Suggestions for loading my 7x57 Ruger RSI

[Newtosavage]

Actually no. That would be my "heavy" deer load. I worked up an "elk" load last year using Nosler Partitions and H4831SC that pushed a 160 grain NPT to 2550, giving me nearly 1500 ft. lbs. out to 300 yards. Kicked like a mule and had some pressure signs, but 1" groups all day long. LOL

I actually think that 154 Interlock is a bit of overkill. I never intend to shoot at a deer beyond 300 yards.

 

[DownInTheDark]

I helped a buddy load up some 5x57 this evening. He used Win 760 44gr, and a 154 gr Hornady SP. We are gonna see how they do on paper and use the chronograph. Max load is 44.4gr according to Hornady for all of you who are overly concerned.

 

[Big7]

I don't post any loads that are not listed in manuals..

Having said that: Try some BL-C 2 on the order of a listed .308 starter. Work your way up from there.

Fantastic round and I don't have anything that short. Just FWIW.

 

[Newtosavage]

I helped a buddy load up some 5x57 this evening. He used Win 760 44gr, and a 154 gr Hornady SP. We are gonna see how they do on paper and use the chronograph. Max load is 44.4gr according to Hornady for all of you who are overly concerned.

Let me know how they do.

I have some more 154's loaded over 4350 now, and will head to the range to sight in, shoot groups and check drop to 300.

I don't post any loads that are not listed in manuals.

I guess I'm not that worried about that. I haven't "told" anyone to load anything and don't mind sharing my load data if it will help someone out. Not too many of us RSI 7x57 bolt owners out there (150, I think).

 

[Walkalong]

And flake powders look like ball powder particles smashed flat; look like a small disk.

Yep, not hard to mistake some flattened ball powders (Such as W-231) for a flake powder at first glance.

 

[Bart B.]

Remington factory ammo's probably loaded with non-cannister (not retail) IMR powder lots that probably have different burning speeds than the same type they sell at retail. Exactly like the IMR powders sent to arsenals they develop their own loads for their pressure, velocity and accuracy specs. So, duplicating that ammo can only be done with you adjusting your loads to the same pressure and muzzle velocity with the same barrel dimensions and mounting they use.

I'd forget trying to duplicate any factory load speed and pressure data for a given bullet. Your stuff will be different than their stuff used. Close is good enough using reputable reloading data.

 

[Newtosavage]

Thanks Bart.
I think I just needed to find IMR 4350 a bit sooner. LOL It really spits them out there with significantly less powder than H4831 or RL19.

Like I said, I'm new to reloading so I still don't have much experience with different powders. But it's 4350 for me from now on in my 7x57. I am going to find some 139 Interlocks next, and see how close I can get to the factory Rem. loads. Would be real nice not to have to change zero. It's a goal.

 

[DownInTheDark]

We chronographed the 44 gr of

Let me know how they do.

I have some more 154's loaded over 4350 now, and will head to the range to sight in, shoot groups and check drop to 300.



I guess I'm not that worried about that. I haven't "told" anyone to load anything and don't mind sharing my load data if it will help someone out. Not too many of us RSI 7x57 bolt owners out there (150, I think).

We messed around with a few loads, found out that 44 gr of win 760 with a win primer and a COAL of 3.100 seemed to be the most accurate. Max COAL is 3.065 the bullet hit the lands at 3.155. We used a 154 gr Hornady soft point. Bullets were going about 2500fps

Was able to get the rounds within an inch at 100 yards. The gun was a Ruger M77, didn't bother measuring the barrel length.

 

[Decoy80]

I would only use this data you have aquired in cold weather on 7x57. Ive always heard to develop a new load when the tempurature was at minimum 70 degrees. I live in the south so the best load worked up now may be an overpressure load in August at 102. If you only plan to use the data in a cooler climate it may be ok.





I guess I'm not that worried about that. I haven't "told" anyone to load anything and don't mind sharing my load data if it will help someone out. Not too many of us RSI 7x57 bolt owners out there (150, I think).[/QUOTE]

 

[Newtosavage]

Took it out again the other day and the factory loads shot a 1" 5-shot group at 100. Still the best, most consistent load I've shot from my RSI so far. My 154's over 47g H4831SC are producing impressive groups though. Just not the trajectory I want for the scope I have on my rifle.

So I'll continue to experiment with 139-140 grain bullets and see how close I can match that factory load. If it happens someday. I'll be thrilled. If not, I have options.