7mm-08 nosler 150gr partition help using Varget

[Franco]

Just starting reloading for my browning 7mm-08 and I need some recommendations on load data for Nosler 150gr ballistic tip spitzer. Hodgdon data doesn't list this bullet and I don't have a Nosler reload manual. Also, I'm using Varget (because I bought it for other 7mm-08 loads like Hornady and Speer).

So, looking for data on Varget for this bullet. Feel free to suggest different powders but that won't be very helpful as I'm not sure my reloading cabinet can fit any more brands/types. I'm guessing it's around 41gr of Varget but I don't like guessing.....
Thanks in advance

 

[NCsmitty]

IMO, you should be weight specific, not brand specific when selecting loads for your rifle. 150gr Nosler BT match up fairly well with Sierra's profile and Hodgdon lists Sierra 150gr BTHP with 38.5gr start load, and 41.3gr for a max load, using Varget.
I'm not saying that different bullet brands are all the same, but as a rule, bullet weight trumps bullet brand in working up loads.
H414/Win760 ball powders work very well as does H4350, but you should use magnum primers when working up loads with ball powders.



NCsmitty

 

[Ol` Joe]

If you want powder based data go to the powder company
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

If you need bullet based data go to the bullet company
http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=7mm&s=266

 

[dagger dog]

Franco,

This info is from Nosler 5th edition

150 gr. Solid Base Ballistic Tip (red)
150 gr. CT Ballistic Silvertip
150 gr. Partition Spitzer

Varget MAX 41.0 gr. @2747 fps 86% load density
39.0 gr. @2630 fps 82% load density
37.0* gr. @2505 fps 77% load density

* most accurate load

This load from Remington brass, Winchester large rifle primer, 26" barrel ,1 in 9 twist

 

[Franco]

Thanks everyone. Yes, I agree that bullet weight trumps brand but sometimes Hodgdon lists a range for a particular bullet brand and weight that is quite a bit higher than the load range presented by the bullet manufacturer for the same brand and weight. I tend to believe that the bullet manufacturer's data should trump the powder manufacturer's data, although I'm sure someone could do it the other way. Thanks again.

 

[Franco]

Here are the results from the range today. Velocity was measured 3 ft from muzzle of a 22" barrel (1 in 9.5 twist I think) and I used CCI 200 primers.

150gr Nosler ballistic tip w/ 38gr Varget -- 2569 fps
"" "" w/ 39gr Varget -- 2624 fps
"" "" w/ 40gr Varget -- 2650 fps

154gr Hornady SP w/ 39gr Varget -- 2604fps

There was no measurable difference in accuracy among these loads at 100yds. All shots roughly 1.5 MOA or better (seated at bench resting on my shooting bag). If anything, the 40gr of Varget with the Nosler had a slightly tighter group. However, these are based on 6 shot strings so probably not enough data to form any solid conclusions on accuracy. So, I will probably load each of these, and maybe Nosler partitions, with 40gr Varget for hunting. Hope this helps someone.