Hornady ELD-X load data question

[JordanJ]

I got some Hornady ELD-X in 162gr for my Remington 7mm. Not having a Hornady reloading manual I used my Berger and Speers thinking the 168 VLD or 160 Speers would be close. They both list a 65 grain max for RE-22.

My gun likes them 25k off. I went all the way up to 65 grains in .5 increments with nothing producing under MOA results and no major pressure. Primers are flat. I decided to go slightly above max in .2 grain increments and got sub MOA at 65.4 grains with no increased signs of pressure. I've never gone over max load before, it's not a habit.

I checked velocity with 4 shots producing an average 3095 fps out of my 26" barrel. Thats about 100 fps faster than listed in the manuals. This made me a little nervous and I thought to check the web for Hornady reload data (should have started there). Hornady shows a 62.9 max for the 162 ELD-X in the 7mm rem mag with RE-22.

Why the large difference in max loads? Do I start over thanking God I didnt blow my gun up, or worse?

 

[wbm]

Why the large difference in max loads?

Most likely the difference in barrels and the test conditions under which the loads were developed...their rifle ain't your rifle.


Loaded for the 7mm magnum for years and RL-22 was never one of my go-to or "best load" powders. Reloader 19, H4831, and Hybrid100V always produced better results. I would try Reloader 19 with the ELD-X.

 

[stomp442]

Here is a load I worked up a couple weeks ago for my brother in law in an older bone stock Savage 110 in 7mm Rem Mag. 68.5gr H1000 with the 162 ELD-x Seated .025 from the lands. This is the first 5 shots after mounting a new scope and bore sighting. This load is holding well under half moa at 600 yards and running right around 3020 fps according to my drops.

 

[wbm]

Outdamnstanding Stomp! That is a keeper for sure.

 

[Shortmagman]

I have loaded the 7mm Rem Mag for a number of years using many different powders, including RL-22. RL-22 had a reputation whether deserved or not for having great differences between lot to lot. I have shot 160 grain bullets(Nosler Accubonds) loaded with 67 grains of RL-22. This load was way over the max according to most data, but in my gun with a long throat it was not too much. My velocity was 2900 + ft/sec.
Your velocity of 3095 ft/sec is an indication that you probably have too much presssure.

My best powder for the 7mm Rem mag is H1000 as Stomp-442 just showed.

At the moment I am trying Mag Pro, IMR-7977 and the new RL-26. Mag Pro has worked better with 140 Nosler Accubonds, With 162 Hornady ELD-X RL-26 is showing some promise with good accuracy and velocity.

 

[JordanJ]

Thanks for the input everyone. Going to change up powder.

 

[Deleted member 25294]

I'm shooting 70.5 grains of H1000 behind the 162 ELD-X in my Tikka 7mm rem mag. Velocity is right at 3000 FPS and there are no pressure signs, every guns is different so don't freak out if you are shooting a few grains over max. The important thing is that you worked up carefully.
I'm getting excellent accuracy with the H1000 as well and would recommend giving it a try.

 

[Pharmseller]

Tag



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[Dosh]

I have loaded the 7mm Rem Mag for a number of years using many different powders, including RL-22. RL-22 had a reputation whether deserved or not for having great differences between lot to lot. I have shot 160 grain bullets(Nosler Accubonds) loaded with 67 grains of RL-22. This load was way over the max according to most data, but in my gun with a long throat it was not too much. My velocity was 2900 + ft/sec.
Your velocity of 3095 ft/sec is an indication that you probably have too much presssure.

My best powder for the 7mm Rem mag is H1000 as Stomp-442 just showed.

At the moment I am trying Mag Pro, IMR-7977 and the new RL-26. Mag Pro has worked better with 140 Nosler Accubonds, With 162 Hornady ELD-X RL-26 is showing some promise with good accuracy and velocity.

Same here with H1000 in 7mmRM with bullets in the 160-170 weights. it seems like H1000 was made for 7Mag. It has the best accuracy in six rifles we've loaded for.

 

[gman1951]

It is now soon to be 2025 and H1000 is still my powder of choice for 162-168 grain bullets in my 7 mag.
I've been shooting the 7mm RM since 1968 and it is still my favorite all around cartridge.

 

[204_ruger]

This is out of Hornady #11 edition
7mm rem mag.