7mm Sherman Short Mag

[RampedRaptor]

Update:

Different barrel:
125 rounds down it before testing.
7SS
150 Freebore
32" Bartlein
1:8.7 5R

All loads:
COAL= 3.082~
0.010" in the lands
184gr Berger hybrids. Unsorted
ADG brass. Fired twice. Annealed every time. Neck turned
CCI BR2's



Fire forming load:

120gr Hornady Vmax
Jammed in the lands.
59.0gr RL23
3200ish FPS
No pressure signs. Sharp shoulders.

With a formed case you can get these V-max's easily to 3630 FPS with H4350.
DO NOT SHOOT AR500 steel at 100yds.




Velocity testing only.
2 rounds fired at each charge and averaged
Magnetospeed


H1000
62gr = 2975 FPS
62.5 = 2996
63 = 3006
63.5 = 3039
64.0 = 3059


H4350
52.5 = 2823
53 = 2834
53.5 = 2856
54 = 2877
54.5 = 2897

RL23
57.9 = 2989
58.2 = 2986
58.5 = 3002
58.8 = 3015
59.1 = 3026

No real pressure signs with H1000, max charge before compressing.

H4350 had a stiff bolt lift on one of the two rounds fired at 54.5.

The higher charges of RL23 resulted in a stiffer bolt lift. RL23 was a more narrow window because I've worked with it in the past.





Hope this helps someone in the future.

 

[Dschapp44]

Left is a 300 Sherman mag with a 215 hybrid and right is a 7 SS with a 175 Berger Elite Hunter.

 

[b6graham]

Left is a 300 Sherman mag with a 215 hybrid and right is a 7 SS with a 175 Berger Elite Hunter.

That's a lot of sex right there

 

[Dschapp44]

That's a lot of sex right there

They are my favorite cartridges to look at along with my 22 creedmoor. I just took a picture next two a 375 Ruger for scale. It makes me realize how big the Sherman mag is

 

[clcustom1911]

So the real question is what's a viable substitute for RL26?

Reloder 33 for the heavy rounds and 26+ barrel

 

[5RWill]

What % reduced charge for fire forming?

 

[Dschapp44]

I used 60 grains of H1000 to fireform

 

[5RWill]

I used 60 grains of H1000 to fireform

You jamming them into the lands? Also did you just load and go? Didn’t figure I’d need to size Since rich neck turned

 

[Dschapp44]

Didn’t jam them at all, but I did run them into an expanded mandrel to open up the necks as they would have been to tight to just load new. I’m just about positive he didn’t turn the necks on these since they are straight from his supplier and I didn’t see the normal neck turning marks, but I could be wrong.

 

[5RWill]

Didn’t jam them at all, but I did run them into an expanded mandrel to open up the necks as they would have been to tight to just load new. I’m just about positive he didn’t turn the necks on these since they are straight from his supplier and I didn’t see the normal neck turning marks, but I could be wrong.

No he didn't on the correct batch. On the first batch they were mispected so he had to turn them.

 

[Dschapp44]

Interesting. I was thinking about turning mine anyways

 

[Dschapp44]

No he didn't on the correct batch. On the first batch they were mispected so he had to turn them.
View attachment 7151454

I just loaded up a couple ladders with the 175 Berger. Have you had any luck with them yet?

 

[DDoug]

I just loaded up some a couple ladders with the 175 Berger. Have you had any luck with them yet?

I should be getting my 7ss any day and I was gonna try the 175 also with h1000. So I’m looking forward to seeing the results.

 

[Dschapp44]

I should be getting my 7ss any day and I was gonna try the 175 also with h1000. So I’m looking forward to seeing the results.

I have the Berger 180 hybrids and 195 EOLs so I’ll work on those next

 

[DDoug]

I have the Berger 180 hybrids and 195 EOLs so I’ll work on those next

I have the short freebore 7ss and my smith told me the 175 fit great. I also have some 180 hyb to try. What twist is your barrel.

 

[Dschapp44]

I have the short freebore 7ss and my smith told me the 175 fit great. I also have some 180 hyb to try. What twist is your barrel.

I did a 1-8 twist with the short freebore reamer. My coal with the 175 is 2.920

 

[5RWill]

I just loaded up a couple ladders with the 175 Berger. Have you had any luck with them yet?

