• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

7 saum

Anyone have a line or can spare some 7mm Nosler ABLR’s? I need to get a load worked up by October for elk. I guess worst case I can shoot the 180 Berger OTM but I’d rather shoot a bonded bullet in case I need to make a close-up shoulder shot, etc.
 
I have a 7saum build in the works, using a defiance ruckus xm length, with Hawkins xm length bottom metal. I plan on loading 168-180vlds. Which freebore would work best?
 
Pretty sure I got a 220 freebore in my saum. 175s and 180s r both being jumped 100 thou.
 
Make a dummy round. Have yur smith throat it. U will have plenty of room with the xm to run them were they need to b
 
Math says there’s a pretty big difference between the 168 vld hunter and the 180vld hunter( you were looking at the VLDH right?) a 180vldH with a .2 freebore should place you around 3”ish
3.2 allows a pretty generous amount of room.
 
Yes, the 180 vld hunter. I don't plan on going any heavier than the 180, would like to try the 168 berger classic hunter and maybe the 175 eldx unless that long freebore is too much jump for the shorter bullets.
 
Yes, the 180 vld hunter. I don't plan on going any heavier than the 180, would like to try the 168 berger classic hunter and maybe the 175 eldx unless that long freebore is too much jump for the shorter bullets.
The Berger 168 classic hunter loves jump.
It actually should work well in a FB set up for 180VLDH’s as it has a similar bearing length
 
Last edited:
Finally got everything back from the smith swapping from 260 Rem to 7 SAUM... Magnum Bolt from BAT Machine, 28" Benchmark 1-8.5T barrel, Accurate WSM Mags, Area 419 Sidewinder Brake. Had my smith trim feedramp to mag feed 2.970 from a short action. Not sure if I was more excited to get my rifle back or the fact my smith had 10lbs of IMR 7977 he let me have for $275 that I'd been searching for. Load develop coming ASAP with IMR 7977 and Berger 190 Hybrids hoping to get around 2800fps
 

Attachments

  • 20210921_143847~2.jpg
    20210921_143847~2.jpg
    579.9 KB · Views: 141
  • 20210921_143739~2.jpg
    20210921_143739~2.jpg
    556.6 KB · Views: 140
  • 20210921_143727~2.jpg
    20210921_143727~2.jpg
    263 KB · Views: 136
  • 20210921_143516~2.jpg
    20210921_143516~2.jpg
    663.5 KB · Views: 124
  • 20210921_143954~2.jpg
    20210921_143954~2.jpg
    316.2 KB · Views: 127
  • 20210921_143854~2.jpg
    20210921_143854~2.jpg
    337.4 KB · Views: 136
Load development with IMR 7977, Berger 190 Hybrids, Winchester Large Rifle Primers, Norma Brass, 28" Benchmark 1-8.5T Barrel. This was the first 30rds down the new build I haven't messed with seating depth yet. Loaded everything 2.970" OAL. Shot at 82D Fahrenheit, Zero pressure signs throughout all the charges. Didn't try to get extremely tight groups yet as build is brand new. Thanks to @Steel head for getting me a great starting point with everything.

60.5g = 2741, 2748, 2740 = AVG 2743fps = Group Size .99"
61.0g = 2767, 2764, 2763 = AVG 2764fps = Group Size 1.65"
61.5g = 2768, 2764, 2801 = AVG 2777fps = Group Size 1.55"
62.0g = 2827, 2833, 2825 = AVG 2828fps = Group Size 2.25" Compressed Load
62.5g = 2842, 2821, 2856 = AVG 2840fps = Group Size 1.37" Compressed Load

7 SAUM BRASS.jpg
 
Need some guidance on what you guys would try next, did another small ladder test with IMR 7977 and IMR 4831 with speeds and groups below. Im not getting the groups Id like to have with IMR 7977 before I start fine tuning in on something. Im thinking I might try Magnum primers with the IMR 7977 to see if it does anything to group size and to verify its burning all the powder. Usually I try to dial a load in based on its running the speeds I want and under 1" group. Im trying to get around 2850 - 2900 and 1" group then start tweaking the load, obviously the IMR 4831 is too fast of a burn rate for Berger 190's dont think the speeds are ever gonna get there. Berger 190 Hybrids, Winchester Large Rifle Primers, Norma Brass, 28" Benchmark 1-8.5T Barrel loaded 2.965" OAL, Build has 60rds on it currently. Thoughts...?

