7-30 Waters Velocity Problems & bullet expansion Question

[Minnesota1]

Hey guys,

I have a problem.  I have a t/c 12" hunter barrel in 7-30 waters.  I loaded it with 120 gr.Nosler Ballistic Tips and Hornady 120 gr. A-max bullets.  I seated them at 2.775" O.A.L.

Here are my velocities:

Nosler:  Powder: Accurate 2460  35 gr. avg. Velocity= 2192 fps
Nosler:  Powder: Accurate 2460  36 gr. avg. Velocity = 2212 fps

Hornady Powder:  Accurate 2520 35 gr. avg velocity = 2192 fps
Hornady Powder: Accurate 2520  36 gr. avg velocity = 2285 fps

Hornady Powder: 2460 35 gr. avg velocity = 2232 fps
Hornady Powder:  2460 36 gr. avg velocity = 2257 fps

In the loading tables it said these should be going 2500 + fps.  Those were shot out of a 14" barrel but I don't think a couple inches will make that big of deal.  Also, does anyone know how low these bullets can go in velocity and still expand on deer?

If anyone has any other loads for their 7-30 waters I would love to see them.  Any input on velocities I would love as well.

Thanks,

Bob

[7-30 Waters]

I never did have great luck with AA ball powders in my 7-30 Waters Contender 14" Hunter barrel.  Try AA 4064 worked the best of any powder I tried.  You can load up to 38 grains according to the Accurate Arm #2 manual.  I was able to obtain 2500 fps easily with this load using both bullets you mentioned.  You also may want to try different primers.  I used Winchester large rifle for mine loads. 

You never mentioned what brand of primer or brass you were using.

Are your brass fireformed 30-30 or factory Waters brass?  Another option would to buy a Lee factory crimp die for added bullet tension.

[Minnesota1]

I am using fireformed 30/30 cases.  I did not factory crimp them though.  Do you get a 7mm rifle crimp die I assume?  I used federal primers in it but I do have winchester if that would make a difference.

Thanks,

Bob

[Graybeard]

Your 12" hunter barrel is at BEST a 10.5" barrel and barely even that. Those velocities sound about right from a barrel so short. The 7-30 really does need a 14" barrel to perform properly. Even in a 14" I've never gotten 2500 fps from 120s, 2400 fps maybe but no more.

[sweetwyominghome]

As GB noted, don't expect any faster velocities out of that barrel. But the good news is that the 120 grain Nosler BT will expand down to 1650 fps -- that from personal experience. I've killed a number of deer with a 10" 7TCU and the 120 grain BT at just over 2000 fps.

[jhalcott]

   UNLESS YOU SHOOT THE exact load they shot, powder lot ,bullet lot,etc and on the same day over the same chrono, your results may NOT be the same. Even the barrel and brass make a difference! Also ,as has been said ,YOUR hunter barrel is about 3 1/2" shorter than the one they used. Get the Nosler's and work up an accurate load .