7mm08 Barnes LRX 145gr load help

[christian1]

I'm working up some loads for the Barnes 145 LRX. My go to is Varget, but I wanted to try some IMR 4350. Barnes doesn't list 4350 in their books, so I'm working off suggestions. Started at 44.5grain and put together a few rounds which I planned to work up to 46.5. When I got to 46G I started noticing not a lot of headspace left and the bullets seemed to crunch or compress the powder as I seated them (seating depth is the standard 2.800").

Anyone use 4350 with these bullets? Can you comment as to my powder charge? Also looking for other powders that would work well in this bullet. I have CFE 223, Varget, IMR4831, IMR 4350, IMR 4064, IMR 4895.

chris

 

[letrbuck]

I haven't used IMR4350 for the lrx, and of the powders you have, it wouldn't be my choice. You won't be able to get more than 46gr in the case, so I'd stop there.

Of what you have, CFE should give you the most velocity, followed by Varget and 4064.

What made you want to switch from Varget?

 

[christian1]

I haven't used IMR4350 for the lrx, and of the powders you have, it wouldn't be my choice. You won't be able to get more than 46gr in the case, so I'd stop there.

Of what you have, CFE should give you the most velocity, followed by Varget and 4064.

What made you want to switch from Varget?

I just want to see if another powder can give me better groups. It has shot ok, but not awesome. Maybe I'm expecting too much from a 20 inch pencil thin barrel.

chris

 

[A382DWDZQ]

If you’re set on IMR4350, pretty much as much as you can get in there without having to crush it too hard. If you compress, just measure your uncompressed loads and the compressed to make sure the bullet is not bouncing back out of the neck after you seat it. Also run some of the compressed cartridges in your magazine, don’t shoot them, and measure after each shot to see if recoil is unseating the bullet. If they stay put, you’re ok.

 

[A382DWDZQ]

ps, check out the Hodgdon load data for IMR4350. https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/imr/imr-4350. They have 46gr conpressed under a 150ttsx.

 

[SDHNTR]

What does powder capacity have to do with headspace?

 

[sndmn11]

We use Staball 6.5; it is easy and fast with that bullet.

 

[christian1]

What does powder capacity have to do with headspace?

I was trying to convey an image that there wasn't much room left.

chris

 

[sndmn11]

20" vanguard with a brake.

 

[MD97756]

Is that the bullet seating depth the rifle likes? Might be able to lengthen it out some and not compress so much.

 

[christian1]

Is that the bullet seating depth the rifle likes? Might be able to lengthen it out some and not compress so much.

Unfortuneatly the magazine length doesn't allow for much lengthening.

 

[35WhelenAI]

I was trying to convey an image that there wasn't much room left.

chris

It may be helpful to brush up on your reloading terms, headspace is a dangerous condition when there's excess of it. It has to do with the cartridge fitting properly in the chamber.

 

[eaglemountainman]

20" vanguard with a brake.
View attachment 515200

With your COAL at 2.881, do they cycle in your mag?
That seems a bit long for a short action. Not doubting, just curious.

 

[eaglemountainman]

I just want to see if another powder can give me better groups. It has shot ok, but not awesome. Maybe I'm expecting too much from a 20 inch pencil thin barrel.

chris

If you're not stuck on the 145 LRXs, I shoot 120 TTSXs over CFE 223 out of 2 skinny barreled 22" Kimbers, and quite often get tight clover leafs or bug holes. 46.0 - 47.0 grains give 2990 and 3030, respectively.

Some say CFE 223 is temp sensitive. It was an initial concern of mine, but I've shot game from low 20s - mid 50s, after developing loads in the 70s and 80s with seemingly no change in POI.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

I have used biggame and reloder 17 with the 139 gr LRX with good results. FWIW...

 

[N2TRKYS]

If you're not stuck on the 145 LRXs, I shoot 120 TTSXs over CFE 223 out of 2 skinny barreled 22" Kimbers, and quite often get tight clover leafs or bug holes. 46.0 - 47.0 grains give 2990 and 3030, respectively.

Some say CFE 223 is temp sensitive. It was an initial concern of mine, but I've shot game from low 20s - mid 50s, after developing loads in the 70s and 80s with seemingly no change in POI.

120 grain NBTs in a 7-08 is a great combo, as well. Mine are traveling 3000fps from a 20” barrel.

140 grain Accubond/Partitions are 285fps from the same 20” barrel.

 

[sndmn11]

With your COAL at 2.881, do they cycle in your mag?
That seems a bit long for a short action. Not doubting, just curious.

Yes they have a little bit of clearance. I can't remember why I used that length, I think it was for the .08 jump I start with but am not sure.

 

[christian1]

If you're not stuck on the 145 LRXs, I shoot 120 TTSXs over CFE 223 out of 2 skinny barreled 22" Kimbers, and quite often get tight clover leafs or bug holes. 46.0 - 47.0 grains give 2990 and 3030, respectively.

Some say CFE 223 is temp sensitive. It was an initial concern of mine, but I've shot game from low 20s - mid 50s, after developing loads in the 70s and 80s with seemingly no change in POI.

Speaking of 120 grain monos----anyone ever try Hammer bullets in the 120 grain selection?

 

[letrbuck]

20" vanguard with a brake.
View attachment 515200

That is cooking for a 7mm-08! My wife has the same rifle, but I haven't tried LRX in it yet. Looks like I might have to. How's accuracy with that load?

 

[sndmn11]

That is cooking for a 7mm-08! My wife has the same rifle, but I haven't tried LRX in it yet. Looks like I might have to. How's accuracy with that load?

It's fine, probably the most accurate combo we have outside the 22br.

It's also a grain under the book max; it isn't at pressure, just where I exceeded the velocity goal I had in mind.