 fps with heavy loads with the 24" compared to the 26". One of these comments was from someone at Hodgen. He claimed that the 7 rem mag lost more than the 300 win mag. This is all second hand , although the smith building my 700 7 rem mag recomended a 26" mag conture for my 7 mag.

5 shot average = 3050 FPS from 24 3/8" barrel Tikka T3

160 gr. Nosler AB
Federal Cases
CCI 250M Primer
68.4 gr IMR 7828
Temperature 32 F
ES = 22 fps
SD = 10

3 shot 1 1/2" groups @ 300 yds

7 mags are known for inconsistant velocities. Look at the manuals. velocity is significantly different from book to book.
I would try RL-25 and if that did,nt speed things up try RL-19. It works great in a 700 I load for.
Also in my stw I picked up 50FPS by going to fedeal mag primers.
...primers.

H-1000 is my Powder.. Has anyone tried MPR..
I've been told it's works well.. How about Magnum or Hunter.. Some talk here to..
AK

Dupont used to list 66.0gr of IMR7828, before Hodgdon bought them, with a 175gr bullet as a max load showing pressure at 52,000CUP. I use this load in a Weatherby Vanguard and it "clocks" 2900fps with a 175SptBt Sierra, Partitian, or Grand Slam. My chamber is rather "gererous" and a "friends" 7Mag reaches those velocities with 2gr less powder (his is a model 70). I easily get 10 reloads per case although I only use once or twice reloaded cases for hunting. Don't dispair; different chambers, twists, and barrel configurations cause different readings. I also "headspace" on the shoulder rather than the belt when I "resize", use Winchester brass and (always) Fed 215 primers; you may find your "magic combo" with different brand components. My rifle also likes H870, but like most, I find it very "dirty" and it takes a lot of it to move the bullet at the same speed. My favorite 160gr loads are with RL22, but I will not publish for they are over max (not in my rifle) and extremely accurate. I agree that 2900fps with a 160gr load, if it is accurate, is nothing to be diappointed with, even if you think a .280 or .280AI will do the same. "You don't get something for nothing" and most people who will quote you "like" velocities with a smaller case have no idea how much pressure they are getting out of their "belchfire special" just the chronographed speed. The 7RemMag has been downloaded by a big "margin" by the powder companies in recent years, but is still a very effective, versatile, and popular cartridge just the same. It is the only Magnum caliber I have reloaded, in the last 40 years, that shoots accurately with just about any speed bullet from "starting load" to "max". Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

If your 'stickiness' isn't accompanied by brass flow into the ejector cut, then it isn't from high pressure.

With all due respect here folks.....if one waits until there is brass flowing into the ejector cut then we've gone way way to far.....

You do as you wish.....but when I find sticky bolt lift it's time to back off! You may have nothing more than soft brass.....

This comes close to saying that one can use a chronograph for load developement.....just add powder until you get the velocity you want!

Everyone to their own.....I'm paying attention to anything that (all of a sudden) causes stick extraction or bolt lift!

my 300wsm gives me primer flow before sticky extraction. is it any wonder with 73gr of VV n-160 pushing a 165gr ballistic tip?

quote:

Originally posted by Bomber:
tried rl 25 and it was slower than rl 22 and 7828, with the charges i tried. did you have any pressure signs with 66 grains of 7828

I used to get 3070 FPS with 175 grain Noslers in my Ruger No. 1B (26") with 66 grains of N205, and later, MRP gave me the same MV. Then, under the impression that RE22 was about the same as MRP, I tried it but 2900 was about all I could get without pressure signs, and that took 68 grains. So I worked up a load using IMR 7828, and got 3000 FPS @ 10' from the muzzle. No signs of excessive pressures, but very accurate so I stopped at that load - and it was 70 grains!

It seems to me that there is a wide range of velocities with this round from gun to gun when the same or similar charges are used. Perhaps this is why the manuals now give very "wimpy" loads for the 7mm Rem. Mag. But I see no reason to carry one of these up the mountain, if it is performing the same as a 7X57mm! The 1A is alot lighter......

I had a 30-06 that was yeilding 300 Savage velocities, rebarreled it, problem solved and now it is one of my favorite rifles.

What is your barrel length and how old is the rifle?

I used a 7mag shooting a 160 Nosler Partion at 2900 to shoot all sorts of plains game in Africa. Great load and all dropped to 1 shot.
An extra 100fps is of no use and just burns barrel out faster. John