7mm Remington Mag and RL-17

[Jackal11]

I have been trying to do some load development for my 7mm and I have heard that some are getting some really good results from RL-17. I wanted to see if anyone here had tried this load and what type of groups they getting. I use the 180 Berger VLD in mine right now I have had the best luck with 4831sc with a charge of 64.3 gr but I'm really not getting the FPS that I thought I would get. Right now I average 2890. Any advice or load info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[CLICKBANGBANG]

What length barrel are you shooting the 180 VDLs out of to get 2890 FPS? That's moving along pretty good for a 180.

I've got a pound of R-17 and a new box of 180s on the bench. But I do not have a crono to test with.

I'll ladder test then play with seating depth. Waiting for the load data before I start. I'll have to find something I like before I burn this barrel.

 

[Jackal11]

I'm shooting a 28 inch barrel I gave you the wrong data it is not 64.3 it is 65.3 without any signs of pressure. The crony I used was borrowed so it might be a little slower I will shoot it over another crony when I'm abletoget to the range again. I was told that you can get over the3,000 fps with the R-17 and thought it might be worth a try but I'm more concerned about the consistency and accuracy over more speed. I'm with you on not really trying to burn out this barrel I appreciate the response let us know if you try the load and how it works for you.

Thanks

 

[jimbires]

I'm going to say RL17 is to fast for a 180 bullet in a 28 inch bbl . if your wanting to use the Alliant RL powders I think you should be looking at RL22 or RL25 . I use RL17 in my 7mm-08 with 140 Bergers . I use RL22 in my 7rem mag with 160 accubonds . it has a 22 or 24 inch bbl and 3,000 FPS is a max load with RL22 . I'm not sure you'll be able to get 3,000FPS with a 180 grain bullet in a 28 in bbl without being kind of hot . Jim

 

[theflyonthewall]

I believe that jim above me here ..^.. has you on the right track. I have been researching powders for my own 7 RM for a little while now.

For light bullets it seems that RL-17, IMR 4350, H4350, etc...seems to be about right. But for 168-180's it seems like RL-22, RL-25, H4831SC, or Retumbo seem to be the most preferred with the sources that I've checked.

 

[jimbires]

I'd say retumbo would probably work . others to give a look at , in my opinion , would be , H1000 , IMR7828 , IMR7828sc . I'm sure there are many many more. I think this is the powder speed area you want to be looking at , and working in though . Jim

 

[trueblue]

retumbo is your best bet.

 

[jimbires]

I'm just killing time this morning so I ran a quickload on the 7 rem mag . I only have one Berger 180 listed . there is an "M" after it . I think that means molly coated , so keep that in mind . these are close to max PSI , so as always start low and work up . I hope the columns stay inline . Jim

Cartridge : 7 mm Rem. Mag.
Bullet : .284, 180, Berger M T VLD
Useable Case Capaci: 71.017 grain H2O = 4.611 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.290 inch = 83.57 mm
Barrel Length : 28.0 inch = 711.2 mm

Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders.
Matching Maximum Pressure: 61500 psi, or 424 MPa
or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 105 %
These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window.
C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

