7mm Rem Mag Range Results

[thomasholbrook43]

I’m new to hand loading. Here’s the range results of my very first batch of rounds. I started at 66.0gr up to the not exceed maximum of 70.0gr in 0.5gr increments. Wondering how I should fine tune and how some of you much more experienced guys interpret these results and recommend where I go from here? Thanks!

I’m loading for hunting purposes.

7mm rem mag
168gr Berger VLD Hunting
H1000 (66gr – 70gr, in 0.5 gr increments)
CCI Large Rifle Mag Primer
Norma Cases (never fired)
0.02 jump
COAL 2.490

RIFLE: Remington BDL SS 26”

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If you have some, try remtubo. I've had three 7mm mag barrels. All three shot this load with the 168 vlds into one hole groups. 68 to 68.3 grns and 5 in the lands(2940fps out of 26" barrel). (My go to load to start is 68.3grs)

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

Thanks Homerange. I guess I'm wondering the same things you are. Will the 69.0+ load be much harder on the barrel than a 68.0gr load? They are awefully close. The 69.5gr load does make the bolt have a very minor stiffness to it when unlocking the spent casing.

On the 69.0 load were you shooting over flags? Looks like just a touch of a breeze could do that.

 

[Herd_Bull]

I was not shooting over any wind flags but it was definitely much windier during my 2nd range session.

 

[barefooter56]

I was not shooting over any wind flags but it was definitely much windier during my 2nd range session.

Herd-Bull,
The 69.0 load has a great SD (6 is outstanding) but the 69.5 shows a really flat " waterline" group which is what you should be looking for ( wind you can compensate for, vertical you cant) however it sounds like you are getting into some pressure there. Have you tried going .1 , .2 and .3 grains to either side of the 69.0 load? Also , I have to ask what happened with that vertical flyer out of the group at the 69.0 load? What type of rest are you using ? rest and rear bag, bipod and rear bag or just bags? Read this, it has some great tips http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com...-multiple-shooters-can-rule-out-driver-error/

 

[Herd_Bull]

barefooter56 - great suggestions as I'm the only one who has shot the rifle and I really don't have anybody else experienced locally to ask them to shoot it.

I shoot off front and rear bags.

No, I have not tried going any smaller than 0.5gr increments from 67.5 to 69.5. Not sure on the vertical flyers in the 69.0gr load... hopefully I can shoot again soon in less windy conditions.

 

[barefooter56]

barefooter56 - great suggestions as I'm the only one who has shot the rifle and I really don't have anybody else experienced locally to ask them to shoot it.

I shoot off front and rear bags.

No, I have not tried going any smaller than 0.5gr increments from 67.5 to 69.5. Not sure on the vertical flyers in the 69.0gr load... hopefully I can shoot again soon in less windy conditions.

Sounds good! Please let us know how your next range session goes !
Take care,

 

[rifleman700]

Now mind you guys, I'm brand new to reloading and still have a lot to learn about both reloading and shooting.

I narrowed the charge range to 67.5 - 69.5 and shot a 3 shot string of each again. I loaded 6 of the 68.5 charge so I shot 2 three shot strings of that charge. To tell you the truth I was in a little disbelief after the results of my first range test and wanted to see if I could duplicate it at 100yds like some of you mentioned I should do. Everything else remained the same other than the environmental conditions and I did clean the barrel after the first test. I shot 2 foulers before starting 2nd test. First test was dead clam and 10-15 mph wind in my face for this test. I know I should have waited for a calm day, but I wanted to shoot

As you can see the results were not mirror matches. This time the 68.0 and 69.5 were the best groups. I did bring the chrono this time:

67.5
2,710 LOW
2,754 HIGH
2,736 AVG
44 SPREAD
22.9 SD

68.0
2,715 LOW
2,749 HIGH
2,732 AVG
34 SPREAD
17 SD

68.5
2,721 LOW
2,766 HIGH
2,739 AVG
45 SPREAD
16.13 SD

69.0
2,754 LOW
2,766 HIGH
2,760 AVG
12 SPREAD
6 SD

69.5
2,789 LOW
2,818 HIGH
2,799 AVG
29 SPREAD
16.74 SD

Granted they were only 3 shot strings so there is not a lot of data and the wind was definitely much more of a factor then it was during my first test, but I still managed to get a couple good groups.

Again, I'm not looking for complete perfection here, I just want to find a accurate and repeatable load that I use for hunting consistently out to 400-500 yards. I have always heard that a reloader can easily get caught up in the never ending chase for 100% perfection with that one ragged hole 100% of the time and all that does is burn components, barrels, cleaning products, none of which are cheap. I am starting to understand why a lot of you have told me that reloading is #1 addicting and #2 can drive a guy crazy.

I just want to find good enough while still maintaining a high level of consistency and accuracy if that makes sense. In grade terms... an A- would be fine with me, I don't need an A+

Any thoughts from you much more experienced marksmen where I should go from here. I have a very special hunt planned for this fall that I want to be ready for.

Thanks!

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By looking at your velocity averages your powder node is 67.5 - 68.5 grains. This is where I would stay and then work on seating depth if you want to fine tune the accuracy part. With Bergers they can have a real wide accuracy seating depth node sometimes as much as .030". Seating at longest length in seating depth node will minimize chasing lands. If your accuracy is acceptable then move on to primer change to reduce ES / SD. If primer change does not work then move on to neck tension. You are close and I would not switch powders but stay methodical in changing one thing only at a time.