collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: 7mm RM loading frustration  (Read 7261 times)

Offline Reidus

  • Trade Count: (+15)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2013
  • Posts: 877
  • Location: Tri-Cities
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #15 on: February 23, 2016, 01:23:52 PM »
I see. That makes more sense. Seems like a pretty safe way to go.

Offline DaveMonti

  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2008
  • Posts: 1249
  • Location: Snohomish County
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #16 on: February 23, 2016, 01:35:57 PM »
Thanks all for the chronograph explanation!

Offline huntnphool

  • Chance favors the prepared mind!
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+15)
  • Legend
  • ******
  • Join Date: Apr 2007
  • Posts: 32891
  • Location: Pacific NorthWest
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #17 on: February 23, 2016, 02:17:43 PM »
Bobcat,
I realize the chronograph will tell you the velocity, but how does it indicate the max load?  Do the velocities from shot to shot become inconsistent as you go beyond the "max" load?
Just curious, I never heard of using the chrono to determine max load.

You could graph velocity vs. powder charge and it should look like a fairly linear increase.  Then as you reach max powder, you will see the graph flatten out.    There does come a point where more powder does not result in much of a velocity increase.  (There may even be a point where increasing powder results in less velocity.)

This doesn't make sense to me. With certain powder/bullet combos it may work but in some cases I think you will see flattened primers and a sticky bolt before you see a decrease in velocity gain.

You should stop increasing your powder charge once you reach the maximum expected velocity. If you're getting more velocity than the book shows you're most likely also over pressure. If you're seeing over pressure signs with your brass and/or your bolt being hard to open, then you're probably WAY over pressure. Better to stop before you reach that point. This is why a chronograph is very useful.

Good points.

 I'll add that I have been predominately shooting a 7RM for a long time, have more than a couple decent trophies, have never needed more than one shot out to 500 yards and do not run maximum load.

 One of the advantages to the 7mm round is its flat trajectory, without having to go max load.

 Is there a reason why you feel you need to go as hot as you can? :twocents:
The things that come to those who wait, may be the things left by those who got there first!

Offline BULLBLASTER

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+15)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 8103
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #18 on: February 23, 2016, 04:54:14 PM »
If you can safely work up added velocity and not lose accuracy why wouldn't you make it faster? Get all you can.
No reason to shoot lower loads of a hotter load is just as accurate and not over pressure for your particular load and rifle.  :twocents:
But I agree to keep it conservative so that different conditions won't create unwanted pressure spikes.

Offline high country

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: May 2007
  • Posts: 5133
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #19 on: February 23, 2016, 05:05:01 PM »
If you can safely work up added velocity and not lose accuracy why wouldn't you make it faster? Get all you can.
No reason to shoot lower loads of a hotter load is just as accurate and not over pressure for your particular load and rifle.  :twocents:
But I agree to keep it conservative so that different conditions won't create unwanted pressure spikes.

if he is new to reloading he may want to consider atmospheric conditional changes that affect the velocity and pressures. A book that was published shooting in cool and high density air will not be the same as those shot in hot conditions. The temperature of the powder plays a big role too, some powders are fairly temperature sensitive.

I stick to suggesting the velocity range that is a known for the cartridge and not pushing it until the shooter knows how to measure the brass for strain.....its not worth it, just hold a quarter inch higher.

Offline bearpaw

  • Family, Friends, Outdoors
  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+10)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 38450
  • Location: Idaho<->Colville
  • "Rather Be Cougar Huntin"
    • http://www.facebook.com/DaleDenney
    • Bearpaw Outfitters
  • Groups: NRA, SCI, F4WM, NWTF, IOGA, MOGA, CCOC, BBB, RMEF, WSTA, WSB
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #20 on: February 23, 2016, 05:08:11 PM »
IMPORTANT: Watch for pressure!

If you get too much pressure you can damage a gun and possibly yourself. Always start with a low load and work up. Every time you shoot a load with a little more powder or a change of primer or change of bullet you need to inspect your spent case.

One of the first signs of pressure is flat primers. One of the next signs is a dimple from the firing pin, if you rub you finger nail across the primer and feel an edge where the primer struck that is caused by pressure. Check for case length stretching and for splits in the case too. If you see any of these signs it's time to stop and probably back off the powder.
Americans are systematically advocating, legislating, and voting away each others rights. Support all user groups & quit losing opportunity!

http://bearpawoutfitters.com Guided Hunts, Unguided, & Drop Camps in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wash. Hunts with tags available (no draw needed) for spring bear, fall bear, bison, cougar, elk, mule deer, turkey, whitetail, & wolf! http://trophymaps.com DIY Hunting Maps are also offered

Offline BULLBLASTER

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+15)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 8103
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #21 on: February 23, 2016, 06:33:08 PM »
If you can safely work up added velocity and not lose accuracy why wouldn't you make it faster? Get all you can.
No reason to shoot lower loads of a hotter load is just as accurate and not over pressure for your particular load and rifle.  :twocents:
But I agree to keep it conservative so that different conditions won't create unwanted pressure spikes.

if he is new to reloading he may want to consider atmospheric conditional changes that affect the velocity and pressures. A book that was published shooting in cool and high density air will not be the same as those shot in hot conditions. The temperature of the powder plays a big role too, some powders are fairly temperature sensitive.

