162 Amax & RL-17 Results

[TSUshooter]

I just got back from doing some testing with RL 17 and 162 Amaxs in my 7mm-08 and thought Id share my results.
I was rushed for time so I wasn’t able to do much more than verify what velocities I’m going to be able to get with this combo. I was losing light so I had a little trouble with my chronograph.

Winchester 7-08 Brass
Fed GMM Primers
Reloder 17 – Manufactured March 2009
162 Amax
29 in Krieger
COAL ~3.00
70-75 degrees

Powder Charge
41 Grains
2561
2538
2522

42 Grains
2626
2636

43 Grains
2727
2713

44 Grains Primers still rounded
2780
2748
2760

44.5 Grains Primers starting to flatten
2826
2801
45 Grains
2883
2876
The 45 gr load had slightly flatter primer but still some rounded edge and VERY Light ejector mark.

I believe that 44 Grains is the max listed by Alliant so BE CAREFUL. Also, my rounds are loaded long so take that into account.

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

Nice! A 7-08 starting the 162AMax at 2800+, that'll work!

 

[beretta989]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

I'm building a 7 Rsaum and have been looking at the Berger 168's and the A-max 162s I hope the Amax shoot better!

 

[TSUshooter]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

I'm happy with the velocity. I was able to match what I was getting using VV N550 and this powder is cheaper and easy to find.

Hopefully it will shoot as well as VV.

 

[seven mm]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

Give the 175smk a try with R17. You'll be glad you did. According to Litz the G1 on the 175 is 0.640 versus 0.600 for the 162 amax. I was able to run 2700 with a 22" barrel with the 175's. I ran them at 2750 for a while but if I had a long string of fire I'd end up showing pressure, thus the reason for backing it down.

 

[beretta989]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

Sierra lists the 175smks at .608BC And Hornaday Lists the 162A-max at .625Bc? Unless I missed somthing the 162s are better BC wise.

 

[david777]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

Here are the G7 profiles for each bullet.

Sierra 0.284" 175gr Matchking 0.327
Hornady 0.284" 162gr Amax 0.307

Based upon this, the Sierra will give better long range performance.

 

[TSUshooter]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

I have some 175s sitting here but I haven't tested them yet. From the numbers I have looked at it seems that at 1000 yds they will shoot 2-4 inches inside the 162s with the velocities that I am expecting to get.

I am also planning to try the 180 Bergers or JLKs at some point but the price on those bullets is going to be a limiting factor for me.

I think I could probably push the Amaxs faster but I have an 8 twist barrel and I'm afraid I may start blowing them up.

 

[joker7940]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

Did you get any good accuracy nodes with any one of the strings? And were you shooting out of a gas gun or bolt?

 

[TSUshooter]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

Im shooting a Rem 700.

The main focus on this range trip was to get velocity data and refamiliarize myself with a rifle that I haven't shot much recently. I plan on doing some accuracy testing in the next few weeks.

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

Don't forget the 178 amax!

 

[beretta989]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

They don't make 178 A-max in 7mm.

 

[bmarc69]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

I am loading H4350 right now at 2650. I am trying to get info on the reloader17 as I have some to try. I am using AI mags so my max OAL is 2.835. Based on the data above, How much should I reduce to compensate for the shorter OAL and lesser case capacity?

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: beretta989</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They don't make 178 A-max in 7mm. </div></div>

Sorry, my mistake!

 

[TSUshooter]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bmarc69</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am loading H4350 right now at 2650. I am trying to get info on the reloader17 as I have some to try. I am using AI mags so my max OAL is 2.835. Based on the data above, How much should I reduce to compensate for the shorter OAL and lesser case capacity?</div></div>

Take a look at Alliant's website. Link to Alliant Page

I started about 10% below max for the 160 gr. bullets.

 

[7mmRM]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

44.5 of RL17 does very well in my 708. Velocity is 2720.(22" bbl)

With that said, I hated to have to do it, but I stopped running '17 due to temp stability issues. I would get .2- .4 MIL vertical swing in my 100yrd zero with a mild temp change.

Been using 8208 XBR. The temp/vertical stringing issue has stopped. Same accuracy. Velocity is nearly identical. ES/SDs are tid bit lower.

 

[TSUshooter]

Re: 162 Amax & RL-17 Results

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7mmRM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">44.5 of RL17 does very well in my 708. Velocity is 2720.(22" bbl)

With that said, I hated to have to do it, but I stopped running '17 due to temp stability issues. I would get .2- .4 MIL vertical swing in my 100yrd zero with a mild temp change.

Been using 8208 XBR. The temp/vertical stringing issue has stopped. Same accuracy. Velocity is nearly identical. ES/SDs are tid bit lower. </div></div>

How well does 8208 fill up the case?