7mm-08 load recommendations
 

I decided to finally unbox my 700 CDL in 7-08, triggertech and VX3i 4.5-14 CDS just came in the mail this week.
Powder and brass availability in Calgary is satisfactory but the bullet selection is minimal.
In the 140grain range, I've located Berger VLD, Hornady SST & Interbond, Nosler Ballistic tip and Partitions so far.
Deer is the main quarry.
Please share which powder/bullet combinations are giving the best accuracy and the most humane kills.
Thx

120 ballistic tip will make you happy

I didn't have much luck with the 140 grain bullets but the Barnes 120 gr TTSX and Varget shoot very well.

My 700 CDL didn’t like 150 grain partitions that I loaded for it, going to try loading them just off the lands and then go from there. Debating on dropping to 140 grain as well, rifle shot factory 140’s really good.

145gr Speer BTSP..... the one the only.

second only to the 120 btip...... great bullet choice

For my buddy I load 140 grain e-tips with RL19. Still haven’t developed a load for my 7-08 yet

Run nearly an identical load for 308

the 145 gr hotcores shoot very nice

140gr sierra prohunter. 42 gr varget.

I use Barnes 120 TTSX. in my sheep gun.
45.5 gr RL15 3050 FPS

I think Nosler BT's are fine for shooting paper or coyote, but they fall apart and you"ll be eating lead in your deer roast.

you couldn't be more wrong on this particular b.tip.

Hornady 139 BTSP, CCI mag primer, Lapua brass and Varget or 4895. Both combos will shoot just over a quarter inch for 3 shots at 100 out of a stock Savage barrel and action.

Are some Nosler BT different than others?
What is the difference between BT and Accubond?
BT's have 50-60% weight retention, that tells me that 40 to 50% of the bullet is in pieces in your meat.

https://faq.nosler.com/index.php?act...d=1&artlang=en

Also try 140gr Accubond, Nosler Brass, Federal Match Primer and Max load of Ramshot BigGame.

7mm btip in 120 grain has very heavy jacket. it was demanded by sihloette shooters years ago and remains to this day. i have had pass throughs on deer, elk and moose at ranges from 100 to 370 yds.
it is the only btip i'm aware of in the line up with this caharacteristic. i don't eat lungs; so shedding 50% of a bullets weight does not bother me either.

I think pass throughs should be the norm, not the exception.
I do my best, however I can't hit the lungs 100% of the time.
I'll excuse you as you may have lead poisoning. :)

150gn Barnes TSX, 46gn IMR4350, Winchester Brass, Federal 210m primers

2750fps @ muzzle on chronograph with 22.8” barrel

That’s pretty funny, but I don’t think Lee misses often. If he’s making a lung shot, it’s a lung shot.

140 grain Sierra pro hunters have worked fabulous for my wife. We have recovered 3 and they mushroomed great and held weight too. Not sure if I would use them at velocities that are higher, but very pleased with how they work in the 7-08.

Reloader 17, 45gr, 140 gr Barnes X, seemed to do the trick for my sons tikka T3 , 5 shots clustered all together at 100 yards....one shot kills, bang ....drop from moose to yotes.

My sheep rifle is a Kimber Montana in 7-08.

I load a 145gr Barnes LRX over LOTS of Varget.
Fed 210m primer and Lapua brass.

This load shoots well under MOA at 2890fps