making up first 7mm STW load and have some ???s

[rb85cj7]

i am trying to start reloading for my 7mm STW and I really appreciate everyones help on all my stupid questions so far.

I was looking at different loads that are listed in my Nosler Manual and I noticed that majority are slower than the factory load I currently shoot (3100 fps). the most accurate powerder test for the 160 gr Accubond was H1000 (i think, this was last night and I am now at work) and it was listed at 2950 fps. Now I know that isn't a lot but the whole reason I went with the STW was speed and power. How much will 150 fps really effect a bullet with a BC of .531? I know that it takes the 1200 ft/lbs at 3100 fps at 800 yards and turns it to 1200 ft/lbs at 700 yards. Will the slower load increase barrel life? As you can tell I am new to a lot of this but i am trying to do the best I can.

TIA

 

[NCsmitty]

You first have to realize, that book velocities do not always translate to real world numbers.
Secondly, most factory loads use powders that are not available to the reloader.
We deal with whats available and do the best that we can. Do you have a chronograph, and are able to verify the factory loads? If not, you might be surprised that you're getting much less than what the factory books list.

Go to www.hodgdon.com and look up the loads for your STW. Several powders give over 3000fps at Max loads.
I believe Alliant's Rel-25 does well in that caliber too.
www.alliantpowder.com

As a rule, most loads under Max will give you the best accuracy, IMO that's worth more than Max loads that do not group well.

NCsmitty