15 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 88%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
................case fill % .. grains..grams..FPS..prop% burnt..PSI..muzz psi...burn time MS
Vihtavuori N570 105.0 72.5 4.70 3074 98.7 60205 12662 1.364 ! Near Maximum !
Norma MRP 2 104.5 68.4 4.43 3015 100.0 61500 11213 1.370 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Magnum (Big Boy) 99.1 69.5 4.50 3014 100.0 61500 11030 1.354 ! Near Maximum !
PB Clermont PCL 517 99.5 69.5 4.51 3013 100.0 61500 11020 1.354 ! Near Maximum !
SNPE Vectan SP 12 99.3 69.4 4.50 3012 100.0 61500 10992 1.355 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N560 96.5 64.6 4.18 3010 99.9 61500 11282 1.360 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate MAGPRO 96.9 67.4 4.37 3008 99.6 61500 11475 1.367 ! Near Maximum !
Norma MRP 94.7 64.7 4.19 2999 100.0 61500 10784 1.369 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 100.9 64.2 4.16 2998 100.0 61500 10872 1.350 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 7828 SSC 95.5 64.2 4.16 2998 100.0 61500 10872 1.350 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-25 102.3 66.6 4.32 2994 100.0 61500 10384 1.359 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AP 2214 100.6 68.3 4.43 2990 100.0 61500 10653 1.344 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2213 96.6 63.9 4.14 2987 100.0 61500 10828 1.347 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP5/NP ~approximation 96.8 64.0 4.15 2978 100.0 61500 10709 1.368 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-22 96.8 64.0 4.15 2978 100.0 61500 10709 1.368 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA15 96.8 64.0 4.15 2978 100.0 61500 10709 1.368 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester WXR 99.4 64.4 4.17 2978 100.0 61500 10734 1.368 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H1000 105.0 68.0 4.41 2966 100.0 59930 10600 1.359 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R905 98.1 63.8 4.13 2954 99.9 61500 10603 1.367 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2218 105.0 73.2 4.74 2952 97.5 52285 12614 1.432
ADI AR 2209 93.5 60.9 3.95 2939 100.0 61500 10187 1.356 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-19 94.0 61.5 3.99 2937 100.0 61500 10238 1.364 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP14 ~approximation 94.7 62.0 4.02 2931 100.0 61500 10171 1.364 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Retumbo 105.0 69.1 4.48 2928 100.0 53239 10826 1.435 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 SC 95.4 63.1 4.09 2923 99.8 61500 10290 1.361 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4831 99.2 63.1 4.09 2923 99.8 61500 10290 1.361 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot Hunter 89.7 60.6 3.93 2916 100.0 61500 9796 1.373 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP4 ~approximation 92.2 60.4 3.91 2915 100.0 61500 10003 1.364 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 204 89.3 60.4 3.91 2915 100.0 61500 10003 1.364 ! Near Maximum !
Raufoss RA4 92.2 60.4 3.91 2915 100.0 61500 10003 1.364 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4350 89.4 58.2 3.77 2913 100.0 61500 9644 1.366 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4350 91.8 57.5 3.73 2906 100.0 61500 9614 1.368 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S385 94.2 62.3 4.04 2895 100.0 61500 9711 1.386 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester Supreme 780 93.0 64.2 4.16 2893 100.0 61500 9772 1.372 ! Near Maximum !
Rottweil R904 93.2 60.2 3.90 2893 100.0 61500 9852 1.365 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex-D1001 105.0 74.0 4.79 2887 94.4 60295 10712 1.382 ! Near Maximum !
Norma URP 89.2 57.7 3.74 2886 100.0 61500 9372 1.381 ! Near Maximum !
Bofors RP19 ~approximation 89.2 57.8 3.74 2885 100.0 61500 9369 1.381 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N165 99.3 64.3 4.17 2883 100.0 61500 9519 1.378 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4350 92.3 57.8 3.74 2879 100.0 61500 9307 1.401 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori 24N41 105.0 73.2 4.74 2879 92.6 55048 11331 1.418 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S361 90.7 63.3 4.10 2877 100.0 61500 9497 1.384 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N160 99.5 62.5 4.05 2877 100.0 61500 9685 1.369 ! Near Maximum !
Somchem S365 90.6 59.0 3.82 2876 100.0 61500 9074 1.392 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 3100 102.6 63.5 4.11 2873 100.0 61500 9387 1.405 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4831 93.5 58.6 3.80 2867 100.0 61500 9161 1.392 ! Near Maximum !
Lovex-S0701 89.3 57.8 3.75 2866 100.0 61500 9360 1.386 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H870 105.0 71.0 4.60 2850 97.9 47928 11717 1.516
Lovex-S0651 88.4 56.6 3.67 2838 100.0 61500 9008 1.386 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Hybrid 100V 94.7 58.0 3.76 2834 100.0 61500 8645 1.386 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N170 105.0 68.0 4.41 2823 96.3 54805 10578 1.455 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon US 869 105.0 73.2 4.74 2701 89.3 45236 10730 1.563
Hodgdon 50BMG 105.0 69.8 4.52 2699 85.2 45386 10777 1.558
SNPE Vectan SP 13 105.0 70.2 4.55 2649 93.4 41933 10444 1.626
Vihtavuori 20N29 105.0 74.0 4.79 2617 89.9 39704 10636 1.662
PB Clermont PCL 513/520/9520 105.0 70.2 4.55 2590 90.8 39276 10259 1.674
Accurate 8700 105.0 70.4 4.56 2571 91.6 38042 10225 1.685
NC A3502 ,test only 105.0 67.2 4.36 2386 67.6 35393 8531 1.743
TLP A 502(RH) ,test only 105.0 67.2 4.36 2363 71.6 33487 8765 1.781
V1734 7-multiperf ,test only 105.0 67.2 4.36 1693 33.5 18289 4222 2.347

 

[Jackal11]

Thanks All for the assistance. I think you all are right after i went back last night and took a closer look I agree that the RL-17 is much more suited for the lighter bullets. I will definatly give the 22/25/ and the Retumbo a try and see what happens.