IMR 7977
60.8g = 2774, 2734, 2760, AVG 2756fps = Group Size 2.63"
61.3g = 2778, 2738, 2754, AVG 2756fps = Group Size 1.66"
61.8g = 2769, 2786, 2756, AVG 2770fps = Group Size 2.08"
62.3g = 2817, 2796, 2819, AVG 2810fps = Group Size 1.95" Compressed Load

IMR 4831
49.5g = 2485, 2504, 2468, AVG 2486fps = Group Size 1.36"
50.0g = 2507, 2500, 2510, AVG 2505fps = Group Size 0.49"
50.5g = 2550, 2554, 2532, AVG 2545fps = Group Size 1.60"
51.0g = 2572, 2541, 2557, AVG 2556fps = Group Size 0.99"
52.0g = 2596, 2608, 2586, AVG 2596fps = Group Size 1.65"
 
Need some guidance on what you guys would try next, did another small ladder test with IMR 7977 and IMR 4831 with speeds and groups below. Im not getting the groups Id like to have with IMR 7977 before I start fine tuning in on something. Im thinking I might try Magnum primers with the IMR 7977 to see if it does anything to group size and to verify its burning all the powder. Usually I try to dial a load in based on its running the speeds I want and under 1" group. Im trying to get around 2850 - 2900 and 1" group then start tweaking the load, obviously the IMR 4831 is too fast of a burn rate for Berger 190's dont think the speeds are ever gonna get there. Berger 190 Hybrids, Winchester Large Rifle Primers, Norma Brass, 28" Benchmark 1-8.5T Barrel loaded 2.965" OAL, Build has 60rds on it currently. Thoughts...?

IMR 7977
60.8g = 2774, 2734, 2760, AVG 2756fps = Group Size 2.63"
61.3g = 2778, 2738, 2754, AVG 2756fps = Group Size 1.66"
61.8g = 2769, 2786, 2756, AVG 2770fps = Group Size 2.08"
62.3g = 2817, 2796, 2819, AVG 2810fps = Group Size 1.95" Compressed Load

IMR 4831
49.5g = 2485, 2504, 2468, AVG 2486fps = Group Size 1.36"
50.0g = 2507, 2500, 2510, AVG 2505fps = Group Size 0.49"
50.5g = 2550, 2554, 2532, AVG 2545fps = Group Size 1.60"
51.0g = 2572, 2541, 2557, AVG 2556fps = Group Size 0.99"
52.0g = 2596, 2608, 2586, AVG 2596fps = Group Size 1.65"
Unless you load long you’ll probably never get enough 7977/H100in to get your desired speed and 2850 should be achievable with 190’s
All three of my barrels comfortably did it.
high energy powders like R26 and N565 are the secret to speed in 7 saum, especially at SA mag lengths.
As for accuracy that’s to be tuned with a jump test.
I’ve found the Berger 190 to like jump like all the other hybrids I’ve shot.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BoltRunner
Unless you load long you’ll probably never get enough 7977/H100in to get your desired speed and 2850 should be achievable with 190’s
All three of my barrels comfortably did it.
high energy powders like R26 and N565 are the secret to speed in 7 saum, especially at SA mag lengths.
As for accuracy that’s to be tuned with a jump test.
I’ve found the Berger 190 to like jump like all the other hybrids I’ve shot.
Good points and thanks, I'd love to get my hands on RL26 but haven't seen it in prob 9 months locally and cant seem to catch it online. I'll try to tighten the groups up with seating depth and keep looking for powder 👍
 
Here's my 7 SAUM hunting rig. Lone Peak Fuzion Ti XM Length, Bartlein 26in Carbon, XLR Magnesium 4.0 chassis topped off with a Vortex Razor HD LHT 3X15. Load is 180 ELDM, ADG brass, RL26 at 61.5 grains going 2858 FPS. I had the chamber throated for the ELDM by Spartan Precision.
 

Attachments

  • 20210906_102614.jpg
    20210906_102614.jpg
    800.4 KB · Views: 109
  • Screenshot_20210906-095903.jpg
    Screenshot_20210906-095903.jpg
    420.8 KB · Views: 109
That’s a pretty moderate speed.
Should absolutely never have any issues which is good for a hunting rig.
 
