Author Topic: What factory loads to start with? (Read 560 times)

BuckTrucker · « **on:** July 10, 2005, 02:49:32 PM »

Just recently got a new Tikka T3 SS in 7mm Rem Mag and I'm going to start figuring out which factory loads work best in it for deer season. Going to the range in the next couple of weeks and wondered what factory loads you guys suggest I start with.

Thanks,
BT

RonO777 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2005, 03:12:13 PM »

Try some Hornady. What it says on the box is true. Accurate. Deadly. Dependable. :grin:

Ron

Norseman112 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2005, 04:55:16 PM »

Hornady is very good. May want to look at federal also.

Norse

BuckTrucker · « **Reply #3 on:** July 11, 2005, 02:17:59 AM »

Thanks guys. I'm going with 140gr to start with. Any opinions on which bullets may be best for the 7mm Mag? Any Tikka owners know which cartriges to absolutely try or stay away from for accuracy?

BT

james · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2005, 03:28:49 AM »

The best I have found for a Rem 700 BDL is the Federal Premiums. They shoot half inch groups at 100 yds.
james

Grubbs · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2005, 04:14:06 AM »

My personal experience with the Tikka in 7mag (I have 2) is limited. The first box of ammo I tried was the Hornady Light mag 139 gr. SST. They shot so well (1/2") and killed deer so well (70 yds to 318 yds) and performed so perfectly I haven't tried anything else in the past 5 years. They chrono as advertised......around 3230-3265 fps.....awesome set up.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2005, 04:43:27 AM »

Find out which 160gr bullet your rifle shoots best and use it on everything. If you're gonna use a 140gr bullet, why not switch to a 7-08?

BuckTrucker · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2005, 06:51:39 AM »

Thanks Grubbs and James, I'll definitely start there. Grubbs, I hope mine shoots like that cause I'll just stop the search like you did!

Bee Man, cause I'm hoping to get results like Grubbs and I'm not sure why I need a 160 gr if a 140 does the job nicely. Also, i just got this rifle so no switching cause a 7mm is what i wanted but thanks for the suggestion.

Any other great loads for this rifle?

BT

Grubbs · « **Reply #8 on:** July 11, 2005, 07:04:06 AM »

Bucktrucker.....I'll be surprised if you don't get the same results. I hunt whitetails and mulies in the Texas Panhandle and in North Central NM. Luckily I have taken about 9 whitetails and 4 mulies with the set up and distances I talked about previously. All have been 1 shot kills. All but 2 dropped in their tracks. The one I shot at 318 yards ran 75 yards across the alfalfa patch and fell over. The biggest mulie (field dress 255 lbs) ran 60 yards an piled up. Not that I'm that great of a shot either, but this rifle will flat out shoot. These whitetail up there are not small either...dress between 150 and 218 lbs on verified scales. Bullet performance has been absolutely outstanding in every case. The only situation that concerns me a little is the longer shots (250-300) with a strong wind. Let me know how your gun shoots. I'll be very surprised if you don't gete sub 1" groups all day long. Good Luck

PEPAW · « **Reply #9 on:** July 11, 2005, 07:10:30 AM »

My 700 likes everything, so I have settled on 140's. I never cared for the range recoil, so now I practice with the Remington Recoil Management loads and they have same approx. POI as my full loads. That is great for me since I no longer have time to reload. When I hunt, recoil is not an issue.
Second tip is to have a Pachmyer Decelerator installed. I suspect it drops felt recoil by 1/4, but I have no proof. I had an old Bell & Carlsen cut off and installed the thickest pad. The gun fits perfect, even with heavy clothing. Helped my accuracy too.

pepaw

beemanbeme · « **Reply #10 on:** July 11, 2005, 01:47:40 PM »

If you were to check the ballistics, you would find that the 160 has a much better carry up (retained energy) than the 140. Also, a light for calibre bullet driven at excessive speed is apt to damage more meat than a proper weight bullet. Of course, you don't get the boy howdy look what I can do veocity that some seek in and of itself.

PEPAW · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2005, 03:10:12 AM »

Some of the shots "down the sendero" in TX can be very long. A well constructed bullet shouldn't be a problem with meat damage at a longer distance.
Lighter bullet shoots flatter with less recoil. 140 still plenty for TX sized deer.

pepaw

Grubbs · « **Reply #12 on:** July 12, 2005, 05:31:43 AM »

The loads I have been shooting are plenty for any deer.....anywhere. Just like my son has proven his 7-08 (140 gr Winchester Fail Safe) is adequate for elk. He has smoked 2 so far....1 shot....both under 150 yards. Is it optimum caliber for elk...No. Will it kill elk consistently if you do your part.....absolutely. I think everyone gets hung up in this ultra mag high velocity super duper killer stuff.