Jim

That is a lot of info thanks for sharing the work up I know that I appreciate it.

I will defiantly post what loads work and dont work after i have a chance to play with some of the other powders/primer/seating and share the info.

Thanks again for the help

Good Shooting and Happy Thanksgiving

 

[Edd]

I wouldn't waste any time trying RL22. RL25 will most likely be a wasted effort also. I'd focus on H1000 or Retumbo.

 

[jimbires]

Thanks All for the assistance. I think you all are right after i went back last night and took a closer look I agree that the RL-17 is much more suited for the lighter bullets. I will definatly give the 22/25/ and the Retumbo a try and see what happens.

Jim

That is a lot of info thanks for sharing the work up I know that I appreciate it.

I will defiantly post what loads work and dont work after i have a chance to play with some of the other powders/primer/seating and share the info.

Thanks again for the help

Good Shooting and Happy Thanksgiving

I'll be very interested in seeing your results . thanks Jim

 

[jimbires]

I wouldn't waste any time trying RL22. RL25 will most likely be a wasted effort also. I'd focus on H1000 or Retumbo.

care to explain ?

 

[CLICKBANGBANG]

I got the email from Berger. Some of this might be duping the already above data but I thought regardless this would be a great thread to put it in. I'm using a 26" barrel so this is close to what I'll should be doing.




Load data was generated using Quick Load a 26 inch barrel a COAL (cartridge over all length) of 3.290 inches and your COAL and velocity could be a little different.
AS WITH ALL RELOADING APPROACH THE MAXIMUM LOADS WITH CAUTION AS ALL RIFLES AND RELOADING TECHNIQUES WILL BE DIFFERENT. If YOU CHANGE ANY OF YOUR COMPONENTS; THIS INCLUDES DIFFERENT POWDER LOT NUMBERS; YOU MUST REFIGURE YOUR LOADS BY STARTING WITH THE MINIMUM LOAD.
If we can be of any additional help feel free to contact us.
Thanks for your interest and have a great day.

Walt Berger
Berger Bullets
Technical Advisor

7mm REMINGTON MAGNUM


Bullet ........Powder ..........Start Load .Approximate Start Velocity ...Max Load .Approximate Max Velocity ...Fill Ratio
180 Grain ... IMR 7828 SSC .. 58.0 ................ 2627.........................61.3...........2821...................91.3%
180 Grain ... H4831 SC .........56.5 .................2587.........................61.2..........2792....................92.5%
180 Grain ... RE-25 ...............60.5 .................2700.........................63.7..........2831....................98.0%
180 Grain ... H1000 ..............62.5 .................2672.........................66.0..........2830....................102.1%
180 Grain ... NORMA MRP2 ....62.0 .................2683.........................65.5..........2838....................100.2%
180 Grain ... AA Mag Pro .......61.0 .................2671.........................64.4..........2824....................93.0%
180 Grain ... Ram Shot Mag .. 63.5 .................2692.........................66.8..........2844....................95.5%
180 Grain ... VIHT N560 ........58.5 .................2692.........................61.5..........2826....................90.2%
180 Grain ... H4350 ..............52.5 .................2570.........................57.2..........2743....................86.8%
180 Grain ... RETUMBO .........63.5 .................2635..........................69.2..........2881...................105.1%
180 Grain ... VIHT N165 ........58.0 .................2585.........................61.3..........2720....................93.8%
180 Grain ... RE-22 ...............57.0 .................2628.........................60.3..........2771....................91.2%
180 Grain ... IMR 4831 ..........53.5 .................2594.........................56.6..........2719....................86.6%
180 Grain ... Hybrid 100V ......53.0 .................2606..........................56.0..........2720...................91.7%
180 Grain ... IMR 4350 ..........51.0 .................2512.........................55.7..........2705....................85.5%

 

[Edd]

care to explain ?

You can try as many powders as you want but one of those two be as good as it gets.