7mm-08 developing load

[Savage Bacon]

Howdy folks,
A couple of months ago I was looking to upgrade from my entry level rifle and scope to something a little bit more serious.

So I pulled the trigger on a Christensen Arms Mesa chambered in 7MM-08, and a Swarovski Z5 scope.

My plan is to use this rifle for hunting, and to do a bit of long range target shooting.

I'm going to work on getting a load dialed up in the spring when it warms up a bit.

I started off with some IMR4350 and some barnes 140 ttsx. I'll have to revisit this combo as I didn't get good results.

This time I went with some IMR4895 and some 140 grain Accubonds. And had some better luck. My targets were set up at 200 yards. I was playing with seating depths. I'll mess around with powder charges when I get time. I fired 8 rounds building up powder charges to make sure I didn't have any issues. Then shot a few groups of 3.

The last pic is of 2 loads that got the best results in the first 2 pics. It's strange that the second time shooting those loads didn't look that great, but the two second groups look like an identical pattern.

It was pretty cold out and I didn't have a fancy set up but this is what I ended up with. I'm sure I wasn't pulling that hard?

Anyone else loading for 7MM-08? And have some groups, and loads that work for you that you want to share?
Again I apologize for the small pics.

[elkhunter11]

I used IMR4895 for both of my 7mm-08 rifles. I used the 140gr Ballistic Tip in one rifle, and the 120gr Ballistic Tip in the other rifle. Back then, there was no Accubond, or I would have gone that route. If I was to go with a monometal, I would try the 120gr TTSX.

[FishHunterPro]

Originally Posted by Savage Bacon

Howdy folks,
A couple of months ago I was looking to upgrade from my entry level rifle and scope to something a little bit more serious.

So I pulled the trigger on a Christensen Arms Mesa chambered in 7MM-08, and a Swarovski Z5 scope.

My plan is to use this rifle for hunting, and to do a bit of long range target shooting.

I'm going to work on getting a load dialed up in the spring when it warms up a bit.

I started off with some IMR4350 and some barnes 140 ttsx. I'll have to revisit this combo as I didn't get good results.

This time I went with some IMR4895 and some 140 grain Accubonds. And had some better luck. My targets were set up at 200 yards. I was playing with seating depths. I'll mess around with powder charges when I get time. I fired 8 rounds building up powder charges to make sure I didn't have any issues. Then shot a few groups of 3.

The last pic is of 2 loads that got the best results in the first 2 pics. It's strange that the second time shooting those loads didn't look that great, but the two second groups look like an identical pattern.

It was pretty cold out and I didn't have a fancy set up but this is what I ended up with. I'm sure I wasn't pulling that hard?

Anyone else loading for 7MM-08? And have some groups, and loads that work for you that you want to share?
Again I apologize for the small pics.

I use varget with 140gr Barnes ttsx . I would have to see how much powder I use but it works really well I probably will never change it if I don’t have to. The 120 ttsx works great with varget to.

[Savage Bacon]

Originally Posted by FishHunterPro

I use varget with 140gr Barnes ttsx . I would have to see how much powder I use but it works really well I probably will never change it if I don’t have to. The 120 ttsx works great with varget to.

I can't find any varget. The guy at cabelas laughed at me when I asked lol

[Savage Bacon]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I used IMR4895 for both of my 7mm-08 rifles. I used the 140gr Ballistic Tip in one rifle, and the 120gr Ballistic Tip in the other rifle. Back then, there was no Accubond, or I would have gone that route. If I was to go with a monometal, I would try the 120gr TTSX.

I have a few boxes of ballistic tips I want to play around with. They are one of the cheapest bullets I see on the shelves.

[teledogs]

I am using Barnes TTSX 120 GR and Varget. I couldn't find Varget at any store but was able to get some from another AO member, it is on the B&S now and then but you have to be quick.

