|
|
|
Discussion Forums
Forum Index
> Precision long range hunting and shooting
> Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm Practical
Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm Practical
@ 04:20 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterJust worked up these very basic loads for my rifle:Matrix 190gr VLD BC (static) .8071 Bullet jump .2mm/ 10 thou Rem .300 Win Mag brass Fed 210 primer ADI 2217 (H1000) 73gr, 3000fps, ES 30fps, 1.4" 73.5gr, 3020, ES 9fps, .876" Two touching, one slightly off. 74gr, 3088fps, ES 8fps, .420" 74.5gr, 3122fps, ES 3fps, 1.265" NEAR MAX. Sweet spot between 73.5 and 74gr. Will need to work up in smaller increments if I want to get down to the quarter minute mark and adopt this bullet long term. In the mean time, the .420" load will allow me to test the Matrix projectiles on game. This load will still be going 2000fps at 1000 yards. 1600fps is breached at 1460 yards and 1400fps (where the A-Max begins to lose wounding performance) will be breached at 1720 yards. I would like to find a mild load for my rifle. Something around the 2900fps mark would be nice. Will probably also need to find a 7mm08 to test low velocity wounding as I am not in the mood for proving that I can tip over game at 1700-1800 yards. In a 7mm rem Mag, sweet spots were between 2900-3000fps with the 190gr VLD, totally unexpected. I would also like to experiment with RE 25 in both the Practical and in client 7mm RM rifles when the opportunity arises. I currently have three rifles on the go with the Matrix bullets prepped for game testing: 6.5 Swede (142gr VLD at 2780fps), 7mm Practical (190gr VLD @3088fps), .300WSM (210gr VLD @ 2600fps). Hope to have a .270 on the go asap. I will widen this test range to incorporate higher velocity cartridges (eg. .300WBY/RUM) as need be and as time allows. I don't usually report on my behind the scenes work. My usual method is to simply test, then record results in the KB. But I understand that a few of you have been waiting for reports. One of my main goals during testing these long range bullets will be to study how the VLD's perform under minimal resistance (rear lung shots on light or lean game at low velocities. Once these results have been obtained, I will then look at penetration on tough animals as well as penetration at high velocity/close ranges. I have every confidence in these bullets from the limited testing that I have already done. Nathan. |
Replies
@ 10:07 pm (GMT) |
Jim MoseleyRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalCan't wait to see the results from the Practical. What was the test load for the 7 mag. Didn't think 2900 would be possible. Good luck on a goat at 1 mile!!! |
@ 06:23 am (GMT) |
faulknerRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalNathan I to am chomping at the bit for your results. If all goes well with your initial testing I'll be hoping to contribute with some bear autopsies this spring,,,but not at a mile!! Good work and good luck! Aj |
@ 02:31 pm (GMT) |
Riley DeckerRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalNathan, have you confirmed the .805 BC? Bryan Litz has tested this bullet and found it to have a .673 G1 and .344 G7 BC, slightly lower than the 180 grain berger hybrid. |
|
@ 05:04 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalHi Jim, test loads below, same rifle as yours, 1:9 twist, 26".Win brass, Fed 210 primer H1000 68.5, 2900fps, ES 4fps, sub inch 69, 2923fps, ES 20fps, sub inch 69.5, 2938fps, ES 18fps, sub inch 70, 2955, ES 8fps, sub inch. No pressure signs in this rifle. Got nothing in the way of sub half inch accuracy. Would need to refine increments and or experiment with seating depth Also need to start at say 66.5gr and work up to 68.5gr to see whats going on below 2900fps. The tests I have done so far are very basic preliminary tests. I have jumped in 3-4 grains below where the rifles produced best accuracy with 160-162gr bullets. But in every case (including .30 cal but with the exception of the 6.5 cal), the Matrix bullets produce higher muzzle velocities than expected. Therefore I think it is best to start 6 grains lower, rather than the usual 1 grain of powder removed for every 10 grains of bullet weight added. That's interesting Riley. I will generate drop charts, then see how the bullets fare. I am a bit lucky in that on the hunting block where I will be testing, the conditions at this time of the year duplicate Sierra Infinity software default environmental values almost exactly. This allows me to study BC's precisely without human error in calculations. Maximum error is 1/4 MOA in the heat of the day. Will see what happens. If the BC's are indeed .673, I don't see this as a handicap. What is missing from the 7mm's is heavy yet fully frangible bullets for maximum wounding potential on both light through to larger deer (or in AJ's case G-bear and we can lump boar in there as well). Such bullets are also immensely useful for unexpected close range shots in the long range rifle. Thanks for the heads up Riley, I appreciate it and will keep those BC values in mind. Thanks AJ, I am counting on it! |
|
@ 06:55 pm (GMT) |
Riley DeckerRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalQuote: That's interesting Riley. I will generate drop charts, then see how the bullets fare. I am a bit lucky in that on the hunting block where I will be testing, the conditions at this time of the year duplicate Sierra Infinity software default environmental values almost exactly. This allows me to study BC's precisely without human error in calculations. Maximum error is 1/4 MOA in the heat of the day. Will see what happens.
