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Post by hornet22savage on Oct 17, 2014 20:12:12 GMT -5
Here is an update on my new Weatherby Vanguard S2 Sporter in 7mm Rem Mag. I have ordered a Leupold VX-6 2-12x42 and it should be here early next week. I'm going to mount it with Warne QR Rings and Warne Maxima Bases. I have purchased a box of Hornady 154 gr. SST and a Box Of Barnes Vortex 140 gr. TTSX. Through my questioning I have decided to shoot and clean through the first box and then every five rounds after that. I have also come to the decision that I have way more gun than I need for whitetail's, however here are my thoughts if I stay with the monolithic bullets I can control how much energy id transferred since they will only expand so far and then pass through. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
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Post by 7mmfreak on Oct 17, 2014 20:41:40 GMT -5
I think you'll be happy with your gun but that is a lot of cleaning. I clean my 7mm guns every 20 for uncoated bullets and every 30-40 with coated bullets. I believe more guns are damaged by improper cleaning than from being shot.
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Post by wilmsmeyer on Oct 18, 2014 3:30:19 GMT -5
Get yourself one of those cheap plastic cleaning guide that installs in your breech and be sure to only clean from that direction.
I will make 2 or 3 passes with a wet hoppes patch and 2-3 passes with a dry patch. A proper metal jag and the proper sized patch is also best. Then at the range, I will take a factory load, or a reload that I was not happy with, and shoot one shot to "foul" the barrel.
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Post by hornet22savage on Oct 21, 2014 7:09:06 GMT -5
I got my package has arrived E-Mail from Bass Pro late Saturday, so first thing Sunday morning I ran, well drove over to there and picked up my Leupold VX-6. Work was busy so I ran short on time, since now that archery season is here in NY I can only shoot at the club on Saturday's and Sunday's 12 to 3. I left work around 2 and hurried out to the range. Quickly cleaned off the receiver where the scope mounts sit. Mounted them with some blue loc-tite, also mounted the scope in the rings and adjusted. I sent a few patches down the tube and was ready to shoot. Put my target out at 25 yds., I decided to try the Hornady 154 gr. SST first. First shot was low right, I cleaned the bore as per people's recommendation. Second shot low right again but not touching, cleaned again. Third shot low right strung vertically. I cleaned again and adjusted the scope. Fourth shot was dead nuts but a little high after another cleaning I fired off the fifth one and it was a little right of shot four. I don't think this gun is liking the Hornady's but it may be too early to tell. Next week I hope to get it out to 100 yds. First impression of the set up, I love the VX-6 and I think I have ruined my self to any other scope brand. Overall the gun is great I'm in love with the trigger, there is some take up but it is free not under load so once it gets hard its there and breaks nicely. I was scared that the recoil would be horrible, but it is very manageable. I hope to get out this weekend and try the Barnes 140 gr. TTSX also take some pictures to share with you guys.
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Post by hornet22savage on Nov 2, 2014 21:45:23 GMT -5
Shot more today, as I figured the 154 gr. SST is not a favorite of this gun. The hundred yard group was about two inches, I then tried the 140 gr. Barnes TTSX and bingo three shots under one inch. I also tried the Winchester Supreme 150 gr. E-Tip and Federals loading of the 160 gr. Partition, the E-Tip look promising but further testing is needed. I will be hunting in two weeks with the Barnes. Thanks to all for your help.
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Post by wilmsmeyer on Nov 3, 2014 13:47:07 GMT -5
Discovered that my 7mm Mag loves the 120 TTSX Barnes with 72 gr Re22. 4-5 outings under 1" at 100 yds. Speed is high with this light bullet but I'm OK with that in terms of terminal ballistics. Had 20 bullets left after testing and loaded them all up for gun season.
I anticipate major hydrostatic shock and no recovered bullets and no shrapnel in the deer. We will see.
Glad you are honing in on something you like. The 140 should be just as good or better if long range is in your plans...little higher BC.
My next step is to develop a reduced load of some sort of soft point at 2000-2200 fps for when we go after does at short range in the late season. Kinda like 30-30 ballistics. Still would be deadly on a huge buck inside 200 yds.
If I do go down this road I will post the results. The Speer manual suggests the bulky 4759 (Savage ML book powder) in 30+/- gr to do this. Sounds good since I have a bunch. And it will be fun to tame this beast and just do some normal killing at close rage and not mangle all the meat.
Imagine a 175 gr sp at 2100 fps.....that's going to be a 2 hole bullet even with the softer bullets. Maybe a little more death runs but who cares....probably die in sight.
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Post by hornet22savage on Nov 3, 2014 20:37:40 GMT -5
I thank you all for your guidance and your advice. I have learned so much so far and I hope to keep learning. I was surprised at the difference between how all the different rounds shoot. I took my dad with me to the range and shot the Hornady 154 gr. SST at 100 yds. We walked down and looked at the target and it was exactly what I had expected. We walked back and I got out the Barnes 140 gr. TTSX fired three more rounds and just sat there and smiled I could already see the group and it was great. I have the 80 gr. version for my 243 I can't wait to try it out.
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