My M70 Magic Load

[RichS194]

Had some fun experimenting with 7mm loads in my M70 this past Sunday. I have been loading 58.5-59 gr imr4350 with a 150 gr btsp and typically end up with a 5 shot group similar to the following at 100 yds:

Knowing that I should be able to get tighter groups and that I was still below max I decided to try 59.5 and 60 gr to see the difference. I ended up with the following quarter sized 5 shot group with 59.5 gr:

The 60 gr load moved to the right a little and also opened up a little so it seems the sweet spot for my M70 is 59.5 gr. I do not have a chrono or I would post velocities.

I am the original owner of the M70 purchased new in 1976-77. These shots were from a bench with a typical bipod mounted on the front sling swivel and my shoulder at the other end so I am pretty pleased. Shoulda done this long ago ; - )

 

[30Cal]

Caliber?

 

[RichS194]

7mm mag, 35 yr old federal brass that's been reloaded 30-35 times now, Sierra 150 gr btsp, CCI 250, imr4350

Now if I could just find some place in eastern PA where I could try this at 1000 yds...

 

[BullfrogKen]

You need some new brass.


There's a 1,000 yard range in Lewistown, Mifflin County Sportsmen Assoc.

Another one in the center of the state, Reade Range.

And Bridgeville Rifle and Pistol in Delaware is about to open their new 1,000 yard range next year.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You need some new brass.


There's a 1,000 yard range in Lewistown, Mifflin County Sportsmen Assoc.

Another one in the center of the state, Reade Range.

And Bridgeville Rifle and Pistol in Delaware is about to open their new 1,000 yard range next year.

I got excited when you posted about Lewistown until I checked Map Quest and found out it's more than 130 miles from me. I can't fine anywhere near me that has a range longer than 200 yards! :banghead:

 

[BullfrogKen]

OK, where are you?



130 miles is nothing. I drive farther than that to get to Reade. And farther still to go to Bridgeville.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I can't do a 260+ mile trip in 1 day plus shooting because my back is seriously damaged. 15 years ago I would have thought nothing of it but now....

I'm up in the Carbondale area.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I don't sandwich a day of shooting around 300 miles of driving, either.

I stay the night at the location.


I'm not familiar with that area of Pennsylvania. There just aren't a lot of clubs that go past 200 yards on a rifle range. It requires a lot of property and planning. About the only places you'll find are clubs that hold NRA High Power matches or other types of rifle competition.


You'll just have to ask around, and be prepared to have to drive a distance to get there. Good luck.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I'll add that a good place to start is here:

http://www.pennarifleandpistol.org/

This is Pennsylvania's NRA state-affiliate organization. The newsletter has a list of clubs that have club-level memberships (as opposed to individual-level membership). So the list is not exhaustive. There are hundreds of gun clubs in Pennsylvania, only a few dozen are in the newsletter.

But if a club holds organized rifle competitions, they'll more than likely be a member of the PRPA. There aren't a lot of clubs that have the full course (600 yards) for High Power rifle, and even fewer with a 1,000 yard range.

If you want to play at those distances, you'll have to do what the rest of us do and realize you're going to have to drive a distance to get to one.

I'm not sure how close you are to some of the ranges in New York state, but that's another option for you to consider.