Question for the 7-08 Shooters/Handloaders

[dave99]

I've been salivating over the Sako 85 Finnlight chambered in 7-08 for at least the past 5 years. I have decided to move a couple firearms out of my gun cabinet (Ruger #1 RSI in .243 and a Mossberg 930 12 gauge) to make room for the new rifle.

The intention is the use the Finnlight mostly as a sheep hunting rig but it will also eclipse my trusty T3 in 30.06 as my general purpose hunting rifle. It'll be topped with a Swaro Z5 3.5-18 x44. I've been hand loading for a couple of years.

The Finnlight is offered in a few different calibers. The reasons I'm leaning strongly in the direction of the 7-08 chambering is because of it's short action, short overall length, high ballistic coefficient of bullet offerings, and reputation for relatively light recoil (I'm not a magnum guy).

That said, I want to ensure that the caliber has enough muscle to it in order to reach out to deliver good energy and velocity for shots on medium-sized game to distances of 500yds or so, under good conditions. If I cannot hand load to reach the velocity requirements, then maybe I'm better off with the .270win instead.

Question:
The Nosler data for 7-08 with 140gr bullets lists a max load for IMR 4350 as 46.0 grains of powder. Out of their 26" test barrel this produces a velocity of 2840fps. The Finnlight barrel is much shorter, at 20". What velocity could I expect from the Finnlight at (or near) 46.0 grains of IMR 4350? Does anyone have real world experience with this?

Any input would be appreciated!

[elkhunter11]

I have had two 7mm-08 rifles, one with an 18-1/2" barrel, and one with a 20" barrel, and the best that I could do with the 20" barrel and 140gr bullets, was about 2700fps.

[Kurt505]

They say it's usually in the neighborhood of around 40fps/inch. If you use this logic, you'd be looking at around 2600fps.

I know you're pretty set on the finnlight, but if you're into considering options, a Kimber Montana in 280ai is a great choice for what you're looking for.

This is purely my opinion but I had finnlights in both 260rem and 300wsm, and also an A7 in 7-08, I like the Kimber Montana better than all three.

[old dog]

I have the same swaro scope, it's great. It's mounted in a Kimber mountain assent in a 308. It's a great sheep gun and deadly accurate

[Zuludog]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

They say it's usually in the neighborhood of around 40fps/inch. If you use this logic, you'd be looking at around 2600fps.

I know you're pretty set on the finnlight, but if you're into considering options, a Kimber Montana in 280ai is a great choice for what you're looking for.

This is purely my opinion but I had finnlights in both 260rem and 300wsm, and also an A7 in 7-08, I like the Kimber Montana better than all three.

You should sell me that rifle.

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by Zuludog

You should sell me that rifle.

Ok, you gotta wait until spring though.

[rembo]

Consider a 6.5 x 55 in the same rifle. You get 1-3/4" more barrel, only 3.5 ounces heavier, and a Swede in a 22-7/16" barrel should push a 140 a bit faster than a 7-08 in a 20-1/4" barrel. You can make up the weight difference with a 4.5-14 x 40 Leupold which is 3 ounces lighter than the Swarovski. Stay away from the OptiLoks if weight is a consideration.
Just my opinion as that's what I would be looking at. But then again, like you said, the 270 Win is an option if you go to the long action.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by rembo

Consider a 6.5 x 55 in the same rifle. You get 1-3/4" more barrel, only 3.5 ounces heavier, and a Swede in a 22-7/16" barrel should push a 140 a bit faster than a 7-08 in a 20-1/4" barrel. You can make up the weight difference with a 4.5-14 x 40 Leupold which is 3 ounces lighter than the Swarovski. Stay away from the OptiLoks if weight is a consideration.
Just my opinion as that's what I would be looking at. But then again, like you said, the 270 Win is an option if you go to the long action.

I agree on the 6.5x55, but I would go with the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 which has plenty of magnification for a lightweight mountain rifle. and it is lighter than the Leupold mentioned, with superior lenses and coatings.
My own 6.5x55 has a 20" barrel, and it pushes the 129gr Accubond LR at around 2750, and with the very high B.C. it retains velocity better than most 130-140gr .284" bullets.

[gtr]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I agree on the 6.5x55, but I would go with the Swarovski Z3 3-10x42 which has plenty of magnification for a lightweight mountain rifle. and it is lighter than the Leupold mentioned, with superior lenses and coatings.
My own 6.5x55 has a 20" barrel, and it pushes the 129gr Accubond LR at around 2750, and with the very high B.C. it retains velocity better than most 130-140gr .284" bullets.

Superior to your eyes. LMAO

[trad_archer]

I had a model 70 featherweight chambered in 7mm 08, shot plenty of animals with it, moose elk and deer without an issue up to 450 yards (in my experience) i enjoyed the ballistics without the recoil of a typical 7mm mag. Overall a great caliber for the cash conscientious shooter as factory loads are usually inexpensive. I shot Nosler partitions and never had a problem with a "lack of gun". I dont have it anymore (regrettably) as it lost out to my .257 Weatherby a few years ago.

