7mm SAUM, 180 gr VLD ladder test

[dzelenka]

I started working up a load for my new 7mm SAUM this morning and would like some feedback and ideas.

The basics are: Remington 700 LA; Kreiger #5 5R 26"; Leupold 6.5-20x LRT

Reamer has .188 freebore. OAL 3.045" .020" into lands

The loads: Reloder 25; 180 VLD; Nosler brass; 210M primer using the following charge weights:

1 - 59.5
2 - 60.0
3 - 60.5
4 - 61.0
5 - 61.5
6 - 62.0
7 - 62.5

I shot these groups round robin so shot 3 for load 5, 6, and 7 were the last three shots. The wind had picked up slightly from the right. I have no idea why the shots landed to the right.

Test done at 300 yards. Temperaure 40 degrees. No wind.

Another bit of information: 61.5gr clocked 2760 fps (it is the only load I had extra rounds for).

Dan

 

[skyking]

I like the Hodgdon line of powders, do to they are less temp sensitive. If you have it. Try H1000 and Retumbo. I had the best groups, speeds with Retumbo shooting the Berger 168. 65.5 is what I end up using. I know its not the 180's but hope it helps.

Bighorn short action
28 inch barrel
168 Berger +.010 jammed
Rem brass
CCI-BR2 primers.

This is a target from my breaking in my barrel. All 5 shot groups
R-is for Retumbo
H-is for H1000

 

[dzelenka]

I have both Retumbo and H1000 (and most others except H4831). I will try them. I also have some 168 VLDs.

It looks like you rifle likes Retumbo. From how far were those groups fired? What is your OAL?

My rifle likes RL 25, but it seems to be only in the lighter end of the charge range. When I broke in my rifle, I fired a .219" 100 yard group with 60.0 gr in Remington cases. I doubt it was going 2700 fps (my chronograph is on the fritz). I switched to the Nosler cases and ran another series. 61.0 gr went 7/8" at 300 yards. It looks like the rifle wants to shoot. I think it is pretty good for a sporter.

I wonder if there is a higher node. At 62.5 gr of RL 25, the groups were poor, but it looked like I could take another 0.5 to 1.0 gr. I am not sure it is worth the try. I may be better served changing powder. I would like to find accuracy and 2850 - 2900 fps.

For the 180s, which powder would you try first, H1000 or Retumbo?

Thanks

Dan

 

[AusFclass]

id be doing some more experementing with load 1 and 5 in clam conditions. personally i use 65.5gr of H1000 with .020jam for over 3000fps. start around 64gr and work up and im shure ull hit a sweet spot

 

[clowdis]

dzelenka -

When reading your threads title "7mm SAUM, 180 gr VLD ladder test" I was expecting to see ladder test results. But your tests presented are "round robin" group tests.
No problem with your choice of testing, just wanting to point out that it was not ladder tests.

Good Luck with your load developments !!!
Happy Shooting
Donovan Moran

Actually a ladder test on these loads wouldn't have proven anything, the groups are all in the same place, just varying left and right. This is the reason I don't do laddr tests.

 

[dzelenka]

id be doing some more experementing with load 1 and 5 in clam conditions. personally i use 65.5gr of H1000 with .020jam for over 3000fps. start around 64gr and work up and im shure ull hit a sweet spot

What barrel and reamer are you using? OAL?

What brand brass and primer?

 

[bighorn06]

Hi Dan, Sounds like that your chamber is the same as mine or at least very close to mine. I have worked with Retumbo, RL25, and H1000. but now using H4831 and H4350 with better results. With your shorter barrel I highly suggest you try H4350, around 56.5 grains and 180 Hybrid bergers seated 2.363 using Hornady's bullet comparator as a starting point. This is with Nosler or Norma brass. Merry Christmas, Mike

 

[clowdis]

I have found the best powder to use with my 7RSAUM is the H1000. I am able to push the 180 Bergers to 2950 pretty easily (30" barrel) and with great accuracy. The 4831SC shot OK but didn't develop the velocity that I thought it should (too fast I think). Talked with the AMU team captain at Perry this year and Emil said that some of his long range shooters are also using the 7RSAUM, so I believe that it is a up and coming long range round for prone as well as F-class. My reamer has a freebore length of .180 and dia. of .2845 and 1 1/2 degree lead if that is any help to you. I think you have chosen a great round.

 

[dzelenka]

Clowdis,

I know that some of the long range AMU shooters are using the 7mm RSAUM. I was told that they are using a charge of H4831 under a 180 Hybrid. They are getting like 2850 fps. It is a hammer, especially in foul weather.

I am using the Nosler brass which has a bit less capacity than the Remington. My reamer is a PTG with a freebore length of .188". I don't remember the lead, but .75 degree sounds familiar.

I have decided to try another powder. What say you - up top 65.0 gr of H1000 or up to 66 gr of Retumbo? I would start either powder at about 64 ish gr. Which one to try next?

This rifle is built right. So far it has turned in groups of .219" at 100 and 7/8" at 300 with RL 25, but both have been at pretty low velocities. This is a long range hunting rig. I would like to reach 2900 fps if possible.

Dan

 

[clowdis]

Dan,
I'm using 65gr. of H1000 but that might not be right for your rifle I'm using the Remington brass so I doubt you could go quite that heavy, you'll just have to work up to it. Haven't tried Retumbo so can't offer any advice there. Emil told me about the velocity they were getting but said that someone at AMU was hung up on the 4831 and so they stayed with the lower velocity. I tried for the 2950 because I understand that there was supposed to be an accuracy node there for the bullet, dunno.