I now have a test small game load for the 7-30 Waters. Beartooth Bullets .285 140 gr. LFN GC, CCI 200, 16.5 gr. IMR SR4759, est 1450 fps/654 fpe. Unfortunately, this bullet seated so that the lube is all within the case has it's base below the neck. This is not best for optimum accuracy.

I think that SR4759 is an excellent powder for cast bullet loads in cartridges that are normally thought of as for use with jacketed bullets only. A very bulky powder, it adequately addresses concerns some have with loading density and fillers. Velocities are often in the 1400-2000 fps range. In my loads I am trying to achieve velocities at the low end of the range for use on edible small game and turkeys. This load of 16-18 grains of SR4759 with a cast bullet appropriate to the firearm used is a good one for the .30-30, .30-40, .308, .300 Savage, .30-06, 7.65 Argentine, .303 British, 7-30 Waters, .35 Remington, .358 Winchester and more of similar capacity.

However, one of the practical considerations not often addressed is the length of the lubricated portion of the bullet in relation to the length of the case neck. I think that better accuracy can be achieved when the lubricated portion of the bullet is entirely within the case neck. This is, I think, because the burning powder and the resulting hot gasses burn off the lube and displace the gas check. Logically, if the GC isn't in place it won't do any good, if it isn't between the bullet and the hot gasses it won't protect the bullet and the bullet won't be accurate if the base is deformed when it passes the muzzle.

This makes one look for lighter weight bullets and use lighter powder charges to keep velocities down and consequently reduce tissue damage on game while still having an effective load.