[Scopithorne]

I shot a 7-08 for a few years and while I really liked it I found it did nothing a 270 didn't seem to do a little better mho. I know you said youwanted to avoid magnum chamberings but the 270 wsm will give you a little extra power while still in a short action rifle

[dave99]

Originally Posted by Kurt505

They say it's usually in the neighborhood of around 40fps/inch. If you use this logic, you'd be looking at around 2600fps.

I know you're pretty set on the finnlight, but if you're into considering options, a Kimber Montana in 280ai is a great choice for what you're looking for.

This is purely my opinion but I had finnlights in both 260rem and 300wsm, and also an A7 in 7-08, I like the Kimber Montana better than all three.

Also looked at the Kimber lineup. I've never held one in my hands so I'll have to check them out before committing to the Finnlight. Do any shops carry Kimber? Prophet River is only showing one in stock.

[dave99]

Originally Posted by rembo

Consider a 6.5 x 55 in the same rifle. You get 1-3/4" more barrel, only 3.5 ounces heavier, and a Swede in a 22-7/16" barrel should push a 140 a bit faster than a 7-08 in a 20-1/4" barrel. You can make up the weight difference with a 4.5-14 x 40 Leupold which is 3 ounces lighter than the Swarovski. Stay away from the OptiLoks if weight is a consideration.
Just my opinion as that's what I would be looking at. But then again, like you said, the 270 Win is an option if you go to the long action.

The issue that I have with the 6.5mm is that I hope to eventually use this rifle on a guided hunt in YK/AK. I know that this is very much a personal opinion, but think that 6.5mm may be under gunned for the bigger game. Ballistics on it look great though

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by dave99

The issue that I have with the 6.5mm is that I hope to eventually use this rifle on a guided hunt in YK/AK. I know that this is very much a personal opinion, but think that 6.5mm may be under gunned for the bigger game. Ballistics on it look great though

In all honesty, if I wasn't comfortable using a 6.5x55 on a hunt, I wouldn't feel comfortable using a 7mm-08 either.

[it$_unreel]

I own... shoot... and hunt with a variety of calibers.
If I was still out climbing these Rockies pursuing sheep...I'd definitely be packing my lightweight 7-08 shooting 145 Grand Slams or 140 GMX .

The .270 Win is my all time favorite deer/sheep cartridge but the 7-08 is awful close to duplicating accuracy and killing ability on game.
Stalk and shoot inside of 350 yds. and no one would ever know the difference what you put their lights out with.
Good luck... Good hunting....and KEEP YOUR GUNS !

[Kurt505]

Originally Posted by dave99

Also looked at the Kimber lineup. I've never held one in my hands so I'll have to check them out before committing to the Finnlight. Do any shops carry Kimber? Prophet River is only showing one in stock.

I believe Bashaw sports and P&D may also carry them. Prophet River is a great place to deal with and you won't find a nicer guy than Clay to deal with.

The 7-08 is a good cartridge, but in all honesty it didn't have the umpf behind it I wanted. The 280 is in my opinion the ultimate cartridge for North America, and when you get it in an Ackley...... Perfection!

[old dog]

Calgary shooting centre has a good line up of kimbers. I went with the 308 for a number of reasons but one was access to bullets. I use a 168 Barnes. TTSX It's great. I was looking at the 280 AI but steered away from it due to what I was told about access to shells, bullets, reloading kit, etc. If you go that way line all the kit first would be my suggestion.

[gitrdun]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I have had two 7mm-08 rifles, one with an 18-1/2" barrel, and one with a 20" barrel, and the best that I could do with the 20" barrel and 140gr bullets, was about 2700fps.

I've cut & crowned a 7-08 barrel down to 18.5". I've pulled up my load data, here's what I've got:

145gr Speer Gold Match, RL15 x 37.5gr = 2466 fps

120gr Nosler BT, H4895 x 42.5gr = 2894 fps

Pretty good muzzle jump though with that short barrel.

[FishHunterPro]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

In all honesty, if I wasn't comfortable using a 6.5x55 on a hunt, I wouldn't feel comfortable using a 7mm-08 either.

X2

[Knotter]

My brother in law shoots accubonds out of his rem 700 cdl with that cartridge. although I can't answer the question about velocity I can personally attest that his recent bull moose, bull elk and countless dead deer. They are are no less dead than animals I hit with my 30-06. His elk was @425 and dropped stone dead.

The round is capable. the short barrel will allow you to stalk closer and be enjoyable to cary.

