Ridgeline FFT 7mm Rem Mag load workup

[HuntClub]

So, I let family convince me to get the Ridgeline FFT. I really like it. Did the 50 round barrel break in recommended by Christensen and started working on reload. Started with 150 TTSX using Re22 and 215M primer.

6 three shot groups this morning - Barnes recommended 0.050 from lands:
#1 62.5 grains avg fps 2883 / #2 63.0 gr avg fps 2932 / #3 63.5 gr avg fps 2926 / #4 64.0 gr - one shot fps 2903 / #5 64.5 gr - one shot fps 2930 / #6 65.0 gr avg fps 2980

Only one shot on #4 and #5 because fps was not showing a steady increase in speed. The were no pressure signs on brass and no heavy bolt lift. Decided to shot all three on test #6. The increase in FPS between #2 and #6 is only 50 fps.

Quite happy with the #2 target but a little confused about the lack of fps with the powder increase. I will likely focus on #2 but looking for ideas on lack of fps increase.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Barnes recommends STARTING 0.050 off and seating 0.025 deeper until you find best accuracy. Velocities (consistency according to Barnes) is effected by neck tension and how well the neck is sealing the chamber. Main thing to remember with the solid copper bullets, there is a minimum velocity for expansion on game. So if the bullet requires 1800 fps to expand, that will limit shooting distances where bullet is above 1800 fps. So it will/can be beneficial to have an accurate load near max velocity for your rifle.

 

[Zero333]

Test a different powder. I had issues with RL-22 and consistent Point of Impact due to the temp stability of the powder. Hot barrel had a much different POI than a Cold barrel. Same problem with RL-15 in the 308win.

On the other hand, RL-25 was darn good temp stability wise even tho it's not advertised as a temp stable powder.

H-4831 / H-4831sc would be my #1 choice for accuracy. Somewhere around 63 gr should be a good accurate node with said powder. Velocity might not be superb, but accuracy trumps velocity.

If you want accuracy and velocity, I suggest...
RL-23
RL-25
N-165
N-560
N-565
Norma MRP
IMR-7828ssc

Edit... Don't be afraid to jump them TTSX a mile.