1st time reloading - 7RM w/ 195 Bergers

[1980nano]

I am just getting started reloading altogether and have chose to start with my 7RM. I have a Fierce Rival with a 26" carbon barrel and would like to shoot the 195 Bergers with it. Any pointers/recommendations would be appreciated. Below is a list of what I have compiled so far. Any other powders I should give a try?? Primers?? Do I need mag primers?? They are definitely hard to find!! I would also like to shoot the Berger 180 vld-h. I have heard good things about n570 and 1 of the reloaders. I can't remember which 1. Let me know. Thanks in advance.

100 Berger 195's

Mixture of nosler, Hornady, & Norma once fired brass. Around 100 all together.

H1000
H4530
Retumbo
IMR 7828ssc
Accurate MagPro
VV N560

 

[slikmrc]

First thing I would do is contact Berger for load data. You have good options with your powders, I would be using magnum primers with the slower powders.

 

[1980nano]

First thing I would do is contact Berger for load data. You have good options with your powders, I would be using magnum primers with the slower powders.

Thanks!!

 

[imartin]

Load data attached

 

[Coyotemaster 2]

I know components are hard to find but I'd strongly urge you to start with brass of the same headstamp. You'll be hard put to keep velocities and pressure in the same ballpark with 3 different cases. If just for hunting it may not make a difference but for load development and accuracy work you need the same capacity brass, It does make a difference. Of the brands available id try to find 100 Norma and anneal case necks at every other firing.

 

[just_jon]

Attached is Berger's data for the 180s. Nothing in manual for 195s. My first suggestion is that you check your twist rate to determine if you can stabilize the 180/195 billets. Berger recommends 1 in 9 or faster.

 

[1980nano]

I know components are hard to find but I'd strongly urge you to start with brass of the same headstamp. You'll be hard put to keep velocities and pressure in the same ballpark with 3 different cases. If just for hunting it may not make a difference but for load development and accuracy work you need the same capacity brass, It does make a difference. Of the brands available id try to find 100 Norma and anneal case necks at every other firing.

Approximately 60 are Norma's. I was going to stick with those for the time being. I will have to check out how to anneal the necks. Thanks for the tip.

 

[1980nano]

Attached is Berger's data for the 180s. Nothing in manual for 195s. My first suggestion is that you check your twist rate to determine if you can stabilize the 180/195 billets. Berger recommends 1 in 9 or faster.

Twist is 1 in 8.5

 

[just_jon]

Forgot the attachment.

 

[softtail103]

H1000 for the 7mm mag cartridges. Very consistent speeds.

 

[Longrangers]

Copy of 195 Berger information

 

[PatriotHenry]

I am just getting started reloading altogether and have chose to start with my 7RM. I have a Fierce Rival with a 26" carbon barrel and would like to shoot the 195 Bergers with it. Any pointers/recommendations would be appreciated. Below is a list of what I have compiled so far. Any other powders I should give a try?? Primers?? Do I need mag primers?? They are definitely hard to find!! I would also like to shoot the Berger 180 vld-h. I have heard good things about n570 and 1 of the reloaders. I can't remember which 1. Let me know. Thanks in advance.

100 Berger 195's

Mixture of nosler, Hornady, & Norma once fired brass. Around 100 all together.

H1000
H4530
Retumbo
IMR 7828ssc
Accurate MagPro
VV N560

1. Pick one HS of brass and stay with it. If you don't you are setting yourself up for failure. Better yet buy 100 pieces of ADG, Petersen, or go to GUNWERKS website. They have once fired (not sure make but you can get enough of one HS) for sale sometimes.
2. What twist is your barrel? If it is slower than 1-8.75 you will have issues with stability. You may have better luck with the 180 pills. See Berger's twist rate calculator :https://bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/ Pick the bullet from the drop down, use your estimated velocity and plug in your twist and elevation you will be shooting at. If I were to build any big 7 I would twist it 1-8 personally.
3. Magnum primers.
4. You will have the best luck with H1000, Retumbo, IMR 7828ssc, & Magpro. H4350 is way too fast, Viht N560 probably too fast for those projo weights.

My 2 cents.

PH

 

[1980nano]

1. Pick one HS of brass and stay with it. If you don't you are setting yourself up for failure. Better yet buy 100 pieces of ADG, Petersen, or go to GUNWERKS website. They have once fired (not sure make but you can get enough of one HS) for sale sometimes.
2. What twist is your barrel? If it is slower than 1-8.75 you will have issues with stability. You may have better luck with the 180 pills. See Berger's twist rate calculator :https://bergerbullets.com/twist-rate-calculator/ Pick the bullet from the drop down, use your estimated velocity and plug in your twist and elevation you will be shooting at. If I were to build any big 7 I would twist it 1-8 personally.
3. Magnum primers.
4. You will have the best luck with H1000, Retumbo, IMR 7828ssc, & Magpro. H4350 is way too fast, Viht N560 probably too fast for those projo weights.

My 2 cents.

PH

Appreciate the insight. Barrel is 1:8.5. What are your thoughts on n570 or reloaded 26

 

[PatriotHenry]

Appreciate the insight. Barrel is 1:8.5. What are your thoughts on n570 or reloaded 26

1980,
Due you have those 2 powders on hand? Of those 2 I know guys have had really good luck with RL26. N570 may be better suited to bigger cartridges. If you have them you can try them for sure. However in these times of very scarce/expensive components, I would caution you on how many combinations you try. Your twist rate is adequate for both projos.

With what you have listed that you have on hand I would start with H1000 personally. Keep in mind that 1lb of powder is approx 7000gr / 64ish charge =109 rds loaded. Hopefully you have more than 1lb of each of the powders you listed. If you do not have 2lbs or more of each, you will have a hard time getting a load developed and have enough left to load more. Then we get into the dangers of different lot #'s ect., ect.

Where you are just getting started, there is a ton of little things you need to learn to save time, frustration and components. There is a ton of very sharp guys on here to help you.
Do you know how to set your headspace-shoulder bump on your brass?
Is this rifle primarily a hunting rig or a combo?
Do you know how to do a ladder-load/OCW test? This saves a ton of time and $ on components-barrel life.
Do you have a good reloading manual?
Do you have a mentor close by that can physically help you?

Sorry for so many questions. Just trying to save you time and frustration. There is a lot to learn, and I have been reloading for over 30 years and I am still learning.