Thread: Powder choice for 20” 7mm Rem Mag

New to the whole reloading game, went to the range to start my first ladder with RL22 and 162gr ELD-X and went all the way to max (Alliant)/ 2gr above max (Hornady) and I was only pulling 2689fps, even with factory ammo I get 2838fps (Winchester Expedition big Game). So from here I'm wondering if it's simply a matter of trying another powder, or is there something I can do to help lift the performance of the RL22? Speaking to a few people at the gun shop and the range it seems going over book max assuming there’s no pressure signs isn’t something to be too afraid of assuming you take it slowly, but I’m pretty hesitant being new. If I were to do that is there a particular weight above book max that you would call it quits regardless of pressure signs (I feel like I have a wee way to go if I want to get into the 2800 range)? If not are there any powders you’d recommend I try instead? Cheers

Work up to it but 73-74gr of adi2225 will easily get you into 2900 with a 20” barrel and 162s

adi2213sc may be worth a nudge

I believe the NZ hunter crew use R23 in there 20in 7rm. Greg talks about it in there june/july 2023 issue of there nz hunter mag.

Samo,
Lots of different load data for R22 about in manuals. With a 162 you want about 67 grains in a rem mag. Where did you stop?
64 gns of Rl19 will also get to 2900 plus with a 162.


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Thanks for the input fellas, went back to the range today pushing the loads up a bit 0.5gr increments from 65.4gr to 66.9gr, the 66.9gr just got me to 2800fps. The cases looked identical throughout the ladder, no cratering and no difficult bolt lifts. Unsure where to go next, tempted to keep pushing but I'm already 1.9gr above the highest max I've seen for a ~160gr

I did some ladders for a Tikka T3 20inch 7mm Rem Mag Norma Cases, Fed215 primer, and 162 Amax
Powders RL22, RL23, RL26, and H100V

RL22 Data
65gn 2688 66gn 2760 67gn 2815
Fired 11 Rounds 68gn RL22 for 2872, 2858, 2890, 2857, 2897, 2893, 2892, 2865, 2899, 2864, 2870 for average of 2877 fps
Current working load in this rifle is the 68gn RL22 Load

I spent ages mucking around with my 24 inch rem mag when I had it (I'm bloody tempted to get another one and go short like you have). I started with 2225, ended with disappointment, 2213sc was next-great accuracy but the speed wasn't there.

ADI 2217 worked incredibly well. There were bullets I tried where I couldn't get enough powder in the case to come close to any noticeable pressure signs. The 160 TMK was one of them, I got to 75 grains and still no hard bolt lift and speed for miles. My rifle didn't seem to like that bullet, was just interested to see how fast it would go

The 162 grain ELDX went well too, I settled on a mild load at 3060fps for accuracy but I had got it all the way up to 3180fps, no noticeable issues except loss in accuracy (probably due to increased recoil).

Some of the fancy powders are great, I never tried Reloader 26 or anything exotic, there was no need to.

You will get better speeds with other powders, Reloder 22 is on the lower end of speeds from what I’ve seen. Adi 2217, 2225, ramshot lrt to name a few. When you hit pressure it will become obvious, you will see a shiny round mark on the lip of the base of your case when you eject it, after that bolt lift will stiffen. I’d say anything over 2900 and you will be getting close to pressure. Load up 3 of each of your higher grain charges and see how they group. If something looks promising than persevere with that charge weight. Don’t get too caught up in the speed hype, accuracy is more important right?

I was getting 2900 with 162 eldx no issues at all from my rem mag with 65.5 grains of reloader 23 behind it shooting 1 hole groups at 100yards. If you can find some it would be worth a try.

2217 for least temp sensitivity and great velocity

N560
Notebook says got to 3062 avg 162 Amax (it was a while ago) out of 22" barrel with a DPT on the end.

Originally Posted by Rated M for Magnum

I spent ages mucking around with my 24 inch rem mag when I had it (I'm bloody tempted to get another one and go short like you have). I started with 2225, ended with disappointment, 2213sc was next-great accuracy but the speed wasn't there.

ADI 2217 worked incredibly well. There were bullets I tried where I couldn't get enough powder in the case to come close to any noticeable pressure signs. The 160 TMK was one of them, I got to 75 grains and still no hard bolt lift and speed for miles. My rifle didn't seem to like that bullet, was just interested to see how fast it would go

The 162 grain ELDX went well too, I settled on a mild load at 3060fps for accuracy but I had got it all the way up to 3180fps, no noticeable issues except loss in accuracy (probably due to increased recoil).

Some of the fancy powders are great, I never tried Reloader 26 or anything exotic, there was no need to.

Jeepers that’ll be right on blowing primers obviously wasn’t Norma brass 2217 does
Go well in shorter barrels aswell

My long throated 22” rem mag did just over 3000fps with 162 a max and 2217. 2917fps with RL26 and the 180eldm. Both were over book max work up. As 7mmsaum said 2217 would be your best bet for speed and more importantly availability.

I'm not even going to ask why you would own a 7mm RM with a 20 inch barrel. I get 2800 fps with 160 grainers in my 7x57.