I didn't even get to fireforming this past weekend. Probably be thanksgiving before i know. I've got some old nosler 150gr ballistic tips to fireform with then i'm going to start loading with the 180gr. I plan on 2.970 COAL and am shooting for 2900fps-3000fps with a 24" proof. Current issue is i'm out of RL26.

I've strayed away from berger lately, just haven't had that great of terminal performance with them and their BCs aren't really the end all be all anymore for them to still command their high prices IMO. Granted this is a hunting round so not like i'm going to be shooting 100rd strings on occasion. But i'd go ELD-X before i went berger and am really not at all concerned with the terminal performance of the ELD-M. I've had great success with them thus far in my 6.5x47.

 

[Dschapp44]

Got to shoot some of the ladder today

 

[jsthntn247]

What is this mysterious RL-26 pixie dust y’all speak of

 

[Dschapp44]

Lucked out with 2 pounds and it’s going quick when this take 60+ grains and the 300 Sherman is over 80 grains

 

[Dschapp44]

I’ve finally found some time so just loaded some more ladders with the 180 hybrid and 195 EOL. I’ll let you know how it goes.

 

[Dschapp44]

Hit pressure earlier than I would have liked but still not bad

 

[CStroud]

Hit pressure earlier than I would have liked but still not bad

Doesn’t look good for me. Was hoping to get close to 3000 fps with h1000 in a 24” barrel. Looks like I was a bit optimistic.

 

[bjay]

Doesn’t look good for me. Was hoping to get close to 3000 fps with h1000 in a 24” barrel. Looks like I was a bit optimistic.

I re reamed my 7ss into 7 max..i wanted bit more gas

 

[Dschapp44]

Doesn’t look good for me. Was hoping to get close to 3000 fps with h1000 in a 24” barrel. Looks like I was a bit optimistic.

Yeah I was expecting 175s north of 3000, 180s around 2950-3000 and 195s at 2850-2900. Unless this barrel picks up late. At 90ish rounds fired I was definitely on the optimistic side. Still impressive out of a short action cartridge though regardless

 

[b6graham]

Yeah I was expecting 175s north of 3000, 180s around 2950-3000 and 195s at 2850-2900. Unless this barrel picks up late. At 90ish rounds fired I was definitely on the optimistic side. Still impressive out of a short action cartridge though regardless

My 7mm benchmark picked up speed into like 400 rounds

 

[Dschapp44]

I re reamed my 7ss into 7 max..i wanted bit more gas

I thought about it but I wanted to stay in a short action and I’m running these at max magazine length

 

[Dschapp44]

My 7mm benchmark picked up speed into like 400 rounds

I know I’ve still got some time before the speed is down but 400 seems super late to me

 

[b6graham]

I know I’ve still got some time before the speed is down but 400 seems super late to me

Not a 7SS but 7SAW. by 400 rounds I was down 1.3gr for same velocity as 150rounds

 

[Dschapp44]

How did you like the SAW. I’ve been looking at one for awhile

 

[b6graham]

How did you like the SAW. I’ve been looking at one for awhile

It's my PRS rig. Works great

 

[Winny94]

Taking my 7ss on a mulie hunt next week. I didn't have a lot of testing time so just picked the Berger 180 and h1000. Fortunately, this combo led me to a load that is pretty consistently ~ 1/2 moa and very consistent (ES of 8-10, SD of 4-5). Unfortunately the Berger VLD seating test showed me they like to be seated deeeeep (.083 jump). Couple that with a short throat and my current hunting load tops out at 2830 fps (2.803 COAL, 62.4gr that is compressed even with a drop tube).

Just to see, I did the same charge and seated a .005 jam and velocity jumped to 2895 with a lot more case capacity and nothing close to pressure , so after this hunt, I'm reworking it. May need to go with a different bullet.

 

[hereinaz]

Taking my 7ss on a mulie hunt next week. I didn't have a lot of testing time so just picked the Berger 180 and h1000. Fortunately, this combo led me to a load that is pretty consistently ~ 1/2 moa and very consistent (ES of 8-10, SD of 4-5). Unfortunately the Berger VLD seating test showed me they like to be seated deeeeep (.083 jump). Couple that with a short throat and my current hunting load tops out at 2830 fps (2.803 COAL, 62.4gr that is compressed even with a drop tube).