If the BC's are indeed .673, I don't see this as a handicap. What is missing from the 7mm's is heavy yet fully frangible bullets for maximum wounding potential on both light through to larger deer (or in AJ's case G-bear and we can lump boar in there as well). Such bullets are also immensely useful for unexpected close range shots in the long range rifle. Thanks for the heads up Riley, I appreciate it and will keep those BC values in mind. No problem, and i agree that this is what the 7mm bore needs. By the way im not sure if i told you but i am 14 years old. |
|
@ 02:46 pm (GMT) |
Jim MoseleyRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalI'll be interested to see how your Sendero 9.25 twist will do. I still have my old 7 mag sendero barrel which could be rechambered to the 7 Practical. What do you think?? |
|
@ 03:01 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalYour'e doing well Riley. Glad you are into the hunting, it keeps us on the straight and narrow.I have a Sendero to trick up very soon Jim, will see if I have enough projectiles left to try the 1:9.25 twist. |
|
@ 04:51 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalTested the BC yesterday at 800 yards. The advertised BC was initially .805 but was revised a week or two ago to an advertised BC of .8071.I plugged .8071 into Sierra. Default atmosphere values. The actual environment when shooting duplicated the Sierra default values as anticipated. I tested the rifle at 800 yards and the result........ BC .8071. We had another rifle there to confirm (.300 WSM firing the 208gr A-Max) environment. This rifle worked as a good control at 800 yards. Without a control, there could have been an error, such as a thermal lifting the Matrix bullet and giving a fluke true reading. But the WSM and A-max shot true to its charts, so there were no updrafts/thermals effecting results. What really got me was the reduced wind drift. This bullet is a real wind cheater, its just beyond description as far as user friendliness goes, minimizing errors. I was dead on yesterday, shot after shot- in gusting winds. Any New Zealanders reading this, you'll know what the winds have been like these last few days. |
|
@ 05:03 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalBad wind again yesterday but I managed (thanks to that high BC) to connect at 920 yards with one shot, nanny goat, very lean, a good test of fragmentation under light resistance. Result, full fragmentation.I really put the hurt on a couple of large billies at 450-470 yards. On one raking shot on a large billy, the bullet fragments arrested in the throat of the billy. I am gradually forming the picture that the Matrix bullets from 6.5 cal upwards are slightly tougher than the A-Max but are indeed softer than the current Berger, duplicating the wounding performance of original Berger. Fastest killing occurs on body weights of 40kg (88lb) upwards with slightly delayed but clean kills on lighter body weights at long ranges/lower velocities with rear lung shots (absence of bone being struck). So for those of you who were looking for something slightly tougher than the A-Max for fast killing on larger bodied medium game (especially on the off chance of close range shots where the 6.5, 7mm and .30 cal 168-178gr A-max bullets can struggle at magnum velocities), this is it. There was a gap here, now it has been filled. Will keep testing and keep taking video footage. Got to wait for the rains to come before I can shoot any tough wild boar. Guess it will be a few months before I can get shared results / autopsies from Canadian hunters (AJ). Will be grateful for external input as always. |
|
@ 07:14 pm (GMT) |
Jim MoseleyRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalCan you post some pics of the damage on the goats? Great shot at 920! |
|
@ 08:06 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalHi Jim, I have photos and lots of video footage. Just need to knock up (merge and compress) a vid for uploading so we can all see it. Same goes for photos, will need to compress and format for web. |
|
@ 02:23 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalGot some video footage of the 7mm 190gr up online:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7lkaRRihUs&list=UUQ3UtxnxSjYVpyKuN3HMIcQ&index=1 |
@ 03:27 am (GMT) |
im2lazyRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalNathan, that was some great shooting in tricky wind conditions.I can't wait to try these myself, maybe on a big heavy Red Stag. Take some advice.... sack the camera man, ha ha |
|
@ 08:58 am (GMT) |
Jim MoseleyRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalExcellent shot considering conditions. Great video.....may have to attached a sandbag to the camera tripod. You got some gorgeous country to hunt. I'd have to do some serious workouts to hunt those mountains! Looks like the 190 is the ticket!! |
|
@ 04:00 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalI had the camera mounted on my knife steel (has a 1.4" piece of thread stock on it). I am used to using it as a mono pod dug into the ground but its not easy for others and I really put Im2lazy on the spot. I have a good tripod here, need to remember to pack it with my kit.The BC is certainly true to form, no elevation errors there. |
