Gearing up to reload for 7x64 in Blaser R8

[marauder]

Hello,

I have ordered a 7x64 barrel for a Blaser R8 and am gearing up to reload for the cartridge. I'll be using Lapua brass and have AR2209 powder (equivalent to H4350) and Federal GM210M primers. I'd like to find a single accurate load that can be used on game from pigs to larger deer species. Most shots will probably be close so I'd like something that will not blow up on a close shot on a larger animal (red stag or sambar stag), but that doesn't just pencil through smaller game without expanding either. If I can get an accurate load with a good BC bullet and decent velocity for longer range shots that'd be great.

The projectiles I was planning on trying were the Nosler 160gr Accubond, Barnes 139gr LRX, and Hornady 162gr ELD-X. Any feedback on these, or other recommendations?

From other posts I've read here, published reloading data for this calibre tends to be weak and some members have had to go well over book max to get velocities equivalent to factory ammo.

Please share any advice or things to be wary of. Thanks.

[Blasernovice]

In my 7x65R K95 I’m using 57.5gr 2213sc and a 162 a-max. Getting about 2750fps. Have shot a 3.5” group at 550yds and hit a 5l oil container at 940ish yds. Taken red deer out to 390yds. Shoots and kills well.

[9.3x64]

I use the 160 grain Accubond with great results on red and fallow.
I have done quite a bit of load development on the R8 7x64 combo and I swear by it for deer. Good sectional density and penetration, flat shooting and only needs a 58cm barrel. Velocities are not that far behind 7RM with the longer barrel.
I have found that I needed to go way over published data.
My load is 54 grains of 2209 at 87mm. I saw my brother drop a big old red stag at just under 200 meters with this load in this year’s rut. It did not even take one step, just folded n a heap and the bullet performed perfectly, and was found just under the hide on the far side in a perfect mushroom.
Bloody accurate as well.
But work up very carefully.

[marauder]

Thanks guys.

My load is 54 grains of 2209 at 87mm. I saw my brother drop a big old red stag at just under 200 meters with this load. It did not even take one step, just folded n a heap and the bullet performed perfectly and was found just under the hide on the far side in a perfect mushroom.

Was that with the 160gr Accubond? What kind of speeds are you getting?

[9.3x64]

Thanks guys.

My load is 54 grains of 2209 at 87mm. I saw my brother drop a big old red stag at just under 200 meters with this load. It did not even take one step, just folded n a heap and the bullet performed perfectly and was found just under the hide on the far side in a perfect mushroom.

Was that with the 160gr Accubond? What kind of speeds are you getting?

Yes, 160 grain Accubond at 2850 FPS.

[TheoR8]

Mine shot hole in hole with Norma and Geco factory stuff, great calibre.

[9.3x64]

BTW My load above is with RWS brass and primers.

[marauder]

Awesome!

[secondtry]

Whichever path you choose to go down, I think you will get better results with heavy, long bullets. The 7x64/65 throat/leade angles and dimensions seem to be designed for these types of projectiles.

For reach and softish targets, the 162ELDM (Amax) or the 160TMK. If you want more penetration, there are many 160 gn choices. I am currently loading 175 Woodies at 2800, but that is for a specific use and I think the 160 range would offer you more versatility, and also be better suited to 2209.

[deerhunter338mag]

Mine shot hole in hole with Norma and Geco factory stuff, great calibre.

Did you get Hasbulla to shoot it for you.

[TheoR8]

Mine shot hole in hole with Norma and Geco factory stuff, great calibre.

Did you get Hasbulla to shoot it for you.

Nah, tattoo that time.

[deerhunter338mag]

Mine shot hole in hole with Norma and Geco factory stuff, great calibre.

Did you get Hasbulla to shoot it for you.

Nah, tattoo that time.

Lucky he didn't shoot Da plane then.

[marauder]

If you want more penetration, there are many 160 gn choices. I am currently loading 175 Woodies at 2800, but that is for a specific use and I think the 160 range would offer you more versatility, and also be better suited to 2209.

Could you share what that you think the Woodleigh 175gr are best suited for, or not suited for?

It seems pretty hard to find projectiles in stock anywhere at the moment.

[9.3x64]

If you want more penetration, there are many 160 gn choices. I am currently loading 175 Woodies at 2800, but that is for a specific use and I think the 160 range would offer you more versatility, and also be better suited to 2209.

Could you share what that you think the Woodleigh 175gr are best suited for, or not suited for?

It seems pretty hard to find projectiles in stock anywhere at the moment.

The 175 Woodleigh is a very good projectile, reliable and consistent.

[secondtry]

If you want more penetration, there are many 160 gn choices. I am currently loading 175 Woodies at 2800, but that is for a specific use and I think the 160 range would offer you more versatility, and also be better suited to 2209.

Could you share what that you think the Woodleigh 175gr are best suited for, or not suited for?

I've shot only one sambar with it to date so I can't draw meaningful conclusions.

I went for the 175 instead of the 160 simply because Woodies have no built in stop in the expansion process. I have seen them keep on expanding until they resemble a coin more than a projectile and pull up. Not often and animal dies - all good, but I prefer to go the heavy and moderate velocity path with Woodies.

I have shot a couple of handfuls of sambar with the 160 Partition at around 2800 with dependable and consistent results, but thought that if I could duplicate that velocity with the 175 Woody, I may get quicker kills and a bit more of a blood trail. If I can get off my bum and kill a few more, my theory will get a better test than the current sample of one.

I don't think I would use the 175 for anything else in Aus.