Thread: 7mm mag and 180gr ELDM

I got out yesterday morning to break in the new barrel, and while I was at it try to get some meaningful data out of the process.

I loaded up 14 rounds using AR2225 with the 180ELDX seated way out. Starting at 66gr and increasing in .5gr increments up to 72.5gr.
The intention being to try to find my max powder charge/checking for pressure signs, while chronographing each load & looking to identify any flat spots in velocity, and also get a baseline of what sort of velocities we are working with relative to powder charge..all while undertaking the mundane barrel break in process.

Anyway, these are my results. Velocities acquired with Magnetospeed v3 chrono.

66gr - 2788fps - fist round ever down the barrel
66.5gr - 2842fps - second round ever down the barrel after a quick clean, etc etc
67gr - 2857fps
67.5gr - 2820fps
68gr - miss (chrono was not plugged in)
68.5gr - 2879fps
69gr - 2936fps
69.5gr - 2943fps
70gr - 2957fps
70.5gr - 2997fps
71gr - 3036fps
7.5gr - 3046fps
72gr - 3093fps
72.5gr - 3092fps

Pressure looked fine throughout and there are some decent flat spots in velocity to focus my load development around. Will focus initial efforts around 69-70gr, and 72-73gr.
Velocities are well up there with what I was hoping for.

Looking forward to getting a real load worked up and seeing what it can do.