|
@ 09:36 pm (GMT) |
faulknerRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalNathan, Well so far so good with the 190 vld in the Practical, nothing stelar but neither have the conditions, wind & snow. I have been burning H-1000 with Fed 210M .010" off lands which is really short to see if our numbers jive and then I'll be off to the Re25 and Retumbo. I sure notice a big jump in recoil from the fire forming load.The bears will be sleeping for a couple more months so I have a bit of time to get things in order. Have you have any shots up close ( 25 to 100 yards)?? From the looks of the stump that was behind my target I think the 190 will stand up ok in close;)! Thanks, Aj. |
|
@ 03:53 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalThanks for the update AJ. I still need to get up close and personal with the 190 to see what happens. Swamped with gun work at the moment so not much time for hunting at the moment. |
|
@ 12:46 pm (GMT) |
faulknerRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalNathan, Reloder 25 seams to be the ticket so far, started .040" form the lands and 71.0 grains put me a 3000 ft/sec with 0.320" group, no sign of pressure so will keep working up to see if the ES/SD come down.I'll keep you posted, Thanks, Aj |
|
@ 03:26 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalThat's great news AJ! |
|
@ 12:57 am (GMT) |
Riley DeckerRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalAny updates? |
|
@ 01:00 am (GMT) |
Riley DeckerRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalI am about to do an order with Marshal for some 160 grain 6.5 bullets with their .720 BC. :) :) and am wondering if i should order a couple hundred 190 grainers for my 284 win. |
|
@ 07:04 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalHi Riley, I am slowly gathering more results. I had a hunter with me last week who used my Practical on a nanny goat at 720 yards. As he pulled the trigger, the animal turned. By the time the bullet reached the nanny, it was a gut shot, exiting the rear ham. I heard the hit from 720 yards away, its always good to be able to hear a bullet strike. The nanny bunched up, walked around a bit, then dropped dead. Time to death was approximately 20 seconds. Internal wounding was thorough, the bullet fully fragmented and destroyed sections of the arterial system. Width of wounding was severe enough that I believe the pain centers would not be able to cope (hopefully resulting in a painless experience which I believe is what occured based on observations, putting the animal into coma.I have seen pigs turn on a dime with hunters having the same error of shot placement occur at ranges less than 100 yards. It is very good when a projectile can overcome such problems. Still waiting to obtain results on heavy bodied red deer, won't be too long now. Rain has finally begun in small amounts so I may be able to get results on tough wild pigs soon but again, its a matter of patience. We tried the 168gr .30 cal bonded bullet also. Good news, it shoots to the same POI as the 168gr A-Max and so makes for an extremely good dual load. Out penetrates the Interbond, AB and Scirocco by a considerable margin, on par with the A-Frame but with a higher BC. Wounding is a little narrow on nanny goats, needs about 130lb body weight to get started and 200lb to really shine with simple broadside shots. Fantastic bullet for a lot of medium game, good BC, just a really great bullet for traditional hunting distances and especially woods/bush work. Very impressed- again. |
|
@ 08:45 pm (GMT) |
Riley DeckerRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalHi Nathan, Sounds impressive.Marshal is sending me a sample of the 160 grain 6.5s to try in my 6.5x284, he is doing R&D right now. I should be able to push them to 2900 fps or more from my 30" barrel. The .720 BC is only an estimate but even at .7 at 2900 fps the ballistics are very impressive!! I ran that through a ballistic calculator, and at 2500' ASL, 50 degrees F, with a 10 mph wind from 3 o'clock, at 1000 yards there is 45.2" of wind drift, 1783 fps, and 1129 ft lbs of energy!! I am really excited about these, and i am not trying to derail your thread, just wanted to let you know about these impressive new bullets!! Riley |
|
@ 04:13 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalIt really is great news Riley. The math looks really good. A 160gr frangible 6.5 bullet driven at comfortable velocities will produce excellent performance down range. The very high SD will help ensure fragmentation is gradual, ideal for larger body weights at long ranges. |
|
@ 10:36 pm (GMT) |
Riley DeckerRe: Matrix 190gr loads for 7mm PracticalI will be doing some expansion testing with my sample to make sure they fragment nice but still hold together enough to penetrate a ways. I will start a new thread with my findings. If they do work out i will have no hesitations to put one in an antelope this year if we get the chance.Riley |
Please wait
ABOUT USWe are a small, family run business, based out of Taranaki, New Zealand, who specialize in cartridge research and testing, and rifle accurizing.
|
KNOWLEDGEBASE |
KNOWLEDGEBASE |