7 SAUM

[Alex Wheeler]

Looks like I should be able to do some break in and maybe run it up to pressure. I dont get serious about tuning until 100 rounds or so. I will start with 180 hybrids jumping .020". Dont really know if they would be a better choice on elk than the 168 but I like the extra weight.

 

[8andbait]

I have been using RL26 in my 7 Saum.

This summer when it was 100 degrees outside I left the ammo in the truck while at work then fired a couple shots over the magnetospeed. They averaged 3000 fps

Just yesterday after leaving the ammo in the unheated shop when it had been 10 degrees over night I fired two shots over the magnetospeed that averaged 2980 fps.

Very acceptable to me, I have had similar results in a 6.5 SAUM, 6.5-06 AI.

My load is 61.8 RL26, 210M Primer, Norma Brass and a 162 ELD-M at .010 jump

The other load I run is 59.5 H4831SC and 160 accubond at 2.850 OAL for 2900 fps, all other components the same but these are seated to fit in the mag. I use this if I think I will have a close shot.

After running ballistics and drop charts the 162 ELD-M with a confirmed .650 BC makes the most sense to me for long range shooting.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

So I got out this am to start breaking in the barrel. I used 5 rounds to get a zero then shot 60-64.5 of rl26 just to find pressure. I just started to get ejector marks on the last 2 cases. I would actually run it at the top end there, but in the summer it may be too much. I am going to try H4831sc next, if I can run it around 3000 thats what I would prefer. This is a 26" barrel with 180 hybrids .020" in the lands seated to about 2.960.

 

[highdrum]

That is very impressive Alex. Matching my 7LRM velocity with almost 10 grains less powder, I am running H1000 however. Might have to give rl26 a try in the old girl. Great looking rifle! Looks like it'll be a shooter!

 

[cjl2010]

Would rl23 be a good powder for 180s?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

yes it would

 

[elkaholic]

So I got out this am to start breaking in the barrel. I used 5 rounds to get a zero then shot 60-64.5 of rl26 just to find pressure. I just started to get ejector marks on the last 2 cases. I would actually run it at the top end there, but in the summer it may be too much. I am going to try H4831sc next, if I can run it around 3000 thats what I would prefer. This is a 26" barrel with 180 hybrids .020" in the lands seated to about 2.960. View attachment 84710 View attachment 84711 View attachment 84712

Very nice Alex! What is your cool on the 180 with that load?......Rich

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Very nice Alex! What is your cool on the 180 with that load?......Rich

Oal is 2.965. Thats .020 in the lands. I will probably end up .020 off though once I start load development as that is where the 180s seem to be happy.

 

[Rhovee]

I bet you'll end up at around 61 grains 2960-2990. What stock is that?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Mcmillan hunter. One of my favorites.

 

[bigngreen]

Nice!!

 

[FatBoy...]

I have been using RL26 in my 7 Saum.

This summer when it was 100 degrees outside I left the ammo in the truck while at work then fired a couple shots over the magnetospeed. They averaged 3000 fps

Just yesterday after leaving the ammo in the unheated shop when it had been 10 degrees over night I fired two shots over the magnetospeed that averaged 2980 fps.

Very acceptable to me, I have had similar results in a 6.5 SAUM, 6.5-06 AI.

My load is 61.8 RL26, 210M Primer, Norma Brass and a 162 ELD-M at .010 jump

The other load I run is 59.5 H4831SC and 160 accubond at 2.850 OAL for 2900 fps, all other components the same but these are seated to fit in the mag. I use this if I think I will have a close shot.

After running ballistics and drop charts the 162 ELD-M with a confirmed .650 BC makes the most sense to me for long range shooting.

In 6.5x284 (not apples to apples I know) we have had several guys (US Palma team or the like shooters) see their groups open WAY up at 1k once it gets above 95° outside. This is NRA Highpower,.so immediate downrange feedback. I didn't ask if MV changed, but results at distance did, over and over.

I'm not saying it won't work superbly, but it has certainly warranted testing as distance in our area.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

In 6.5x284 (not apples to apples I know) we have had several guys (US Palma team or the like shooters) see their groups open WAY up at 1k once it gets above 95° outside. This is NRA Highpower,.so immediate downrange feedback. I didn't ask if MV changed, but results at distance did, over and over.

I'm not saying it won't work superbly, but it has certainly warranted testing as distance in our area.

Not to get off track, but if temp goes up and velocity follows you need to know this and tune accordingly. I shot rl15 in 1k BR and shot a different powder change every match, if you dont stay on it, it will go vertical. Thats why most of us prefer stable powders in our hunting stuff. I personally wont be using rl26, we get big temp swings here. If I lived in an area with consistent temps then I think consider it.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Ran 4831sc up last night. Top charge was 62.5 and 2995 fps. I did not feel stiff bolt and was just starting to get a faint ejector mark. I would call this a safe max.