2001precision
FNG
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2024
- Messages
- 41
I’m running a UM built 7PRC on a REM 700 Action, with a 26” Ace barrel. AG Chalk Branch Adj. Stock. UM Bottom Metal and Mag, TI Pro4 brake, TriggerTech Special, Murphy Precision Titanium Pic Rail, NF Ultralight Rings, and a NF 2.5-20x optic. I used data from Hodgdon, Hornady, and Hawkins Precision, along with plenty of threads on Rokslide. I’m using ADG brass. I was open to trying a few other options, but Federal GM215M primers, and Hornady 180 ELD-M’s seem to be working great, to start. That’s all I’m using in the tests below.
I’ve loaded 5 different powders, all ladder tests. I tried Ramshot LRT, Ramshot Magnum, VihtaVuori N560, Hodgdon H1000 and Hodgdon Retumbo. All velocities recorded with Garmin Xero.
Ramshot LRT:
72gr- 2852 FPS
73gr- 2904 FPS
74gr- 2941 FPS
75gr- 2989 FPS
76gr- 3018 FPS
*the reason I tried this powder, is because Hodgdon posted a max charge of 76.2gr with a velocity of 3097FPS, with a 24” barrel. Impressive is an understatement. For me, terrible accuracy, so no further test loaded.
Ramshot Magnum:
68gr- 2863.6 FPS
68.5gr- NO READ
69gr- 2875.6 FPS
69.5gr- 2877.9 FPS
70gr- 2886.6 FPS
*amazing accuracy, all 5 shots touching. Incredibly consistent velocity/extreme spread for a ladder test, but 2900 FPS w/ 180gr projectile was a minimum velocity for me, when building a 26” 7PRC. I know I can come back to this powder later, if desired.
Vihta Vuori N560:
60gr- 2712.2 FPS
61gr- 2757.7 FPS
62gr- 2787 FPS
63gr- 2848.7 FPS
64gr- 2889.2 FPS
*good accuracy/POI trend, but it was happening too slow, in the 2700 range. When the velocity got closer to 2900, point of impact/accuacy went a little erratic. Since it didn’t stand out for speed or accuracy, no further testing with N560 was done.
Hodgdon H1000:
63gr- 2784.1 FPS
64gr- 2820.5 FPS
65gr- 2858.3 FPS
66gr- 2885 FPS
67gr- 2945 FPS
*last 3 shots measured ~3/8” at 110 yards, with the velocity I’m looking for. I should have further data on this load, in the future, if anyone’s curious. I’m loading another ladder test with .5gr increments.
Hodgdon Retumbo:
68gr- 2928 FPS
68.5gr- 2966.6 FPS
69gr- 3001.1 FPS
69.5gr- 3009 FPS
70gr- 3022.5 FPS
*the front runner, in my opinion. 68.5,69, and 69.5 clustered into a group just over 1/4”. 70 GR leaked 3/4” out from the rest. Way more than happy with the accuracy, and velocity at ~3000FPS. Should have further data in the future, if anyone is curious. Loading another ladder in .3gr increments.
As I said earlier, I was open to testing 175gr projectiles, 180 bergers, or the 190 class. I was open to trying WLRM’s, WLR’s, or 9 1/2 M’s… none of it seems to be necessary. I was not open to trying N570, as I have 6 pounds left, and that’s on reserve for my Lapua Improved. I was scared it would work for my 7. I would have tried N565 and RE26, but I don’t have any.
Again, 180 ELD-M loaded @ 3.2925” COAL average, with a 2.556” CBTO measurement with Hornady Comparator. Jumping about .070” in my rifle, depending on the pressure applied to find JAM.
All brass annealed with induction annealer, after every firing. Using Whidden Bushing Dies (not a fan) with a whidden .310 bushing. Redding Ultramag Press.
I never did find max pressure with any powder or charge combo. Pretty crazy. Work up slowly as always, a lot of these charges are significantly over book max. I’m certainly glad I don’t have a turd 7 PRC, although I figured I’d be able to handload my way out of it. A lot of SPOOKY stories about 7PRC’s and factory ammo falling 1-200 FPS slower than what the box claims.
