Texas Hunting Forum

H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser

Posted By: StraitShot

H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/03/17 03:18 AM

Here is my dilemma. I am working with a 7mm Mauser:
• 1915 Obendorf GEW '98
• Shilen Barrel 24" 1:9
• Hornady 139gr SST
• Norma case
• CCI BR2 primers
• H4350
• Bullet seated just off the lands

Started with Hodgdon load data, beginning at 43.0gr and working up to 47.4gr so far. At 43gr the group (4 shots) is 1 inch or slightly less at 200 yrds. As powder charge increases in steps of .3grs the groups will spread out to 2 inches to 4 inches, then back to 2 inches - only to spread out again. At 47.4gr the group is once again 2 inches but I am closing in on the max load of 48.3 grains (according to the Hornady manual). (BTW - no pressure signs so far). I have heard that H4350 groups well at the lower end and the upper end of the powder charge range. I can see that it is true at the low end but am getting skeptical that the group will tighten as I close in on 48.3gr and honestly don't want to push it. Considering changing to H414 and running the scale again. My desired outcome is a tight group somewhere in the middle (as opposed to the low or high end). Thoughts ?? If I change powder, is there a better choice ?
Posted By: RiverRider

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/03/17 12:34 PM

I would not be so skittish about taking it to max. SAAMI pressure specs on the 7x57 are down there on account of the earliest rifles rhe cartridge was used in. The 98s can handle 65000 psi cartridges. The 7x57 and 8x57 cases are easily up to handling 60000 psi. So, dont worry about pressure in this cartridge because published data gets nowhere near what it can actually do.
Posted By: StraitShot

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/04/17 01:04 AM

Thank you for the input RiverRider. I also use H4350 for my 7mm-08 Tikka. Looking back at those targets, the groups were more consistent but also tight on the low and high ends of the powder charge. It finally settled on a charge it likes at the upper end. I don’t have far to go with the 7X57 so I will take it up a little further and see. However, I would like to know if anyone has used H414 and likes it. Spherical powder so seems it would be easy to meter.
Posted By: BIGDOG1956

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/04/17 04:03 AM

I have a cz 550 in 7 mm mazer I am loading it case nearly full with Mir 4350.
I will post the charge tomorrow for it is to late to go outside to the shop.
My charge is well over book I worked up slowly I am 20 thousands off the rifling.
This is My hunting load I got a 0.46 group with a a120 grain nos bt.
I had to try three 140 two 130s before I found that this load.
My twist is 8.66, are you going to use for hunting or target?
How many rounds do you on your barrel ?
Every gun is different I always have to try different powder and bullets.
The 7 mm is loaded for weaker actions not for full power loads.
Posted By: JTPinTX

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/04/17 09:16 PM

I have 2 different 7x57 rifles, and have shot W-760 (H-414 is the same thing) nearly exclusively. In mine it seems to work best right up near the top end. I will say though, the last time I bought W-760, the new lot was quite a bit hotter, and I had to back my charge down nearly a full grain. I am shooting about 47 grains with a 140 NBT now. My modern one is a Mark X with a Shilen barrel, my old one (that I am much more cautious with) is an FR-8 with a McGowen barrel. Presently I am shooting IMR-4064 in the FR-8 at a very modest velocity, since that one is set up for woods hunting.

With that being said, I am about to start experimenting with the 162 ELD and 4451 in the Interams MK-X.
Posted By: JJH

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/04/17 09:38 PM

http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Burn%20Rates%20-%202015-2016.pdf


I believe H414 is similar to W760, not 748!
Posted By: Jgraider

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/04/17 10:53 PM

I would try Varget and RL15 personally.
Posted By: JTPinTX

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/04/17 11:06 PM

Originally Posted By: JJH
http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Burn%20Rates%20-%202015-2016.pdf


I believe H414 is similar to W760, not 748!


You are absolutely correct, and I edited my post to reflect that. I had been thinking about 223 loads, and 748 is what I shoot in my 223. 760 is what I shoot in the 7x57. W-760 and H-414 are actually the same powder, not similar powders.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/5039067/Re_H414_vs_W760

Mule Deer on that thread is outdoor writer John Barsness, if you are familiar with his work.
Posted By: RiverRider

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/04/17 11:07 PM

Originally Posted By: JJH
http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Burn%20Rates%20-%202015-2016.pdf


I believe H414 is similar to W760, not 748!


They are one and absolutely the same. Only the packaging is different...H414 and W760, that is.
Posted By: BIGDOG1956

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/05/17 01:18 AM

I went out to the shop my hunting load was 51 grains of Imr 4350.
I am using CCI magnum primer and I want 20 grain nosler ballistic tip .
I tried up to 52 grains of powder with slight pressure.
Here is the book Imr load BULLET WEIGHT120 GR. NOS BT
IMR PowderIMR 4350 Starting LoadGrains45.0 Velocity (ft/s)2,622Pressure36,900 CUP.

Maximum Load Grains50.0C Velocity (ft/s)2,896 Pressure45,700 CUP.
Look at the pressure on the max from book and it is well under the 58 to 60,000 cup that the action can handle.
You must remember to start low and work up slow.
All powder decrease their loads for legal reasons .
I would use a faster powder for more velocity.
I would try the h414 first then if it did not work try something else.
Posted By: StraitShot

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/05/17 01:32 AM

Thanks for the update BigDog..... I started at the low end and worked up in .3gr increments. The groups early on were good and honestly got me hooked and my 7mm-08 likes it. But velocity drops pretty quick at the lower levels. So still working up. The barrel is a 1:9 and only has 122 rounds down it. I will hunt with this rifle. My daughter took her first deer with 7mm-08 at just over 100yrds. Got the heart and both lungs.... we spent a good number of hours doing range work before that....
Posted By: StraitShot

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/05/17 01:40 AM

JPinTX - I want to try the 162 ELD in my .280.... I was just reading about IMR 4451 and it looks like that bullet and powder might make a good combo...
Posted By: Blanco

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/05/17 05:19 AM

I have a Savage 25-06 that I went through almost the same dilema. I found that I think it was 53 G of 4350 and a 100 Gr Hornady SST shot a 3 shot 1 hole group at 100 yds. I was not thinking that load would be my best, but if you find the sweet spot just go with it. speed is nothing if your bullet is not going where you want it to go accurately.
7X57 has never been a speed demon anyhow?
Posted By: JJH

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/05/17 03:37 PM

Where did you find the 100gr 25 cal SSTs? No such Bullet on the Hornady website.
Posted By: Blanco

Re: H4350 -v- H414 for a 7mm Mauser - 01/05/17 06:37 PM

Sorry it was 95 Gr V-MAX
I have been loading a bunch of 6.5 stuff lately real similar and its hard to recall all of it from memory.
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