120 gr. 7mm-08 loads

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Big Game

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Does anyone have any experience with loading 120 grain boattails in the 7-08? I'm working up some antelope hunting loads and was wondering if I should be looking at the 120 grainers instead of the 139 grain Interlock's. I'm loading Varget right now.
 
I have always had best results overall with 140's in 7-08, 120 may be faster but will bleed more energy down range and if you are going to be having typical antelope shot at longer ranges a bullet retaining more energy and having less drift may be the way to go.If you have a 139/140 load that works well I wouldn't mess with a new load in 120.
 
I had used 120g in the past but was disappointed it their performance. Now I use 140g nosler baltips or hornady 154 as I found these to perform better on the game I have shot with it which is deer.
 
I recently purchased 200 Speer 130 BTSP's to try a lighter bullet in my 7mm08 since I tend to use it for short range work anyway. I was hoping they would still be effective up to 300 yards though... They will be the lightest bullets I will use in a 7mm if they work out. If I need or want lighter bullets I usually just use a smaller bore!
 
I use 120gr ballistic tips and have been satisfied with my results so far on deer. Of the two animals I've downed with them, results were good - but they were not large deer either.

I'm loading with varget to around 3000fps. I've loaded 140gr accubonds as well, to 2800fps. With those speeds the 120gr has 3" less drop at 400yd zeroed at 200, compared to the 140. The 140's have a slight edge with wind drift. The 140 also retains a little more energy downrange.
 
Cleftwynd said:
I recently purchased 200 Speer 130 BTSP's to try a lighter bullet in my 7mm08 since I tend to use it for short range work anyway. I was hoping they would still be effective up to 300 yards though... They will be the lightest bullets I will use in a 7mm if they work out. If I need or want lighter bullets I usually just use a smaller bore!
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What are you using for powder? My first choice originally was 4350 but there seems to be a shortage around here so I went to the Varget. I want to develop these loads over the winter so I was also looking for a powder that wasn't as temperature sensitive.
 
I have many to choose from and haven't chosen a powder yet, I have Varget on hand but don't think that is my first choice. Most likely H4350.... Not sure yet.

Let me look at some data I have here and I will edit with my first three choices. I usually try two or three powders before I settle on one.


Also, I have noticed that several powders are short in supply with huge backorders at many retailers in Canada, my usual supplier has been waiting for months for a lot of Hodgdon and Win powders. I wanted to get some extra stock on H4350, H4831SC, H1000, W760, H414 and a few other common powders but they have been on backorder for a LONG time now. Going to have to go to higginsons I guess.


EDIT: It looks like I will be using either RL15 or H414, if those do not work, maybe IMR4064
 
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Cleftwynd said:
I have many to choose from and haven't chosen a powder yet, I have Varget on hand but don't think that is my first choice. Most likely H4350.... Not sure yet.

Let me look at some data I have here and I will edit with my first three choices. I usually try two or three powders before I settle on one.


Also, I have noticed that several powders are short in supply with huge backorders at many retailers in Canada, my usual supplier has been waiting for months for a lot of Hodgdon and Win powders. I wanted to get some extra stock on H4350, H4831SC, H1000, W760, H414 and a few other common powders but they have been on backorder for a LONG time now. Going to have to go to higginsons I guess.


EDIT: It looks like I will be using either RL15 or H414, if those do not work, maybe IMR4064
Click to expand...

I guess I'll have to head over to WSS after Boxing Day and see what powders they have in stock. I might have to try some loads based on what powders are available. I think loading components might be hard to come by in the near future.
 
I've been running RL15 & Ramshot BG with 120gr NBT & 120 TTSX with great success in a M700. The RS runs at +3250fps and the RL15 runs at +3100fps, both give 1MOA or better from a 22" factory sporter barrel. The 120gr bullet gives up nothing to the +140gr's out to +400 yards.
 
Cinch said:
I've been running RL15 & Ramshot BG with 120gr NBT & 120 TTSX with great success in a M700. The RS runs at +3250fps and the RL15 runs at +3100fps, both give 1MOA or better from a 22" factory sporter barrel. The 120gr bullet gives up nothing to the +140gr's out to +400 yards.
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Good to know. I doubt that I'll be shooting at any antelope out past 400 yds., not much of a boiler room at that distance on a little animal. What reloading manual did you use to come up with your loads?
 
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