Hornady Range Day (Savage 111, 7mm Rem Mag)

[Rattleakak]

Took my 111 to the range today to try 3 different Hornady commercial loads. 2 different bullet weights, 3 different bullet designs in 7mm RM;

139gr SST
139gr InterLock BTSP
162gr EDL-X

100 yard, bench rested. I could not get any of the 139gr projectiles to group better than ~2 MOA. The 162gr ELD-X grouped sub MOA, every 3 shot string. Obviously I expected POA to be different between the 3, but I was VERY suprised that I couldn't get the 139gr bullets of either design to group well. Any ideas gentleman on why? I am going to measure OAL between the 3, as maybe that had something to do with it.

[hafejd30]

Your barrel twist is probably better suited for the heavier bullets. Not stabilizing the 139's. (Faster twist for the heavies)

[Rattleakak]

That makes sense...thanks for the response....

[wbm]

7mm Magnum is my favorite all-around cartridge. So I have loaded for them a lot of years. The Savage 7mm magnum has a 1-9.5 twist and is just fine for 120 and 140gr bullets. The problem you are having with the 139gr is not related to twist rate....it is related to the fact that your particular rifle just doesn't shoot them well. Remington originally offered ammunition in 150gr and 175gr weights and at one time the U.S. Secret Service used a 120gr bullet for counter sniper use. The best two loads I ever developed for a Savage 7mm in lighter bullets were the 120gr Nosler Ballistic Tip and 140gr Berger Hunting VLD. For heavier bullets the 160gr Sierra Gamekings were outstanding. In your rifle, I would just stay with the Hornady 162gr ELD-X.

[Rattleakak]

Thanks for the info wbm. I am going to stick to the 162s as you suggest this mule deer and Rocky Mt. elk season and spend the winter working up some lighter loads. I am new to reloading and look forward to finding the hand loads this rifle likes. Also hoping for an opportunity to observe terminal ballistic performance of the ELD-X on deer and elk at the end of this month and end of October. Also any reloading tips you may have for the 7mm RM or info in general would be greatly appreciated..