7mm Rem Mag Load Opinion Sought

[HuntClub]

I have worked up a nice load with the 140 TTSX using 4831sc. Primer has been WLRM. Ran another test this morning and used the WLRM in one and the Rem 9 1/2 (regular large rifle) in second. Three shots with WRLM (ES 30fps) and Four with 9 1/2 (ES 12fps using only three lowest , highest and in between - excluding highest fps makes ES 5fps).

I have included targets (1 & 2 are WLRM) and wonder if I should pursue the 9 1/2 load because of ES? Third shot with 9 1/2 is left of group - i pulled it.

 

[L.Sherm]

Why is the velocity so much different in target 1 and 2 if you used the same load and primer?

 

[std7mag]

Dude,
Go hunting already!

 

[Bill Norris]

Yep, looks like you are good to go. Good luck.

 

[HuntClub]

Why is the velocity so much different in target 1 and 2 if you used the same load and primer?

I don't know... i checked against my other load data for speed at that load - had three - and those three were all around 3110. Even the 9 1/2 was faster than the others today - in line with the magnum primer. I think the humidity was a lot lower this morning and that is all I can figure.

 

[L.Sherm]

I don't know... i checked against my other load data for speed at that load - had three - and those three were all around 3110. Even the 9 1/2 was faster than the others today - in line with the magnum primer. I think the humidity was a lot lower this morning and that is all I can figure.

Theres a thread going right now about winchester primer recall might wanna check yours.
Could be the culprit.

 

[HuntClub]

Theres a thread going right now about winchester primer recall might wanna check yours.
Could be the culprit.

Yikes. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[L.Sherm]

Yikes. Thanks for the heads up.

Go to the reloading forum look at damaged bolt theres the lot# posted.

 

[HuntClub]

Go to the reloading forum look at damaged bolt theres the lot# posted.

You got me looking but I don't think there is any sign of problems with the casings...

 

[L.Sherm]

You got me looking but I don't think there is any sign of problems with the casings...

You dont think the velocity difference is strange? If there's a recall on your WLRM primers I certainly wouldn't be using them.
Better safe than sorry.

 

[L.Sherm]

If you load the same case with the same bullet, same charge of powder and primer there should never be that big of spread.
Something is wrong, unstable powder or somehow your rounds got warmed up or something, like screwy primers?
I dont know maybe its just me but I'd be looking at everthing.
Chronograph?

 

[HuntClub]

If you load the same case with the same bullet, same charge of powder and primer there should never be that big of spread.
Something is wrong, unstable powder or somehow your rounds got warmed up or something, like screwy primers?
I dont know maybe its just me but I'd be looking at everthing.
Chronograph?

All things considered, especially that the Rem 9 1/2 primers had a higher velocity than my previous loads at the same charge weight, no case issues, no bolt issues, Much less humidity than previous testing days (Florida Panhandle) and a little cooler temp, a different body die used on the brass for this load, no recall information found on my primer lot#.... I don't think it is a primer or powder issue. Maybe my chronograph.

 

[wbm]

Dude,
Go hunting already!

+1!

 

[std7mag]

All things considered, especially that the Rem 9 1/2 primers had a higher velocity than my previous loads at the same charge weight, no case issues, no bolt issues, Much less humidity than previous testing days (Florida Panhandle) and a little cooler temp, a different body die used on the brass for this load, no recall information found on my primer lot#.... I don't think it is a primer or powder issue. Maybe my chronograph.

Wait.....

Different die body?

And you don't think things will be different?

 

[searcher]

I don't know... i checked against my other load data for speed at that load - had three - and those three were all around 3110. Even the 9 1/2 was faster than the others today - in line with the magnum primer. I think the humidity was a lot lower this morning and that is all I can figure.

Having velocity differences in a 7 MM Rem Mag of what you encountered from one day to another is not unusual, as even ammunition that was warmer - will result in a surprising difference - and that is assuming you used the same batch of cases, set the shoulders back exactly the same, etc. It surely doesn't mean anything is wrong with your primers. If there were big inconsistencies with the primers - you wouldn't be getting such small groups one day and not the next - that leads to something else.

I shoot that same bullet in my 7 Mag, though I shoot it with 64.0 grains of Reloader 22 using Federal Magnum Match primers for the same velocity you are getting. It is, in my mind, the perfect deer/pig bullet for the 7 Mag. I had so much working up loads for that bullet with so many different powders - I finally just had to stop or I'd been left with a toasted barrel before shooting a first deer or pig with it. Personally, I'd call it quits - as you have a wonderful load for your rig. The 7 Mag can hit things way out yonder - but realistically - that 140 TSX is a 500-600 yard bullet. 1/8 MOA matters not on big game. If you were, like I sometimes do, shooting sage rats on bets, it absolutely matters......... Nice groups!