Reloading Question on Powder Selection

[RedZippa]

I'd like to begin reloading my Sako A7 7mm Rem Mag for the first time, and would like to use Barnes 140gr TTSX bullets. In Barnes' reloading manuals, the 140 hr TTST shows RL22 and Retumbo used, but both the 120gr and the 150gr TTSX show IMR4831 being.

Does this mean that (1) IMR4831 should not be used for the 140gr, (2) IMR4831 wasn't tested on the 140gr TTSX, or (3) that IMR4831 simply wasn't one of the more accurate powders for the 140gr?


http://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-cont...MagnumWeb1.pdf

Thank you for the advice!

[Robmcleod82]

About 70 grains of retumbo, or 64ish grains of H4831 should do the trick nicely.

[Cowtown guy]

4831 will do just fine. They simply don't list every powder.

[qwert]

I find it surprising that, with the exception of Retumbo, Barne's suggested best accuracy powder was the one with the lowest load density. Can someone offer any explanation?

I suggest that the OP consult the Hodgdon powder load data website and compare their suggested loads with Barne's.

good Luck, YMMV

[TUFFBUFF]

I'm a newer reloader and have 3 books here and also check Barnes data online, general reports that Barnes data is light.
I'd look at the Hodgdon online site, select cartridge and bullet weight and see all the loads. I ended up with 150TSX 7mag and 66gr H4831 in my Dads rifle first try and under 1" - might have got lucky though

[Cowtown guy]

Just goes to show that every barrel is different is all. There really is no magic number for any load for every barrel.
Which is why I think it's weird that people ask for people's specific load data.

[Cowtown guy]

Originally Posted by TUFFBUFF

I'm a newer reloader and have 3 books here and also check Barnes data online, general reports that Barnes data is light.
I'd look at the Hodgdon online site, select cartridge and bullet weight and see all the loads. I ended up with 150TSX 7mag and 66gr H4831 in my Dads rifle first try and under 1" - might have got lucky though

The solid copper bullets should not use the cup and core data from other sources. They produce pressure differently so the data will not be the same. Which may mean it is not safe.

Start low and work your way up slowly. Mic the case heads to check for expansion/pressure signs.

[TUFFBUFF]

Originally Posted by Cowtown guy

The solid copper bullets should not use the cup and core data from other sources. They produce pressure differently so the data will not be the same. Which may mean it is not safe.

Start low and work your way up slowly. Mic the case heads to check for expansion/pressure signs.

You bet, there's data using Barnes bullets on that site, I ended up 2gr under their max.
To the OP - H1000 and IMR7828 could be good to try as RE22 is impossible to find, although the 4831's and 4350's should be fine for the lighter bullets.

[Cowtown guy]

Originally Posted by TUFFBUFF

You bet, there's data using Barnes bullets on that site, I ended up 2gr under their max.

True. I was posting that for the OP as he seems a bit newer to this and may not know.

To the OP - H1000 and IMR7828 could be good to try as RE22 is impossible to find, although the 4831's and 4350's should be fine for the lighter bullets.

I found the 4831 to be great for the 140 and 150 grain bullets. I agree with TUFFBUFF that the slower powders mentioned above should be good for 160+ grain bullets.