Just to see, I did the same charge and seated a .005 jam and velocity jumped to 2895 with a lot more case capacity and nothing close to pressure , so after this hunt, I'm reworking it. May need to go with a different bullet.

I'll be interested to see what else you run. I had to put together a load with limited time before my hunt as well. You have a fantastic load, it is slow but man that is awesome. I wonder what the 175s Elite Hunter will do over a slower powder for you.

I have been running 62.1 grains under 180 vld hunter at 2970 in a 26" barrel. I am switching to slower powders to get to 3000 as well.

 

[5RWill]

Hoping for 180gr ELD-M at 3000fps but completely understand if 2900-2950 is the ceiling. That bullet has more bearing surface than the 180gr Hybrid. Which is what rich was originally testing with the 26". We'll see.

 

[Winny94]

I'll be interested to see what else you run. I had to put together a load with limited time before my hunt as well. You have a fantastic load, it is slow but man that is awesome. I wonder what the 175s Elite Hunter will do over a slower powder for you.

I have been running 62.1 grains under 180 vld hunter at 2970 in a 26" barrel. I am switching to slower powders to get to 3000 as well.

Yea, the consistency is outstanding - I've loaded this recipe 3x now (only have 50 pieces of brass) and it's repeated es/SD numbers each time and fps have been within 5 fps of the average each time. Took it to the range in WY when we got here. Thought the elevation or temp change would've changed it slightly, but it just keeps repeating.

 

[jafo96]

7SS ADG brass
60.1gr H1000
FGMM 210m
Hornady 180 ELD-M
26” Proof CF
2843fps (300rnds on barrel)
Single digit ES
COAL 2.945”
Jump .02”

could likely shove a tennis ball through the exit at 493yrds

 

[hereinaz]

Ran up to 62 grains of Retumbo and got 2840ish. Gonna push it higher, but will very likely be a compressed load. Just shot a few at a rock at 300 yards, was still shooting about .5 moa.

 

[5RWill]

Finally got them all fireformed. Wanted to see how 60gr of RL26 settled with this long pill. Not crunching can still hear powder moving despite being below the shoulder a bit. Which is great. Should be able to start shooting groups tomorrow.

Also damn just now seeing this Jafo i wonder if RL26 will give me the edge. I was hoping for 2900 or better. Just goes to show the immense amount of bearing surface on this bullet. It is extremely long.

 

[Dschapp44]

Finally go them all fireformed. Wanted to see how 60gr of RL26 settled with this long pill. Not crunching can still here powder moving despite being below the shoulder a bit. Which is great. Should be able to start shooting groups tomorrow.

Also damn just now seeing this Jafo i wonder if RL26 will give me the edge. I was hoping for 2900 or better. Just goes to show the immense amount of bearing surface on this bullet. It is extremely long.

View attachment 7209149
View attachment 7209150

I run 60 grains of R26 with the 180s In the 2970s and 61 grains with the 175s at 3000

 

[bjay]

Finally go them all fireformed. Wanted to see how 60gr of RL26 settled with this long pill. Not crunching can still here powder moving despite being below the shoulder a bit. Which is great. Should be able to start shooting groups tomorrow.

Also damn just now seeing this Jafo i wonder if RL26 will give me the edge. I was hoping for 2900 or better. Just goes to show the immense amount of bearing surface on this bullet. It is extremely long.

View attachment 7209149
View attachment 7209150

Was your reamer from rich?

 

[5RWill]

Was your reamer from rich?

Yup which i thought I’d be crunching cause a buddy of mine is compressing with the 175gr eld x. Maybe I’m into the lands but the way i checked was disassembly of the bolt and slowly seated a 180 dummy round (one on the right) until the bolt fell with ease and no positive extraction. I’m at 3.167 with the comparator to the lands. Seated 10 thou off. Looks like I’ve got some rifljng marks on the bullet though. I don’t see how that would’ve changed though.

