Thread: Too fast and dangerous? 7mm Rem Mag, 180gr ELD-M, RL26

I agree tha book max are conservative for 7RM, Ive always been at max or over after careful load development and case obsevartions. +3k with 180s is stellar for a 7RM even with 26in. That RL26 ha a hgh densirty compared to 2217 or 2225 so you dont usually get to 100%+ case loads in my experince.

You may also have fast barrel, some rifles just do. I had a 24in 7RM 9.5 twist Blaser whcih just wouldnt safley get beyond 2900 with 162s and now have a 7SAUM 8 twist with 22in which can eassliy get into the 3k with Berger 168s. I alwasy go for accuracy over velocity these days. Great result for a 7RM well done.

Originally Posted by Jit

I agree tha book max are conservative for 7RM, Ive always been at max or over after careful load development and case obsevartions. +3k with 180s is stellar for a 7RM even with 26in. That RL26 ha a hgh densirty compared to 2217 or 2225 so you dont usually get to 100%+ case loads in my experince.

You may also have fast barrel, some rifles just do. I had a 24in 7RM 9.5 twist Blaser whcih just wouldnt safley get beyond 2900 with 162s and now have a 7SAUM 8 twist with 22in which can eassliy get into the 3k with Berger 168s. I alwasy go for accuracy over velocity these days. Great result for a 7RM well done.

Thanks Jit.

If you are not getting any heavy bolt lift, or ejector stamps on the case heads to really speak of you should be pretty ok. However you have developed this load in winter, and its likely pretty hot, so once we get into the warmer months you may find you start to get excess pressure signs with heavy bolt lift and ejector stamp marks on the brass.

Originally Posted by GWH

If you are not getting any heavy bolt lift, or ejector stamps on the case heads to really speak of you should be pretty ok. However you have developed this load in winter, and its likely pretty hot, so once we get into the warmer months you may find you start to get excess pressure signs with heavy bolt lift and ejector stamp marks on the brass.

Some very valid points GWH, it was about 20 degrees in March before lockdown that I did the testing, but as you say a 30 degree day and the rifle in the sun might be all it takes to push it into the unsafe zone.

I run 175 eldx's at around the 2900-2950 out of a 24 with less optimal powder, so a fast, tight twist barrel that powder and nosler brass sounds about right

I believe about 35fps per inch of barrel length, for 7mm mag. if no real high pressure signs, your good.

https://forum.nosler.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=38851

you might find this interesting. I usually search for a quickload workup of something i am looking at running which gives you chamber pressures for a given powder projectile combo and velocities. it seems to be pretty accurate.

Originally Posted by Benj

https://forum.nosler.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=38851

you might find this interesting. I usually search for a quickload workup of something i am looking at running which gives you chamber pressures for a given powder projectile combo and velocities. it seems to be pretty accurate.

Wow, that is very interesting. I am way above Quickload recommendations, even Hornady have their guide above the max.
https://press.hornady.com/assets/sit...-eld-match.pdf

How warm was the day when you shot?
May need to be carefull in high summer. (Covered by GWH) ^^
Also I wounder how much this will effect brass life, if that is even a concern. But it dose look like you have a ball nat shooting rifle

Also be how are your primer pockets for the next reload?

Thanks @Benj nice link.

Originally Posted by Sideshow

How warm was the day when you shot?
May need to be carefull in high summer. (Covered by GWH) ^^
Also I wounder how much this will effect brass life, if that is even a concern. But it dose look like you have a ball nat shooting rifle

Also be how are your primer pockets for the next reload?

Thanks @Benj nice link.

Hi Benji,
it was a mild 20 degree day back in March when I tested these. No issues with primer pockets, they felt the same seating the next batch of primers.

67 grains of RE26 with 180 ELD-M yields 2840 fps in my 7RM with a 25” 8.7 twist barrel, so yours is fast alright. With a BC as high as the 180, there’s no need to chase high velocity and diminish case life.

Originally Posted by Spitfire

67 grains of RE26 with 180 ELD-M yields 2840 fps in my 7RM with a 25” 8.7 twist barrel, so yours is fast alright. With a BC as high as the 180, there’s no need to chase high velocity and diminish case life.

Or barrel life. lol

Originally Posted by Spitfire

67 grains of RE26 with 180 ELD-M yields 2840 fps in my 7RM with a 25” 8.7 twist barrel, so yours is fast alright. With a BC as high as the 180, there’s no need to chase high velocity and diminish case life.

Good point, though I'm not chasing velocity. It just happened my best accuracy and lowest ES was at this speed. Would be happier with a speed in the 2900-3000fps if it means I have the same accuracy and safer headroom.

Do you have a friend with Quickload? RL26 typically yields low pressure for most calibers compared to other powders.

Originally Posted by kiwijames

Do you have a friend with Quickload? RL26 typically yields low pressure for most calibers compared to other powders.

Hi Kiwijames, I unfortunately don't have a friend with Quickload, sounds like a great bit of software.
If there is anyone out there who could help me with a Quickload check please shout out.