[dave99]

Originally Posted by gitrdun

I've cut & crowned a 7-08 barrel down to 18.5". I've pulled up my load data, here's what I've got:

145gr Speer Gold Match, RL15 x 37.5gr = 2466 fps

120gr Nosler BT, H4895 x 42.5gr = 2894 fps

Pretty good muzzle jump though with that short barrel.

Thanks for the useful info. I want to avoid pushing really hot loads out of a 7-08 just to reach my velocity and ballistic goals. A balance between accuracy and velocity/ballistics is really what I'm after, and it sounds like a cartridge with a little more inherent velocity is what I'm after.

To those that say that the 7-08 and 6.5 Swede are more than capable, I have no doubt about it. I shot 3 moose with my .243 when I was younger and none required a followup shot. So no disrespect to those cartridges.

I'll have a look at the Kimber this weekend, but right now leaning towards the .270win Finnlight. After all, if it was good enough for O'Connor it's probably good enough for me!

[Kev]

I have the Finnlight in 7-08. I use 120 TTSX, and got a significant increase (around 120 fps if memory serves) in velocity by using magnum primers. Tried it in a longer barrel 7-08 and it had negligible increase.

[Dean2]

Speaking of loading for the 7-08, has anyone seen any Winchester or Lapua 7-08 brass around Edmonton. Have been making mine from 308 Military brass and it makes excellent brass but thought if there is some maked brass locally I might pick up a couple huindred. Too cheap to pay shipping on brass.

As to 7-08 performance, there is so little difference in performance between the 280, 284, 7x57, 7x64 and 7-08 that choosing one over the other is impossible. It comes down to personal preference as all are plenty adequate for NA big game.

To get a meaningful bump is speed you need to ggo to the Rem Mag, SAUM, WSM or STW. Short of that there isn't more than about 100 fps difference with a 140 grain bullet among the rest of them.

[sage 13]

Originally Posted by Dean2

Speaking of loading for the 7-08, has anyone seen any Winchester or Lapua 7-08 brass around Edmonton. Have been making mine from 308 Military brass and it makes excellent brass but thought if there is some maked brass locally I might pick up a couple huindred. Too cheap to pay shipping on brass.

As to 7-08 performance, there is so little difference in performance between the 280, 284, 7x57, 7x64 and 7-08 that choosing one over the other is impossible. It comes down to personal preference as all are plenty adequate for NA big game.

To get a meaningful bump is speed you need to ggo to the Rem Mag, SAUM, WSM or STW. Short of that there isn't more than about 100 fps difference with a 140 grain bullet among the rest of them.

If you no any one going to prophet river they have some lapua brass.

[sure as shootin']

If you go down to the lighter grain bullets in TTSX you get FPS in the 3000 range. Here's a couple of photos from the Barnes website. These results are for a 24" barrel, 1:9.5 twist. It appears Varget is the powders of choice. My phone takes lousy pics but you should still be able to see the results:





I'm going to try one of these two bullets in my Sako 85 SS 7mm08,,,,,22" barrel. From the specs I lloked at it appears to have the same weight as the Finnlight in this calibre. (6.4 lbs)

[NBFK]

My wife's been shooting a 7mm-08 for 10 years. I love this cartridge and will always have one in my safe. Hers has a 20" pipe and I'm guessing velocity will be lower. But in all honesty it's a 300 yard gun for her and works great! Pick a good bullet and know your gun and don't look back. There's nothing in Alberta a 7-08 won't kill effectively.

[plmnnkoqaz]

Originally Posted by Dean2

Speaking of loading for the 7-08, has anyone seen any Winchester or Lapua 7-08 brass around Edmonton. Have been making mine from 308 Military brass and it makes excellent brass but thought if there is some maked brass locally I might pick up a couple huindred. Too cheap to pay shipping on brass.

I picked up Nosler brass from cabelas and it is of excellent quality.

[sure as shootin']

Originally Posted by plmnnkoqaz

I picked up Nosler brass from cabelas and it is of excellent quality.

I picked up a bunch of once fired Hornady from a guy who shoots a 7-08. Anyone ever use this brass? I'm hoping that it should be fine. Even if I can get 3-4 loads from each one I should be good to go for several years since this rifle will be more of a hunting rifle for me rather than my .308 that gets the bulk of my time on the range.

[kaleh01]

My factory rem 700 sps stainless with a Timney 2lb trigger, and Macmillan hunters edge stock is my go to hunting rifle. Near alpha mount and vortex PST 2.5-10. I shoot 150 sgk's at 2700 and love it! It's taken a bull elk, 1 bear, 5 bucks and numerous coyotes including 2 in one shot!

[sillyak]

I'm getting 2750 fps with a 140 Berger hunting VLD with 44 gains of Varget in a 22" barrel.

I would think 2700 fps with a 140 grain bullet would be fairly easy to achieve without excessive pressure using Varget. You may be able to get some more velocity using an Alliant powder. If 2700 fps is too slow I would consider the .270 Win if you are dead set on a Finnlite.