Love my 7 saum, it's the gun on top . Buddies 300 prc bottom
Origin action
Pva prefit 24"
Manners t2a
Mark 5 3x18 tmr
Warren mtn tech rings
Shooting 175 elite hunters 2900
Took a shot at a rock 1240 yards, first rnd impact dead center, elevation 9300 ft. Its good to know the system u are using works.
74286.jpeg
 
That’s a pretty moderate speed.
Should absolutely never have any issues which is good for a hunting rig.
That's only 70 rounds down the tube, so I think it may speed up a little more yet. But overall, it's been super simple to do load development for and I honestly couldn't be more pleased. I went today to verify dopes out to 900 and it was spot on and so easy to shoot. Kind of surprised with how soft I think it shoots for a 7mm. It's been night and day easier than my 28 Nosler was.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PowellSixO
That's only 70 rounds down the tube, so I think it may speed up a little more yet. But overall, it's been super simple to do load development for and I honestly couldn't be more pleased. I went today to verify dopes out to 900 and it was spot on and so easy to shoot. Kind of surprised with how soft I think it shoots for a 7mm. It's been night and day easier than my 28 Nosler was.
Yea
7 saum is silly easy to load for, similar to 260.
The mild loads to once fire brass for my first 7 saum barrel were 180’s at 2840ish, they hammered.
 
Last edited:
Need some guidance on what you guys would try next, did another small ladder test with IMR 7977 and IMR 4831 with speeds and groups below. Im not getting the groups Id like to have with IMR 7977 before I start fine tuning in on something. Im thinking I might try Magnum primers with the IMR 7977 to see if it does anything to group size and to verify its burning all the powder. Usually I try to dial a load in based on its running the speeds I want and under 1" group. Im trying to get around 2850 - 2900 and 1" group then start tweaking the load, obviously the IMR 4831 is too fast of a burn rate for Berger 190's dont think the speeds are ever gonna get there. Berger 190 Hybrids, Winchester Large Rifle Primers, Norma Brass, 28" Benchmark 1-8.5T Barrel loaded 2.965" OAL, Build has 60rds on it currently. Thoughts...?

IMR 7977
60.8g = 2774, 2734, 2760, AVG 2756fps = Group Size 2.63"
61.3g = 2778, 2738, 2754, AVG 2756fps = Group Size 1.66"
61.8g = 2769, 2786, 2756, AVG 2770fps = Group Size 2.08"
62.3g = 2817, 2796, 2819, AVG 2810fps = Group Size 1.95" Compressed Load

IMR 4831
49.5g = 2485, 2504, 2468, AVG 2486fps = Group Size 1.36"
50.0g = 2507, 2500, 2510, AVG 2505fps = Group Size 0.49"
50.5g = 2550, 2554, 2532, AVG 2545fps = Group Size 1.60"
51.0g = 2572, 2541, 2557, AVG 2556fps = Group Size 0.99"
52.0g = 2596, 2608, 2586, AVG 2596fps = Group Size 1.65"
You need to get a hold of some h4831sc.
 
Need some guidance on what you guys would try next, did another small ladder test with IMR 7977 and IMR 4831 with speeds and groups below. Im not getting the groups Id like to have with IMR 7977 before I start fine tuning in on something. Im thinking I might try Magnum primers with the IMR 7977 to see if it does anything to group size and to verify its burning all the powder. Usually I try to dial a load in based on its running the speeds I want and under 1" group. Im trying to get around 2850 - 2900 and 1" group then start tweaking the load, obviously the IMR 4831 is too fast of a burn rate for Berger 190's dont think the speeds are ever gonna get there. Berger 190 Hybrids, Winchester Large Rifle Primers, Norma Brass, 28" Benchmark 1-8.5T Barrel loaded 2.965" OAL, Build has 60rds on it currently. Thoughts...?

IMR 7977
60.8g = 2774, 2734, 2760, AVG 2756fps = Group Size 2.63"
61.3g = 2778, 2738, 2754, AVG 2756fps = Group Size 1.66"
61.8g = 2769, 2786, 2756, AVG 2770fps = Group Size 2.08"
62.3g = 2817, 2796, 2819, AVG 2810fps = Group Size 1.95" Compressed Load

IMR 4831
49.5g = 2485, 2504, 2468, AVG 2486fps = Group Size 1.36"
50.0g = 2507, 2500, 2510, AVG 2505fps = Group Size 0.49"
50.5g = 2550, 2554, 2532, AVG 2545fps = Group Size 1.60"
51.0g = 2572, 2541, 2557, AVG 2556fps = Group Size 0.99"
52.0g = 2596, 2608, 2586, AVG 2596fps = Group Size 1.65"
Try more neck tension, from 3 to 6 thou and a lot of people have struggled with this bullet, a reason you can buy them….
 
  • Like
Reactions: BoltRunner
Try more neck tension, from 3 to 6 thou and a lot of people have struggled with this bullet, a reason you can buy them….
This is what I'm going after now seating depth and neck tension. Putting together a ladder test with seating depth every .003 from max mag length back looking for 2 nodes together then going to neck tension.
 
