Another thread on loading the 7-08
- Thread starter H4831
- Start date
Have you considered Varget? It is usually the accuracy champ with good velocity in my rifles. Sure there are a few powders that can eek out another 50 fps at equal pressure, but the accuracy and temperature stability always bring me back to Varget when it is an appropriate choice.
I just shot my new 7mm 08 for the first time yesterday. Took it to 43 grains of Varget under a 140 Berger VLD hunting to 2770 fps with no pressure signs at all, 22" bbl. Going to try 43.5 gr and 44.0 gr next time. Should definitely be in the 2800-2850 range.
I just shot my new 7mm 08 for the first time yesterday. Took it to 43 grains of Varget under a 140 Berger VLD hunting to 2770 fps with no pressure signs at all, 22" bbl. Going to try 43.5 gr and 44.0 gr next time. Should definitely be in the 2800-2850 range.
The big difference between H4350 and IMR 4350 is the size of the sticks. I've usually found you can get a bit more H in than IMR with a slight velocity increase.
If you can find some RL17 it's worth trying, if velocity is what you are after.
If you can find some RL17 it's worth trying, if velocity is what you are after.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
I'm loading with varget and nosler 120 bt. Why the 120? because the jacket is thicker then the 140's. I am getting high 2900's
gunrunner8
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Kamloops, B.C.
I use either 139gr Hornady GMX or 150gr Rem CL in my LH Ruger 7-08.
Was lucky enough to grab 7lbs of 47SL-10 powder (slow lot H414) years ago and it is by far the best powder for my 7-08 (and my 30-06 RCBS IMP) for speed and for accuracy as well.
IMHO hunting with copper bullets lighter than say 130gr and lighter than 150gr for regular lead core bullets is a mistake in this caliber.
The race to reach 3000fps at any cost just doesn't make any sense in my books.
I will not print my powder charge in here but safe performance of H414 can't be beat in this aplication.
Brass longevity, accuracy nod and safety is more important than 100 or 200fps.
Judging the most of threads regarding pierced primers, frozen bolts. brass head separations, loose primer pockets, bolt head cavities and following outcry about "low quality components" makes me to shake my head....
In my 30 plus years of handloading I had no such occurence.
GR8 2c worth.
Was lucky enough to grab 7lbs of 47SL-10 powder (slow lot H414) years ago and it is by far the best powder for my 7-08 (and my 30-06 RCBS IMP) for speed and for accuracy as well.
IMHO hunting with copper bullets lighter than say 130gr and lighter than 150gr for regular lead core bullets is a mistake in this caliber.
The race to reach 3000fps at any cost just doesn't make any sense in my books.
I will not print my powder charge in here but safe performance of H414 can't be beat in this aplication.
Brass longevity, accuracy nod and safety is more important than 100 or 200fps.
Judging the most of threads regarding pierced primers, frozen bolts. brass head separations, loose primer pockets, bolt head cavities and following outcry about "low quality components" makes me to shake my head....
In my 30 plus years of handloading I had no such occurence.
GR8 2c worth.
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I just finished making some test loads with IMR 4166.
Using WW brass, WLR primers, Hornady 139 gr BTSP Interlock bullets seated 0.020" off the lands.
6 rounds each with 38.5, 39.5, & 40.5 grains of powder.
I plan on shooting them off tomorrow. If they perform reasonably, I'll chronograph the load next time out.
Using WW brass, WLR primers, Hornady 139 gr BTSP Interlock bullets seated 0.020" off the lands.
6 rounds each with 38.5, 39.5, & 40.5 grains of powder.
I plan on shooting them off tomorrow. If they perform reasonably, I'll chronograph the load next time out.
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Shot them this morning.
Nothing too impressive, 38.5 gave 1.5" nice triangles. The other loads put 2 close together and the 3rd bullet 1" - 1.25" away.
Put together 18 more rounds just now. 6 each at 41.5, 42,5, & 43.5 grains.
I seated the bullets 0.005 shorter, so I'm looking at 0.025 off the lands. Hopefully I find a good load before I run out of these bullets!
Nothing too impressive, 38.5 gave 1.5" nice triangles. The other loads put 2 close together and the 3rd bullet 1" - 1.25" away.
Put together 18 more rounds just now. 6 each at 41.5, 42,5, & 43.5 grains.
I seated the bullets 0.005 shorter, so I'm looking at 0.025 off the lands. Hopefully I find a good load before I run out of these bullets!