 

[bjay]

Yup which i thought I’d be crunching cause a buddy of mine is compressing with the 175gr eld x. Maybe I’m into the lands but the way i checked was disassembly of the bolt and slowly seated a 180 dummy round (one on the right) until the bolt fell with ease and no positive extraction. I’m at 3.167 with the comparator to the lands. Seated 10 thou off. Looks like I’ve got some rifljng marks on the bullet though. I don’t see how that would’ve changed though.

You must have his stage 2 reamer with longer freebore for the 195 i had that too but i re reamed mine into 7 max i was having issues re sizing fired brass..i noticed theres radius where neck and shoulder meet.it was causing dent to the shoulder..probably my dies wasnt spec.but its very accurate

 

[CStroud]

Finally got around to shooting mine this afternoon. Was a bit skeptical though, as @5RWill said, I was crunching powder at 59 gr H1000 with the 175 eldx. I was able to run it up to 61 gr and 2745 FPS. Not at all what I was hoping for, but I have other powder/bullet combos to try out. Also, only 65 rounds on the barrel now (24” proof).

Next will be RL26 and 180 hybrids, and 180 scenars. They should not get as far in the body of the case as the 175 eldx.

 

[ShermanR]

Finally got around to shooting mine this afternoon. Was a bit skeptical though, as @5RWill said, I was crunching powder at 59 gr H1000 with the 175 eldx. I was able to run it up to 61 gr and 2745 FPS. Not at all what I was hoping for, but I have other powder/bullet combos to try out. Also, only 65 rounds on the barrel now (24” proof).

Next will be RL26 and 180 hybrids, and 180 scenars. They should not get as far in the body of the case as the 175 eldx.

We've seen SEVERAL proof barrels that pressure up early! When they're good, they're good, but Ive not seen others five lower velocity with similar loads!

 

[Bradu]

Finally got around to shooting mine this afternoon. Was a bit skeptical though, as @5RWill said, I was crunching powder at 59 gr H1000 with the 175 eldx. I was able to run it up to 61 gr and 2745 FPS. Not at all what I was hoping for, but I have other powder/bullet combos to try out. Also, only 65 rounds on the barrel now (24” proof).

Next will be RL26 and 180 hybrids, and 180 scenars. They should not get as far in the body of the case as the 175 eldx.

Just for reference, I run a 7 wsm and think I'm at 66 grains of h1000 with a 180 eld at 3.1" oal to hit 3k fps in a 26" barrel. Rl26 may get you where you want but that may still be pretty optimistic.

 

[ShermanR]

Just for reference, I run a 7 wsm and think I'm at 66 grains of h1000 with a 180 eld at 3.1" oal to hit 3k fps in a 26" barrel. Rl26 may get you where you want but that may still be pretty optimistic.

We have several getting 3000' with about 61 grains and will max a little higher

 

[Bradu]

We have several getting 3000' with about 61 grains and will max a little higher

I'm sure there are, just like some saums getting really high velocities. I'm skeptical that this can be done consistently without pushing it harder than it should be which is why I still don't have one. Sure, rl26 will get you there easier than h1000 but finding it is usually quite a challenge.

 

[CStroud]

I guess I should add some more info to my previous post. I did not have any consistent pressure signs at 61 gr. I got one stiff-ish bolt lift, but also got a couple when fire forming at 56 gr H1000.

I wasn’t expecting 3000 FPS my first go round, but I would like to get as much as I can from the case design. I’ll keep working on it after deer season is over. It’s time to put this thing to work now!

 

[ShermanR]

I'm sure there are, just like some saums getting really high velocities. I'm skeptical that this can be done consistently without pushing it harder than it should be which is why I still don't have one. Sure, rl26 will get you there easier than h1000 but finding it is usually quite a challenge.

We were running the 175 EH a little over 3000' with N565 this fall. I need to test it some more. It was looking pretty good.

 

[ShermanR]

I guess I should add some more info to my previous post. I did not have any consistent pressure signs at 61 gr. I got one stiff-ish bolt lift, but also got a couple when fire forming at 56 gr H1000.

I wasn’t expecting 3000 FPS my first go round, but I would like to get as much as I can from the case design. I’ll keep working on it after deer season is over. It’s time to put this thing to work now!

Weve learned to keep the load down the first firing because you get false pressure readings due to the case moving in the chamber. Not good for case stretching either.