7-30 waters loads and ?'s

[tking308]

I'm looking to get started in IHMSA and purchased a Contender w/ 7-30 waters bbl. I'm wondering what bullet weight to start with. Anyone use this caliber? Got a pet load?

[Richard Pickering]

Welcome. Which barrel length did you buy ? The 7-30 is not as commonly used as the 7-tcu but there are folks who use it. It is certainly a viable choice. Some fine folks will be along to regale you with their favorites. Bullet choice will probably be the 130 to 140gr; but depending on the reputation of the Ram targets you encounter you might select the 120gr or 150gr. RP

[tking308]

Thanks RP, I got a 14" barrel. I figured I'd start off with 140 gr and see how it goes.

[Richard Pickering]

You may know the 14'' may be used as an ''Unlimited'--iron sights'; also as Unl--Any sights; and as Half Scale any sights and if you swap to a rifle scope you could enter it in Unl-Standing. It takes a bit of doing with the scope base to be able to switch between scoped and iron sights but with some cogitating it can be done. For Unl-Standing you might want to focus on a 120gr and not run away with velocity. It takes a bit of ''learning'' to manage the rifle scope while standing. rp

[tking308]

Bullet choice will probably be the 130 to 140gr; but depending on the reputation of the Ram targets you encounter you might select the 120gr or 150gr. RP

RP, I'm curious about what you mean "depending on the reputation of the Ram targets" Having never done this, I'm guessing some may be heavier and therefore need heavier bullets to knock down. If that's what you're talking about, why would you choose a lighter bullet? Todd

[Richard Pickering]

Yes, Todd, some ranges have targets that have gathered a reputation. The Match Director cant make every target equal. We have some randomness built into the challenge. In a braked barrel on an XP I use 120gr bullets in Unl Standing so I reduce the chance of a scope in the nose (using a rifle scope). In a 10'' barreled TC 7-tcu I find I can use a 120 gr on C,P,T and move to a 130gr for the Ram if I need a bit more weight. Sometimes it is enough---sometimes not. You just have to try and go with what works on your range. Be sure you keep a log on your march results so you can keep sight settings and shooting conditions for reference. If you have 120s you might give them a try and adjust when you define a need.
I'm a bit surprised no one has offered their pet loads. Where do you plan to go for your IHMSA debut ? Do you have a range you can use to get basic sight settings ? RP

[high standard 40]

I use a 7X30 for US with a rifle scope. I use 150gr bullets in it as well as all my other 7MM silhouette guns. I used 140 gr bullets early on but lost too many rams with good hits. As Richard said, some ranges have tough rams. As far as a suggested load for the 7X30, I use H4895 in mine. Hodgdon's website suggests a charge weight of between 29 and 32 grains. I stay on the light side of those levels because as I said, even with the brake, this is my US gun with a rifle scope and I'd like to avoid any facial reconstruction.

[tking308]

Thanks RP and High Standard for the help. I do have somewhere to sight in and I'll be going to a local match on Saturday. Unfortunately my gun won't be here yet so I'll be watching. I've already made contact with the match director and he's been very helpful. Todd

[Richard Pickering]

Todd, be sure to take your eye and hearing protection. It's required if you are near the firing area. I hope your local crew will loan you a gun to use to get a ''hands on'' experience. Don't forget a pair of binocs. Spotting for someone is a great way to get an understanding of the match procedures and help a friend in the bargain. Arrive early and volunteer to help with set-up and stay late if possible. Your M.D. will make sure you have a good time. Oh-----we need a follow up report. RP

[tking308]

Well, I made it to my first match. The Contender I recently bought on Gunbroker hadn't come in yet (and still hasn't) but I went anyway. Jerry (the MD) and his wife Judy were very friendly and helpful. Even though my contender hadn't come in I did shoot in the "bordello" class with my Glock. More challenging than I thought it would be. I was holding so high, I couldn't see targets anymore and was still hitting low. It was a very low turnout being a holiday weekend but I think that was better because Jerry had time to coach me through everything and make sure I didn't violate any safety rules. All in all it was an informative trip and I'm glad I went. I'll be back next month with a more appropriate gun.