Powermac,
I changed my mind on the R19 and the 180s. I am going to continue with H4831sc. I also have a H1000 to play with for the 180 hybrids. H4831sc gave me decent accuracy .4moa, however speed was at 2710 with .10 jump. Going back to the range to fine tune the load this weekend.
Chris,
I had case separation with my Federal brass after 3-4 loads. The brass was 10+ years old and I oversized them before getting a gauge to measure the headspace.
I currently use Norma USA brass and can tell you that's much much better than what I was using. It's so consistent!
RG
Yes H4831 SC is a very consistent powder in my experience, I've only used it in the 284 win with 180's though.
It works fine in the 7 RM but you will again not get top velocity with it, as your velocity clearly shows, as i assume you have a barrel at least 24' or so.
My 284 drives the 180's around 2880 with N560 in my 26' 284 win, can push it past 2900 slightly but i see no need.
2710 while burning 10-15 grains more powder is
If your looking to drive the 180 as fast as they should with such a big case i'd start with,
H 1000 primarily as it's pretty temeprature stable and gives good velocities.
N 560, Norma MRP, RL 22, Retumbo, and N 165.
The VV N160, 165 will normally not give you top velocities, but is very consistent, clean burning and easy on the throat, would be my first choice if i was looking for a consistent powder with moderate velocities, it also fares well in temp sensitivity. This is generally true for the whole N 100 series.
Alliant powders are not available here, so i have no experience with them directly.
But RL 22 is very very close to Normas MRP, even produced at the same factory.
And MRP is a known performer for the 7 RM, the old MRP 2 was better with the heavier bullets though.
As for brass Norma and RWS is no doubt he best brands.
I use the Norma brass too, not Norma US though.
It's very consistent, and of good quality.
Generally have a bit more volume then Lapua brass, but the Lapua brass usually last a bit longer.
Not that Lapua is producing 7 RM brass though.
Although if i am not wrong Norma did once produce some on lisence for them, as some of the old load tables from Lapua shows.
