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what powders for 165gr sierra tgk bullets in 7mm remington mag
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For reloading 165-grain Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullets in 7mm Remington Magnum, selecting the right powder depends on achieving optimal velocity, accuracy, and pressure management. Based on available data and reloading practices, slower-burning powders are generally recommended for this cartridge due to its large case capacity and the bullet weight. Below are some powder recommendations derived from reloading discussions and data, along with considerations for your setup.
Recommended Powders
Alliant Reloder 22 (RL-22):
A popular choice for 7mm Remington Magnum with heavier bullets like the 165-grain TGK. It’s known for good velocity and accuracy.
Example: Users report velocities around 3,000–3,100 fps with 160-grain Sierra GameKings, suggesting RL-22 is a solid starting point for the slightly heavier 165-grain TGK. A maximum load of 65.2 grains yielded 3,100 fps with a 160-grain bullet in a 26" barrel, so expect slightly lower velocities with the 165-grain bullet or a shorter barrel.
Note: Always start with published starting loads (e.g., from Sierra’s Reloading Manual) and work up, as RL-22 can show pressure sensitivity near maximum loads.
Hodgdon H4831SC:
A slow-burning powder well-suited for 7mm Rem Mag, offering consistent performance and good velocity with heavier bullets.
Example: Used in load development for 165-grain Sierra TGK in 7mm Rem Mag, providing good accuracy.
Its short-cut grains meter well, making it easier to achieve consistent charges.
Alliant Reloder 26 (RL-26):
A newer, high-energy powder that can achieve higher velocities with good accuracy. It’s been used successfully with 160-grain Sierra bullets at ~3,100 fps in a 26" barrel, suggesting it could work well for 165-grain TGK.
RL-26 is temperature-stable, which is beneficial for hunting in varying conditions.
Alliant Reloder 23 (RL-23):
Another temperature-stable powder that performs well in magnum cartridges. It’s less commonly mentioned but can provide excellent accuracy and velocity for 165-grain bullets.
Consider for consistent performance in cold or warm environments.
IMR 7828 SSC:
A slow-burning powder with a burn rate similar to H4831SC, suitable for heavy bullets in 7mm Rem Mag. It’s known for delivering high velocities with good pressure management.
Often used for long-range loads due to its consistency.
Hodgdon Retumbo:
Ideal for magnum cartridges and heavier bullets, Retumbo can push 165-grain bullets to high velocities while maintaining manageable pressures.
Example: Recommended for 6.5mm 145-grain TGK in 6.5 PRC, suggesting it’s effective for similar bullet weights in larger cases like 7mm Rem Mag.
Considerations
Burn Rate: The powders listed above are slower-burning, which is appropriate for the 7mm Remington Magnum’s large case capacity and the 165-grain bullet weight. Faster powders like Varget, W760, or H4895 (mentioned in some discussions) are generally too fast for optimal performance with 165-grain bullets and may result in lower velocities or inconsistent pressure.
Barrel Length: Barrel length affects velocity. For example, a 26" barrel may achieve 3,000–3,100 fps with RL-22 and 160-grain bullets, but a 24" barrel might reduce velocity by ~50 fps. Adjust expectations based on your rifle’s barrel length.Starting Loads: Always consult a reloading manual (e.g., Sierra’s Reloading Manual V6.0) for starting loads and work up incrementally while monitoring for pressure signs. Sierra’s manual includes data for their bullets, which is critical for safe load development.Primers: Federal 215 Magnum primers are commonly used with 7mm Rem Mag for consistent ignition with slower powders.Seating Depth: Start with a seating depth of 0.020"–0.040" off the lands for Sierra TGK bullets, as they are relatively jump-tolerant. Ensure the cartridge overall length (COAL) fits your rifle’s magazine.Bullet Performance: The 165-grain Sierra TGK is designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration, with a high ballistic coefficient (BC, approximately 0.517 G1). It performs well on game like elk, with reported retained weight of ~118 grains after a 462-yard shot on an elk, indicating robust construction compared to standard GameKings.
Load Development Tips
Start Low: Begin with the starting load from a reputable manual (e.g., Sierra, Hodgdon, or Alliant) for the 165-grain TGK. For example, Sierra’s manual lists RL-22 at 65.2 grains (max) for a 160-grain bullet, so adjust downward for the 165-grain and work up.
Test Increments: Load 3–6 rounds in 0.5-grain increments, testing for accuracy and velocity at the range. Look for tight groups (e.g., sub-2” at 300 yards, as achieved with 160-grain GameKings).
Check Pressure: Watch for signs of excessive pressure (e.g., flattened primers, sticky bolt lift). Some users report no pressure issues with RL-22 near max loads, but this varies by rifle.
Environmental Factors: If hunting in extreme temperatures, prioritize temperature-stable powders like RL-23 or RL-26 to maintain consistent performance.
Example Load (For Reference Only)
Bullet: 165-grain Sierra Tipped GameKing
Powder: Alliant Reloder 22, ~63–65 grains (start lower, e.g., 60 grains, and work up)
Primer: Federal 215 Magnum
Case: Winchester or Hornady brass
COAL: 3.295” (adjust to fit your rifle’s chamber and magazine)
Velocity: Expect ~2,950–3,050 fps from a 24–26" barrel
Source: Adapted from 160-grain Sierra GameKing data with RL-22.
Where to Find Data
Sierra Reloading Manual V6.0: Provides specific load data for Sierra bullets, including the 165-grain TGK in 7mm Rem Mag.
