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Well oomans, under supervision of a bald monkey that has been pawloading for 30 years, we've canned our first bangs: 7mm Remington Magnums.

We used Prvi cases, Federal magnum primers, Viht NH560 powder and 175gn Sierra Matchking bullets, all assembled on RCBS kit and dies. As the cases were new & unfired we full length sized them. Load data were taken from Lymans' 49. We started at the bottom end of the charge weight range - 55gn - and assembled a range of cartridges with the load incremented in 1 gn steps until we approached the top end of the scale. At that point we increased each increment in half grain steps to take us a little closer to the maximum limit, but stopped short of the maxim recommendation of 68 gn.

We took the freshly canned bangs to the range and started to fire them, beginning with the lowest charge. After each charge was fired we inspected the case carefully. At the low end of charge weights there was no sign of sooting at the case neck and at the high end we had no indications of high pressure so we believe we're working in a safe range of charge weights for this particular set up.

Next task is to make up 5 rounds of each of the charge weights and test them for grouping, accuracy and precision so that we can identify the optimum load for our rifle using these particular components.

Well done badger, sounds like a great few days!

I don't read my own signature!

Well done SC, sounds like you had a great day and learned a few first steps. When I load up five rounds of say five different weight loads to save having to separate them any special way I get a marker pen and write the powder and charge weight on the case of the first and last round in each row. I usually make one extra round of the lightest charge weight as well and use that as a fouling round just to get the barrel warmed up some as it's not uncommon for the next four rounds to be nowhere near the first round fired.

Blu

Once we have found a load that gives good grouping and accuracy, next task will be to calibrate our RZ8 reticle for it...

There is something very special about firing your first home loaded rounds.

Oh indeedy: we trembled and went quite white as we squeezed the trigger for the first time.

We were quite impressed when we opened our eyes and saw the target had popped back up registering a V bull.

well done Badger, as Mr Ovenpaa states its nice when your first home loads actually go BANG and hit the target :goodjob:

It's always useful for the benefit of data for ballistic software for you long range shooting to put your loads over a Chronograph if you have access to one.

Alan

How long ago was it you were saying you had no intention of ever reloading...? :lol:

Glad you're enjoying it

We didn't intend to reload, skwirrel ! However, target rounds aren't available for the 7mm Rem Mag, only hunting rounds, and so we have to pawload. We have to admit though, it's very satisfying to can our own bangs...

We've also just procured some .45 ACP dies in order to can a few hisses for our DeLisle carbine