4831 in eithier Hodgen or IMR powders however I note the the difference in recommendations of grains and increased velocities with IMR.Ive always had good luck with the hodgen extreme powders but would like to know if anyone had and particular preference for either or am I trying to make this more complicated than needed?

My 7 Mag definitely prefers IMR 4831 over Hodgdon's . I shoot 150 gr Ballistic Tips, and get better accuracy with the IMR--maybe because it is a little faster than the Hodgdon's?

You could very well be correct.Checking through my older reloading manuals I noticed it was always the recommended powder of choice for the 7mm but both powders have seen changes since that time.

My 7 mag is not choosey over which powder I use as much as it is about different bullets. I like AA 4350 when I am shooting 150 grain bullets.

Mine don't like either one I use Reloader 22 in mine 68 gr. with 140 bullet shot a .173 group @ 100 yds.

quote:

Originally posted by dustoffer:
My 7 Mag definitely prefers IMR 4831 over Hodgdon's . I shoot 150 gr Ballistic Tips, and get better accuracy with the IMR--maybe because it is a little faster than the Hodgdon's?

Same here. H-4831 with 150 grain bullets. I switched over to the H-4831SC Short Cut powder from the regular H-4831 long grain powder. The short grain stuff feeds through the measure better.

Don

Lots of variables no doubt. Everyone using Magnum primers? Noticed hornady manual recommends WLRM primers which no doubt justifies their 2grain minus maximum load data verses other manuals?

Pick one and go with it. Both are fantastic powders for the 7 Mag. Myself, I prefer the Hodgdon. At the bench you can get as technical as your mind will allow but in real world field application you will never see the difference while taking game. Even with velocity, it is not about muzzle velocity, it is velocity and energy delivered at the point of impact. No distance is ever consistent or very seldom repeated. 139SST is a great bullet for deer.

quote:

Originally posted by okie2:
Mine don't like either one I use Reloader 22 in mine 68 gr. with 140 bullet shot a .173 group @ 100 yds.

She surely shoots well with R22!

I do have a tendency to put more work into load development than needed however when Im satified with accuracy I usally quit and never look back to further experimentation. Made range last eve and sighted in scope managed to shoot 5shot group of 63.5gr. IMR 4831 with WLRM primer seated .010 off lands which grouped an inch and a quarter.(Only had bullets for one group). Off to an ok start but no benchrest records.Load workup definitely can be as fun or as irritating as we wish to make it.