7-30 waters favorite loads wanted

[trapdoor]

I just fireformed my first 50 rds of brass . What I need is some tried and proven loads for my carbine and my 14 in conternder barrels . I have both the sierra 130 gr ssp bullets and the 120 gr. Nosler ballistic tip . I do have nosler and sierra books  but I was hoping I could cut some corners , I will be using them for deer hunting in a couple weeks. Thanks  Trapdoor :lol:

[pjdaugherty]

I cannot offer help on the reloads, but I am interested in how you like the 7-30 cartridge.  I am considering buying a 7-30 (super 14) barrel.  How is the recoil.  Thanks in advance for any feedback.  pj

[pjdaugherty]

I remembered that when I was looking for info on the 7-30 Waters, I came across a review which listed loads for the 7-30.  The article is at
http://www.reloadingroom.com/page8.html.  pj

[BCB]

trapdoor,

I use the Hornady 120 SSPSP bullet with H-335 powder.  M.O.A. out to 150 yards most of the time.  I have taken several deer at ranges to 110 yards and this bullet performed well.  H-335 is a good powder with this bullet weight.

I am presently shooting the Lyman 287346 cast bullet (approximately 135 grains) from this same Contender barrel using WC-844 powder.  This surplus powder loads using H-335 data.  (It may be H-335 powder...I don't know)  I just returned from my range and was ruining 16-ounce brew cans filled with water at 150 yards!

H-335, or the surplus equivalent is my powder of choice for this caliber.  Good-luck...BCB

[trapdoor]

pjdaugherty the 7-30 waters is a great caliber especially in a contender pistol I have a super 14 with muzzel brake the recoil is quite manageable , I liked it so much I bought a carbine barrel and stock set . I am just looking if someone has refined a load for deer huntiong using the Nosler 120 gr. bt or the 130 sierra ssp bullet. thanks for your imput  Trapdoor

[trapdoor]

BCB thanks for your input I wonder if the horady bullet is much different than the nosler 120 gr. bt they should perform closely . Trapdoor

[ShootnStr8]

Trapdoor,

I believe you will find W748 to be an excellent powders for the bullets you have.  37 grains worked well for me with the 120s and 35.5 grains worked well with the 130 SSPs.  I've not taken whitetails with the BTS but the 130 did well on 191 pound 8 point.

If you wish to experiment further, then here are the 3 best loads for my factory 14 SS barrel:

100 Hornady HP
40.3 grains of W748
CCI 200
RP reformed brass


120 grain Hornady SSP
36 grains of AA2520
CCI 200
RP reformed brass


139 Hornady SST
35.2 grains of W748
CCI 200
RP reformed brass  

I currently use the 100s for groundhogs and the 139s for whitetail.  These 2 loads allow me to use the same zero.  I've also taken deer with the 120s.    All of these loads will offer 5 shoot groups of less than 1.5 inches at 200 yards.  IMR 4064 and IMR 3031 are also good powders with the 139s.  

Blessings!

ShootnStr8

[Graybeard]

Here is the link to the page on the site here with my favorite loads for the 7-30.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/730.htm

GB

[fast*eddie]

I use 35.5 gr of H335 with the 130 gr Sierra single shot pistol bullet . I got rid of my Hunter Barrel and got a regular 14" barrel from Ed's Contenders. It was a good deal. The muzzle tamer made shooting the 7-30 too loud. I placed my left hand on a tree and layed the fore end of the Hunter barrel across my wrist to steady the shot. When I fired, the muzzle blast blew dust from the treebark in my eyes . That was the end of the muzzle tamer for me !
Oh yeah, I shot my only pistol deer with a 7-30 waters fire form reload from a 30-30 necked down case .

[trapdoor]

Thanks Greybeard the information is exactly what I wanted it does seem you've shot the 7-30 enough,I liked it enough to get 2 barrels a 21"carbine and the 14" and have had great results with both so far deer season is in 2 weeks and that will be fun. Trapdoor

[trapdoor]

Fast Eddie I was wondering how much more recoil there was without the brake , I don't think I would like it so much without one . Trapdoor

[Hawkeye]

I have a 14" w/break and a 12" Hunter w/break. I shoot them both for whitetails and varmints.
My favorite load in both is:

120 grn Hornady V-Max (Same as the old 120 SSP I've been told.)
32.5 grn of IMR 4895
2200 fps velocity

You might start at 31 grns and go from there.

I get consistent 3/4" groups at 100 yds with the 14" barrel. My 12" barrel will shoot about an inch at 100 yds and is good out to about 150 or 175 which is as far as I have shot a deer with it.

I have taken two deer and a couple of coyotes and they did the job.

The deer didn't go 10 yds after being hit.

I tried W748 but with the break I didn't like the muzzle blast or flash I got.

Mike

[ftw]

I have used nothing but Graybeards favorite load since I got my 7-30. I have taken three deer with it, the fartherest being about 80 yards. None went far in fact two dropped on the spot and the other dropped in sight about 30 yards away.

I shot a 30-30 with the brake before I bought my 7-30 without one. The recoil is not an issue to me. I never feel it when shooting at an animal and at the range the only problem I had was my right elbow getting rubbed raw from the table after  many shots. I solved that with an elbow pad.

I think the noise is terrible with a brake and there is way more flash in low light.
It is a great cartridge in my experience.

[trapdoor]

You don't have to sell the 7-30 to me I was a fan before I bought the contender and yes I did use Greybeards loads , because they are proven I think the 7-30  will bring home the bacon this year. Thanks Trapdoor

[fast*eddie]

I didn't notice that much more recoil with the plain barrel. Glad I got rid of that NOISY muzzle tamer barrel. And Yeah , shoot that ported barrel in low light - enjoy the flash ! Now I want to dump the 44 mag 14" tamer barrel .