Berger 190 like jump, N570 and some throat erosion yielded sub 1 inch groups at 300 yards in the 7 SAUM Improved.
 
After getting the new rifle together I was able to break it in some yesterday. ADG brass and a light load of 58.0 grains of RL26 and a 180 hybrid. Very light recoil, but wanted to start slow before load development.

Rifle was right on, only took it to 600
 
  • Like
Reactions: XTREM HTR16
After getting the new rifle together I was able to break it in some yesterday. ADG brass and a light load of 58.0 grains of RL26 and a 180 hybrid. Very light recoil, but wanted to start slow before load development.

Rifle was right on, only took it to 600
my first loads were 2800 with 180’s, incredibly mild and accurate but already kicking my 260’s ass.
Basically 284 performance.
 
My saum is finally done! Time to start the load work.
 

Attachments

  • ED61933F-298F-4AF7-BF16-C855CD4AACDC.jpeg
    ED61933F-298F-4AF7-BF16-C855CD4AACDC.jpeg
    681.2 KB · Views: 103
  • B578D766-7EC8-4ECE-BFE7-C3CC43AF21BD.jpeg
    B578D766-7EC8-4ECE-BFE7-C3CC43AF21BD.jpeg
    686.5 KB · Views: 104
  • 47F9F35B-A86D-4017-A21F-B9783AAE0831.jpeg
    47F9F35B-A86D-4017-A21F-B9783AAE0831.jpeg
    612.8 KB · Views: 97
Anyone recommendations on starting point? Can’t find book data for this combo. 175gr eldx, ADG brass, and RL26. Thanks
 
Cant find my notes on the 180s and rl26
I think I was around 59 ish gn. Not 100 percent on that
 
  • Like
Reactions: Timo494
Anyone recommendations on starting point? Can’t find book data for this combo. 175gr eldx, ADG brass, and RL26. Thanks
In a medium action and 180 ELDM'S, I'm at 61.5 with RL26 and ADG brass.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Timo494
Worked up to 61 grains of RL26 behind the 175gr eldx. Good for 2860 FPS in a 24” barrel out of a short action. Will do some more fine tuning after hunting season but no pressure signs at all and the barrel should speed up a bit.
 

Attachments

  • FCBB63E2-06B0-4549-A0F5-5C82A424F836.jpeg
    FCBB63E2-06B0-4549-A0F5-5C82A424F836.jpeg
    824.6 KB · Views: 90
Worked up to 61 grains of RL26 behind the 175gr eldx. Good for 2860 FPS in a 24” barrel out of a short action. Will do some more fine tuning after hunting season but no pressure signs at all and the barrel should speed up a bit.

virgin brass and a fresh barrel? I had similar results and the pressure signs showed up once the barrel sped up and brass had been fired.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Timo494
Any starting loads for N165 and the 175 ELDX? I'm not married to this powder but it's what I have
 
So I know it might not be to everyone’s standards on here but here is my recipe.
APR built. Thanks if you’re on here!!
24” 1-9” barrel rem700 w/wyatts box
7saum
Leupold VX6HD 3-18x44 fire dot
I’ve only shot the rifle about 60times. Hopefully with tweaking it will get better. Tried H1000 and didn’t get velocity before pressure started to show.

reloader23
Berger 175 elite hunter
2.200 BtO
ADG brass
Fed215M
2880fps

5 shot .494
4 shots minus the last shot that nicked the bull .323



FD1412B1-5AE0-4129-A96B-2053ED15525B.jpeg
 
virgin brass and a fresh barrel? I had similar results and the pressure signs showed up once the barrel sped up and brass had been fired.
HI Guys, just loaded up some berger 175 elite hunters with rl-26. My barrel is a benchmark 8 twist, 5r, #2 with 236 rnds so far.
SA Defiance tenacity, saami spec reamer .321"neck .090" freebore, 175eh seated 2.953" about .055" off the lands, my loads got me to 2895fps with 61.9grs of rl26 and fed mag match primers, ADG brass was brand new and i did not notice any sign of pressure, primer pockets still tight after cleaning.
My group for 5 shots was 1.250" at 200yards. I will test a few loads at 61.8grs and 62grs and I will also try cci br primers and neck turn my brass to see if I can tighten up my groups.
What do you guys think about my load? Is it super close to max pressure or am I over already even though I did not get sticky bolt or extractor marks?
Thank you,
Elmer