Hodgdon Reloading Data Center: Offers load data for Hodgdon powders like H4831SC and Retumbo.
Alliant Powder Website: Lists load data for RL-22, RL-23, and RL-26.
Powder Valley or Midsouth Shooters Supply: Sources for purchasing powders and Sierra bullets.
Notes
Powder Availability: Powder availability can be an issue, as noted in older discussions (e.g., RL-22 shortages). Check retailers like Powder Valley or Midsouth Shooters Supply for current stock.
Game Performance: The 165-grain TGK is praised for its high BC and robust construction, performing similarly to Nosler Accubond with good penetration and expansion on elk and deer.
Safety: Always follow safe reloading practices. Cross-reference multiple sources (e.g., Sierra, Hodgdon, Alliant) and use a chronograph to verify velocities. Never exceed published maximum loads.
If you have specific powders on hand (e.g., Varget, W760, H4895), note that these are likely too fast for optimal performance with 165-grain bullets in 7mm Rem Mag, as they are better suited for lighter bullets or smaller cases. Consider acquiring a slower powder like RL-22 or H4831SC for best results.
For precise load data, consult Sierra’s Reloading Manual or contact me with your rifle’s specifics (e.g., barrel length, twist rate) for more tailored advice. If you want me to search for additional load data or check powder availability, let me know!
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imr8133 powders for 165gr sierra tgk bullets in 7mm remington mag
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IMR 8133 is a slow-burning, extruded powder well-suited for heavy-for-caliber bullets in large magnum cartridges like the 7mm Remington Magnum. It’s known for delivering consistent velocities and good performance in overbore cartridges, making it a solid choice for the 165-grain Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullet, which is designed for accuracy and controlled expansion in hunting applications.
Load Data Considerations
While I don’t have access to real-time or proprietary load data, I can provide general guidance based on available information and patterns for 7mm Remington Magnum with 165-grain bullets and IMR 8133. Always consult a reliable reloading manual (e.g., Sierra, Hodgdon, or IMR) for precise data, and start with the minimum recommended load, working up while monitoring for pressure signs.
Bullet: Sierra Tipped GameKing, 165 grains, .284 diameter, polymer-tipped, boat-tail design (G1 BC ~0.545). This bullet offers excellent ballistic performance and is optimized for medium to large game hunting.
Powder: IMR 8133 is a temperature-stable Enduron powder, designed for high case-fill ratios and consistent performance in magnum cartridges.
Case: Standard 7mm Remington Magnum brass (e.g., Winchester, Federal, or Nosler).
Primer: Large rifle magnum primers (e.g., Federal 215, CCI 250, or Remington 9½M).
Barrel Length: Most load data assumes a 24-inch barrel, but adjust expectations for shorter or longer barrels.
General Load Data Guidance
Based on typical 7mm Remington Magnum load data for 165-grain bullets:
Starting Load: Approximately 60.0–62.0 grains of IMR 8133.
Maximum Load: Around 66.0–68.0 grains, depending on the specific load data and pressure limits.
Velocity Range: Expect muzzle velocities of 2,900–3,100 fps from a 24-inch barrel, with max loads approaching 3,000–3,100 fps.
Pressure: Stay within SAAMI max pressure for 7mm Rem Mag (61,000 PSI). Watch for signs like flattened primers or sticky bolt lift.
Reloading Tips
Work Up Loads: Start at the minimum load and increase in 0.5-grain increments, checking for accuracy and pressure signs. The Sierra TGK’s boat-tail and ogive design typically stabilize well, but optimal powder charges vary by rifle.
Case Fill: IMR 8133 often provides near-100% case fill in 7mm Rem Mag, which can improve consistency. Avoid compressed loads unless specified in your manual.
Accuracy Nodes: Many reloaders report good accuracy with IMR 8133 in the 64.0–66.0 grain range for 165-grain bullets, but this depends on your rifle’s chamber and barrel harmonics.
Hunting Performance: The Sierra TGK 165-grain bullet is designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration, ideal for deer, elk, or similar game. Its high ballistic coefficient supports long-range shots, common with 7mm Rem Mag.
Sources and Recommendations
Hodgdon/IMR Data: Check Hodgdon’s online reloading center or IMR’s official load data for 7mm Rem Mag with 165-grain bullets. IMR 8133 is listed for similar cartridges, and Hodgdon provides detailed recipes.
Sierra Manual: Sierra’s reloading manual includes specific data for their TGK bullets, though it may not list IMR 8133. Cross-reference with similar burn-rate powders like H1000 or Retumbo for starting points.
Forums: Posts on platforms like Rokslide suggest the 165-grain TGK performs well in 7mm Rem Mag and related cartridges (e.g., 280 AI), with reloaders praising its accuracy and terminal performance.
Safety Notes
Verify Data: Always cross-check with at least two reputable sources (e.g., Hodgdon, Sierra, or Lyman manuals).
Rifle-Specific: Different rifles (e.g., Remington 700, Ruger M77, or Tikka T3x) may prefer different charge weights or seating depths. Typical COAL for Sierra TGK 165-grain is around 3.290–3.300 inches, but check your rifle’s throat.
Chronograph: Use a chronograph to confirm velocities and ensure consistency.
Environment: IMR 8133 is temperature-stable, but extreme conditions can affect performance. Test loads in conditions similar to your hunting environment.
If you need specific load data or have details like your rifle’s barrel length or desired velocity, let me know, and I can refine the guidance or search for more tailored information! Always prioritize safety and consult a current reloading manual before loading.
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