175 ABLR loads

[Phil Lee]

I have had a 7STW in a worked over Rem 700 with a 26" Shilen #5.5 - 9 twist barrel since 2002. I have not hunted with it since 2005 since on my current pine plantation camp 200 yards was a long shot and my STW is a heavy beast. The property was almost all clear cut and replanted in the last year and I can see forever right now.

I have revived an old load that shoots 1/2 MOA. (150 BT, 82.2 RL25, CCI250, win cases, 3405 fps on labradar)

Re-reading the 7STW section here, I am a little concerned that if a whitetall would pop out inside 100yds, the ballistic tip at that velocity might not perform particularly on a shoulder shot.

I have just run some test charges at 70 deg F using the 175 ABLR, win cases, 3.642 OAL, and CCI250:
A. From 72-75gr RL25 in 0.75 gr increments: 75gr. yielded 3105FPS
B. From 75-78gr Retumbo in 0.75gr increments: 78gr yielded 3029FPS.

Zero pressure signs on either load. The overall group size using RL25 was half the size of the Retumbo group at 100 yds.

I'm thinking that 3100FPS must be at least near the top safe load pressure wise with the 175ABLR and the gun seems to like RL25. Should I develope the RL25 load OR push the Retumbo load up a little higher and see what happens? Season opens in two weeks.

 

[Orange Dust]

Here is what I know. I had fantastic luck with the 150BT in a 7mm Weatherby. Shot it in a STW awhile. At 100yds on the shot you described it will not exit, and the deer will run about 50yds, give or take. 50-50 it will exit on lungshot. Lots of blood pudding. The 175ABLR is the bullet I wanted to shoot in my new 28. Never got it to shoot better than 3/4"@100 and gave up. Tried 162eldx's and they shoot really well. Been hunting with it a couple of days but haven't shot anything yet. Not a lot of help, other than if you don't find a load early, change bullets. I'll bet something around 160 will do the trick if your rifle doesn't like them either. Shame, like you I really wanted to shoot them. They should be perfect. Good Luck.

 

[headhunter130]

My stw loves rl22 with the 175 gr lrab.