[Savage Bacon]

Originally Posted by teledogs

I am using Barnes TTSX 120 GR and Varget. I couldn't find Varget at any store but was able to get some from another AO member, it is on the B&S now and then but you have to be quick.

Nice group!

[Dubious]

If your just shooting deer try the Berger vldh it’s also a great target bullet varget is the powder of choice have had great success and nice tight repeatable groups.

[PaLuke]

I use Hornady 139 grain BTSP Interloc with IMR 4895. I’ve had great luck with that combo. Mine is a Browning X bolt Hunter. Good luck working up a load. Take care and stay safe.

[Savage Bacon]

I think I'll build up a stock of bullets and powders throughout the winter so I can play around in the spring. I just got some new toys for the loading room I want to test out.

[Savage Bacon]

Originally Posted by PaLuke

I use Hornady 139 grain BTSP Interloc with IMR 4895. I’ve had great luck with that combo. Mine is a Browning X bolt Hunter. Good luck working up a load. Take care and stay safe.

I have some hornady 139 grain sst i want to try. They were affordable compared to others. And the guy I bought my rifle from swears by them.

[CNP]

Sako A7 7mm08 140 gr Accubond 46 gr IMR 4350 2695 fps .331 moa

[Coiloil37]

I’m about 12,500 km from my 7mm-08 but if I was working up a load I would be looking for some Winchester Staball powder. The velocity’s great, who knows if your rifle likes it though.

Go to hodgdons load data and have a look but keep in mind they listed a 24” barrel.

Here the fastest and slowest. They’ve got data for all points in between.

[Pioneer2]

Win 760 and a mag primer with the 140gr. Great in the 7x57 + .284 win as well with the same bullet.

[elkhunter11]

Both of my 7mm-08 rifles were model 7 s, and both shot around 3/4 moa. Velocity is not high, so you don't really need a tough bullet. The 120gr Ballistic Tip does hold together quite well, especially at 7mm-08 velocities. As far as the TTSX goes, faster is better, so stay with the lighter weights. If I had another 7mm-08, I would likely give R-17 a try.

[Dick284]

Try 4064, 4166 or 4895 if you can’t get Varget.
120 TTSX’s or Ballistic Tips smash deer like no bodies business.

139gr Hornady BTSP Interlock’s with 4064/4166/4895/Varget is about as good of a all purpose of load as a guy could look for.

140gr Partition or Accubond and 4350/4451 is a great higher velocity tough going type of load as you’ll ever need.

For long range target work 4350/4451 with 150-162gr match/target bullets. I had stellar results with 150gr. Sierra Matchkings, and 155gr. Chinchaga’s.

I found CCI BR2 primers was all I needed in all loads in the 7-08.

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=105049

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=128829

[kujoseto]

I have been getting great results with Reloder 15 and H4895 yet most 7mm-08 discussions include Varget. I have never used Sta-ball and was going to pick some up until I started reading how most everyone was nowhere near the claimed velocities.

Reach out to Dean2 on here as I see he hasn’t responded yet.

The beauty of the cartridge is it is so versatile and there is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to good powder.

[Tronneroi]

I had a lot of good recommendations in this thread.

I ended up sticking with 150gr ELDX, H4350, Win brass, and BR2 primers. I may try some VLDs this spring after they performed so well in my .308 though.

[DLab]

I went with 145 gr. Speer BTSP over H4350 with Fed. 210's, Rem. brass,2888 fps. avg.,24 inch barrel. Well under an inch @100,usually 3 touching or close to.
Like most say, easy to load for.

[Savage Bacon]

Originally Posted by Tronneroi

I had a lot of good recommendations in this thread.

I ended up sticking with 150gr ELDX, H4350, Win brass, and BR2 primers. I may try some VLDs this spring after they performed so well in my .308 though.

I'll take some notes on some of of those loads.

My first loads that were all over the place were with IMR4350. I've since purchased a couple of pounds of H4350. When the weather warms up I'll see if I get better results. I heard it handles temperature changes better so it might end up being my cold weather hunting powder.