I stick to suggesting the velocity range that is a known for the cartridge and not pushing it until the shooter knows how to measure the brass for strain.....its not worth it, just hold a quarter inch higher.
Good info. One test I like to use for pressure is to get a round all wet and load and fire it. The water will take up some chamber space and cause higher pressure. Which may show symptoms if the load is on the edge.

I don't mean to say everyone needs to hot rod their loads but at the same time don't see the reason to leave velocity on the table. But at the same time 50 or even 75 fps isnt a real big deal. Even at longer range. I try and be near the max published velocity. Corrected for barrel length if different. I figure 30-40 fps per inch is a good rough idea

Offline bobcat

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 39181
  • Location: Rochester
    • robert68
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #22 on: February 23, 2016, 07:24:34 PM »
I try to at least match the velocity of factory loaded rounds. I feel like if I'm taking the extra time to handload there's no reason I shouldn't be able to match the speed of the stuff I buy at Walmart. I normally only exceed those velocities by 50 to 100 fps.

Offline jamesjett

  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Oct 2008
  • Posts: 326
  • Location: WA
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #23 on: February 23, 2016, 07:44:54 PM »
I've been loading for my 7mm for over 20 years and bullet seating depth seems to be the biggest factor in accuracy.  Measure the lands to ogive for each differerent bullet you want to experiment with. Some like it .020 off and Barnes love them about .060 - .080 off the lands.  :twocents:

Offline rudysts

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 218
  • Location: Graham
  • Groups: RMEF
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #24 on: February 24, 2016, 09:10:51 AM »
I've been loading for my 7mm for over 20 years and bullet seating depth seems to be the biggest factor in accuracy.  Measure the lands to ogive for each differerent bullet you want to experiment with. Some like it .020 off and Barnes love them about .060 - .080 off the lands.  :twocents:

I agree seating depth matters in any rifle and bullet powder combination it can also change your pressures higher or lower.
In the past year I have been using Quickload software for reloading and it is saving me money on components, I am able to identify a powder bullet combination with predicted pressures and velocity with this program.

Offline Piscatory_5

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 164
  • Location: Aberdeen, WA
Re: 7mm RM loading frustration
« Reply #25 on: March 15, 2016, 10:37:47 AM »
If you want to see how recommended maximum loads are all over the place, find some of the old books from the 60's and 70's and see what those maximum loads were.

You'll find out maximum load recommendations are way more cautious these days.
Indeed, I have a Lyman book from that era, given to me by my father with the words,  "be careful of max loads in that book they are hot". Be sure and check what firearm they tested the loads in and barrel length as well. Universal receiver and 26" barrel will not be the same as Remington 700 mountain rifle with 22" barrel.

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk


 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

MA-10 Coho by Sneaky
[Today at 10:53:12 AM]


KODIAK06 2025 trail cam and personal pics thread by kodiak06
[Today at 10:50:25 AM]


DR Brush Mower won't crank by Rob
[Today at 10:19:24 AM]


Ever win the WDFW Big Game Raffle? by Big6bull
[Today at 10:10:07 AM]


Ground blind for blacktail by kyle_higg
[Today at 10:09:34 AM]


Bow mount trolling motors by Angry Perch
[Today at 09:50:16 AM]


Oregon special tag info by vandeman17
[Today at 09:15:16 AM]


Unknown Suppressors - Whisper Pickle by pickardjw
[Today at 09:12:31 AM]


10 kokes by 206
[Today at 07:51:31 AM]


Hoof Rot by fowl smacker
[Today at 06:28:53 AM]


Honda BF15A Outboard Problems by Sandberm
[Yesterday at 08:18:08 PM]


Idaho General Season Going to Draw for Nonresidents by JDArms1240
[Yesterday at 08:16:36 PM]


Eastern WA-WT hunting from tree stands?? by addicted1
[Yesterday at 06:47:44 PM]


A question for any FFL holders on here by ryan2202
[Yesterday at 05:01:26 PM]


I’m on a blacktail mission by addicted1
[Yesterday at 12:10:11 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal