7Rem Mag and Cast

[KHornet]

Know there are some who feel that big fat belted mag cases shouldn't be shot with cast bullets. I disagree with that, but to each his own. In March of last year, I dug out some old (maybe up to 15 yrs old) 7Rem loads shot mostly with 287641's over 2400, Unique, and Reloader 7. I got some pretty decent groups at 50 yds with these, a couple well under an inch for 5 rounds. Rifle is 700 Rem. 22.5 gr with the 160 gr blt over 22.5 gr of 2400 shot into .775. 16 gr. of Unique shot into .840. 36 gr of Reloader under the 160 for 9 rds. shot into 1.20. Which led me to thinking, "Why not try pb's in this rifle".

I just got my first pb 7mm bullet from NOE, the 287 Thor, weighing in about 135. Will be loading it in the 7x57 thanks to help from Ben. I am looking for anyone who might have any experience with pb in the 7mag. I have doubt that there will be many, but am looking for what ever info may be out there. Looking for load experience with pb in the mag, at vols in the 1000-1200 fps range. Any help, advice based on experience with 7Mag and plain base bullets would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance to all who respond to this thread.

 

[35 shooter]

Lots of jacketed experience with the big 7, but i wasn't shooting cast in rifles back then.
The ones i've had were all super accurate with every bullet in the Sierra line.
It's a big case for sure, but lots of inherent accuracy in the 7mm cals.

If i still had one i'd be shooting cast in it for sure. I don't see why it wouldn't do just fine with some experimenting.

 

[KHornet]

I shot a lot of 7Rem, years back, for Sheep, antelope, and deer. Mine had a fondness for 154 and 175 gr Hornady. I just want to see if I can get the 135 PB Thor to shoot well at 50 yds. Will test tomrrow. Loaded 20 as a start with Fed br, Standard win pr, and 6 gr of bullseye. Figure it will be a decent starting load for PB, probably only going 1000-1100 or so.

 

[35 shooter]

Not a 7mm, but my whelen really likes the 35 cal. version of the Thor.
It shot VERY well with every powder i tried from 3031 to 4350 and from about 1900 to 2400 fps.
I really like the design and unfortunately production stopped before i could get a mould in 35 cal. for it.

I still have a handfull of them and thought about having Al or Tom make one up for me.
You know, out of the three 7 mags i have owned, you'd think i would have kept at least one of them.

 

[sundog]

I've shot cast in 7mag - a mid-70s model 700. Quite a bit a one time. Best load was the RCBS 7mm-168-SP over 3031. If memory serves me, it was somewhere on or around 30 grains. It was the best for accuracy out of everything tested. I have no idea what the velocity was.

My take away recollection was that even though it can be done, there are other cartridges that could/would lend themselves better to the task. I'd like to try it with 7x57 one of these days....

 

[freebullet]

I just want to see if I can get the 135 PB Thor to shoot well at 50 yds. Will test tomrrow. Loaded 20 as a start with Fed br, Standard win pr, and 6 gr of bullseye. Figure it will be a decent starting load for PB, probably only going 1000-1100 or so.

Did you get a chance to shoot those? Sounds like a solid plan & attainable goal.

 

[KHornet]

Sundog, tested the 135gr. Thor this a.m. in the 7 mag over 6 gr of bullseye. Only loaded 20 rounds, and I was shooting as a fine snow was coming down sideways and it was 28 degrees. (Ya I know, a bit goofy, but wanted to test the blt and rifle) First 10 shot group at 50 yds from a clean cold bbl, put the first three shots low and right of the next 7. All ten went into 2.150", with 7 going into l.375. 2nd group of ten went into 1.475" with 9 of which went into .8", the tenth was probably me. I fully agree that there are other cartridges that could/would lend themselves better to the task, but I have the rifle, and the time to play with it. Kind of fun with little tiny charges in big fat mag brass.

 

[KHornet]

Freebullet, I would have stayed longer, but shot up all of my 7mm stuff. Had my 303Brit with me, and 50 rds of it, but for some reason, decided not to shoot the old war horse. Will be working the 7 cases, for both rifles over the weekend., and if it warms a bit in the garage, will be casting a bunch more of the Thors. Will also be loading some of the Thor GC's at vols up in the 1800-2000 fps level.
Paul