7 SAUM Seating Depth

[dzelenka]

I finally have my new 7 SAUM. A 180 VLD hunting bullet is 3.023" to the lands. I am getting ready to work up a load. Anyone have a suggestion for a starting point with respect to bullet seating?

 

[gene pool]

I have a 7 SAUM on the way too...that will be ready by Christmas...I hope. The maker is Tommy Shurley. http://shurleybrothers.com/Home.php

I will follow this thread because it should help me on mine.

Gene

 

[RDavies]

I always jam the 168 and 180 Bergers .015" in my 7mms. This has been with 5 different 284 barrels. I have experimented with more and less jam, but end up going back to .015". I did get lucky with one gun shooting the VLDs well with .100" jump after a throating accident though. This has been with F Open target rifles.

 

[dzelenka]

I got a chance to shoot the rifle today. I decided to try .010" into the lands. After breaking in the barrel, I shot a round robin of 3 shot groups starting at 60.0 gr of RL25 and ending at 62.5 gr in 1/2 gr steps. 2 loads showed promise. 60.0 gr (shots 1, 7 and 18) which measured .192" and 62.0 gr (shots 5, 11 and 14) which measured .678". I didn't run a chronograph so I don't know how fast either load is. Since this is a hunting rifle, I am going to play with the heavier load a bit. At 62.5 gr there were no pressure signs. It may be that I can use some more powder to reach a higher node. OAL ended up being 3.035"

I was using Remington brass for these loads. I may load up some in Nosler brass, but they are 15 gr heavier than the Remington. Does anyone know how that will relate to reducing the powder charge?

Dan

 

[gene pool]

dzelenka,

Can you post a couple of pictures of your new rifle?

Gene

 

[dzelenka]

Sure. If I can figure it out.

Remington 700 LA
Krieger 26" #5 contour; 1:9” twist; 5R rifled barrel
McMillan Remington Classic stock
Burris Zee rings and mounts
Leupold 6.5-20x50mm LRT with standard plex crosshair and M1 turrets
Remington Trigger
Beartooth Products cheek piece
7mm SAUM caliber throated for 180 Berger VLD at 3.025"

Gunsmithing by Louisiana Precision Rifles

 

[gene pool]

That's nice! Thanks for posting the picture.

In your handloading, what sizing and seating dies are you using? Are you full-length or neck sizing only?

Gene

 

[dzelenka]

I forgot to mention that the rifle weighs 9 lbs 13 oz without the bipod.