[Dick284]

Originally Posted by Savage Bacon

I'll take some notes on some of of those loads.

My first loads that were all over the place were with IMR4350. I've since purchased a couple of pounds of H4350. When the weather warms up I'll see if I get better results. I heard it handles temperature changes better so it might end up being my cold weather hunting powder.

Cold weather warm weather, they all gain and lose velocity some more than others. The ambient conditions being what they are effect ignition regardless.
Wanna see degraded cold weather performance see how WW760/H414 performs in the cold, but guys still use it And get good results.

Don’t bite so hard into the advertising hype, just find a good load.

[kujoseto]

Originally Posted by dick284

cold weather warm weather, they all gain and lose velocity some more than others. The ambient conditions being what they are effect ignition regardless.
Wanna see degraded cold weather performance see how ww760/h414 performs in the cold, but guys still use it and get good results.

Don’t bite so hard into the advertising hype, just find a good load.

this ^^^

[Savage Bacon]

Originally Posted by Dick284

Cold weather warm weather, they all gain and lose velocity some more than others. The ambient conditions being what they are effect ignition regardless.
Wanna see degraded cold weather performance see how WW760/H414 performs in the cold, but guys still use it And get good results.

Don’t bite so hard into the advertising hype, just find a good load.

Ya I tend to over think some things, while still under thinking other things lol. Hell I was happy shooting factory ammo out of my other rifle and had no issues at all.

I think my first mistake was buying a press, and then building a reloading room out of the master bedroom in my downstairs suite

[teledogs]

I bought a press thinking I was going to save money...

Still laughing at myself

[32-40win]

I've used 760/h414 w/140 BT's, CCI250, and Partitions for 30 yrs+ in the 7-08, it has worked for me, got the velocity I wanted and adequate accuracy for my purposes, 140 BT's used for all but hunting purposes. These days, as I have another one to work on, I am leaning towards starting out with H4350,RL16, 760 in it. I'll try it with F210M and F215M primers and 140BT's and Partitions again, as well as some TTSX's. I would have no issues with trying Staball, but, still have the 760 to use up as well. I have 168 Sierra's I shud use up, may try some Berger's one day for range bullets. Maybe one day I'll try some 120TTSX's in one of them, that does seem to be a really well regarded combo.
Of the hot and cold weather testing I've done, only lost about 25-30fps from 40F to 0F with 760, and at under 300yds for my hunting purposes, it isn't worth worrying about. Maybe Staball is better, maybe not.
More likely overall, to be casting some 150NEI's and some 154 Lyman's to try out in the one, probably with AA5744.
One thing I really like about the 7-08, lots of choices available to play with.

[Thunder Elk Hunter]

I use H4350 with 140TTSX works great for me.

[DLab]

Originally Posted by DLab

I went with 145 gr. Speer BTSP over H4350 with Fed. 210's, Rem. brass,2888 fps. avg.,24 inch barrel. Well under an inch @100,usually 3 touching or close to.
Like most say, easy to load for.

My other load considerations were 120gr. BT or 120gr. TTSX over VarGet or 139gr. Interlocks.I just happen to bump into a great deal on 200 of the Speer's.

[Savage Bacon]

How far out would you guys use the 120's to?

For hunting I'm thinking I'll tap out around the 300 yard mark. Or not very much farther. That's why I was going with the 140's.

For target shooting tho, I'll shoot as far as I can.

[Savage Bacon]

This is what I have so far. Cabelas was pretty much sold out of 7mm bullets earlier in the week.

[old30-06]

My Savage 7mm-08 likes Hornady 140 gr. GMX and IMR 4895. Shots are limited to 250 yards to ensure bullet expands on impact (minimum 2000 fps required). Accuracy is limited by me.

I like the GMX because I can work up loads and practice with 140 gr SST, then switch to GMX for hunting with minimal change in POI.