7MM Remington Magnum and 168gr Sierra MatchKings

[gilream]

I have some 168gr Sierra MatchKings and would appreciate some suggestions for an accuracy load in a 24 1/2 inch barreled 7MM Remington Magnum sporter. I'll be shooting 100 and 200 yards and have the following powders on hand: H-1000, IMR 4831, H4831sc, RL 22, IMR 4350, VV N140, VV N160. Since it's an accuracy load I don't mind jamming the bullet if that is best. I have Fed GM 215 Primers, as well as WLR and CCI 200. I also have about 60 fireformed Winchester cases. Any experience with any of these powders and powder charge and the 168 grain Sierra Match bullet is appreciated.

 

[sewwhat89]

My best loads were always with RL-19. I tried H1000, H4831, RL22 and RL19, but RL19 gave me 2968 fps with ESs in low single digits and superb accuracy.

 

[TRECustom]

Years ago I had a Mauser actioned custom 7 Rem Mag that I shot in NRA Any-Any matches at 600 and 1000 yds. The barrel was a Shilen 9 twist. It was quite a bit longer than yours, but it loved 66.5 grs of H-4831 and Rem 9 1/2M primers. The 168gr Smkhp's liked .030" off the rifling. Velocity was a very consistent 2950 fps. My chronograph didn't do S/D's, but they would have been in the low teens or better.

You might try it. Velocity may be down because of the barrel length, but...

This is a very fine cartridge. Something will work.

Tom

 

[wapiti25]

I'm in the process of building a 7mm Rm for long range hunting based on shooting 168 Bergers. A hunting buddy bought a custom based on this combo and the ammo included was loaded with H1000. The gun out the box shot less than 1 moa @ 600yds first three shots. I have also heard that Retumbo will work well for 168's. I just bought some 168 Sierra's to use for load dev. and barrel break in. I have only been able to get 1 box of the berger hunting bullets so far. The custom gun used fed215's or cci250's as the recomended primer. I have both. The velocity was supposed to be in the 3000 ft/sc range. The custom was a shooting system with calibrated scope and ammo. He killed his moose on the first trip at 503yds one shot. Hope this helps.

 

[Nodak7mm]

I built one over the winter and am focusing on RL22 and 162's at this point. Cant find any 168 Bergers, got some 180 Bergers, but want to give the amaxes a thorough workout first.
Only have 49 rds thru the Brux barrel, and am running an 3065 avg. Got some really, really good groups yesterday and am happy. I am trying to stay with the RL22 as its what I use in another rifle..
My STW shot the 168 SMK's like a lazer with RL25, but havent tried them in my new 7RM.
Nodak

 

[M700]

RL-22 is a fine powder for the 7mm Rem mag. Perhaps a bit temp sensitive, but a fine powder, particularly with the 160-175 grain bullets.

 

[gilream]

Thanks to everyone for the good information.

 

[ForneyRider]

I tried R25 in increments of .5gr up to 68.5gr and never got as good as accuracy with 168SMK as I did with other loads. I did get tighter groups using non-Mag primers with R25. Velocity was low, in the 2700's and recoil was high.