I'm just getting started in the reloading world, and I am trying to find a good recipe for my savage model 110 cal 7mm rem mag. I'm ultimately wanting to shoot at long ranges with this rifle 500+ yards. If anybody can help out that would be great, but keep in mind I am new to reloading. Also if anybody has any good recommendations on scopes please let me know.
I do not own a 7mm Rem Mag but my suggestion should work with any rifle. Take out your loading manual and pick a powder and bullet combination that you wish to use. This is the way I test a new bullet/powder combination. Start your ladder test with the minimum load and load 5 rounds, go up a grain or two and load 5 more rounds, keep doing that until you reach the maximum load. Do not go over that max load!!
Take those rounds to the range and shoot them. I use a separate target for each 5 round group of cartridges. Compare the results from each group to find which powder weight gives you the best grouping. Keep check on over pressure signs as you fire each grouping. That is the bullet/powder combination that your rifle likes.
There is also a good "sticky" at the top of this forum (second post from the top) on another good way to do a ladder test.
As far as the scope recommendation. I personally like Nikon scopes but there are so many other brands just as good if not better.
I recommend the YouTube channel "TiborasaurusRex". He has a play list called "Sniper 101" that covers a ton of information on shooting out to 1000m or more, including reloading and scope selection. Some of what he covers doesn't become a significant issue till you are out past 800 yards or so and he's pretty good about telling you at what range you need to start worry about it. He also has a separate playlist for scope reviews, the best scope for the money for his type of long range shooting appears to be SWFA SS.
I will second SteveM. I load quite a bit of 7mm RM for hunting. My current load is 61.5gr of IMR4831 under 160gr Nosler Accubond. I'm getting 2930fps avg, with .62" 3 shot groups @ 100 yrds out of my stock Ruger M77 7mm RM.
I did a little load work with Retumbo, and 160gr Sierra GK. I was very impressed with the velocity, and accuracy of this load. I think it's got more to give behind Nosler AB's, and some seating depth changes. I was easily getting 3,032fps avg. This load will be revisited after deer season.
IMR7828, IMR4350, H4350, H4831, and H1000 are all good powders for 7mm.
As for scopes, I use Leupold scopes for hunting, but a lot of long range shooters like the Night Force scopes.
Also check out the long range bullet offerings from Nosler (LRAB) and Berger (VLD). Also my IMR load above is .5gr above max data. I didn't mention the Retumbo load due to it being well above Hodgdon's data, which seems to be very conservative.
Also 7mm RM can be a very temperamental load with pressure spikes without warning. When I was working with Retumbo I used Fed #215, and CCI #250 primers. Due to the hotter Federal primer I averaged 75fps more velocity, and also had 2 Fed primers blow out before I reached the load data max. With CCI's my velocity was down, but less pressure signs.
Thank you all for the information. I will definitely use the ladder system. I don't have a reloading Manuel but I will get my hands on one soon. GA hunter thanks for all the info I will be trying out the reload that you use. And Steve I will be checking out that YouTube channel as soon as I finish this post. Thanks for all the I formation it was much needed seeing as I am just starting out.
Just remember to start at the minimum start charge, and work your way up. You are playing with 60,000-70,000 PSI about 4" from your face. I usually work up in .5gr increments towards the listed max. A lot of rifle guys will load above max, including myself, but you really have to be careful when doing so, and look for signs of high pressure. You really need a chronograph to monitor your velocities also. As long as you work up using published recipes you will be fine.
same gun, same cartridge here. I'm getting ready to load some 139's on top of IRM7828 and winchester LMR primers. I'm using data from Hornady since I am using their bullets and brass. Brass is not easy to find locally for these.
I needed a scope for mine and after extensive research/testing I settled on Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40. Scopes are like women. Some are good, some are bad, some cheap, some expensive, but they all serve one purpose. You just need to check them out and see what works best for you
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