Kimber 7-08 Reloading

[vennestar]

Hi all, Just wondering if anyone else is having trouble developing a load for this or a similar rifle. I have had a hell of a time finding one, it's very picky and I am wondering if this is common for a Kimber or is it just reloading in general. I know that this question is more a gun question than a reloading one...

I am new to reloading but have worked with a few guys to finally get a few good loads, the gun is picky with factory ammo also. Spraying bullets out in 3to 4inch groups...best load is 1in @ 100yds.

Bullet seating: I checked, bullet does not touch lands of rifling...only way to come close is to make bullet longer(but they won't fit in the magazine).

Gun likes: 44grains of RL15
Barnes TSX 120grain COAL: 2.735

Factory: Federal Premium with Partition bullets.
Federal powershok(cheapo bullets)

 

[mpwolf]

If a 7mm-08 likes 120 tsx and R15, you're all set. R15 took my picky 7mm-08 and took it from mediocre, to quite good. 120 TSX is a fantastic bullet that hits and penetrates way above it's weight. Why look any further? Are you looking for a different bullet weight?

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

I was having trouble loading a hunting round for my 7-08 in Rem 700. Some bullets would get close to the lands others didn't. It was all the bullet profile that caused this issue for me. I did finally get Accubonds and Sciroccos to be able to touch the lands so that I could determine seating depth. Also, mine was very fussy. Wound up using Scirocco's as they grouped the best with my setup.But that is typical, they were the most expensive bullet I tried!

 

[vennestar]

mpwolf - yeah, I was trying to load TTSX in 140grain...it did not like that at all. I tried three different powders with no luck. I was trying to get a 140-150grain bullet to work because my girlfriend wanted to take a moose with it. I think I will stick with the 120 TSX and she can use my 300 for moose...that'll toughen her up.

TIMOFFEE - I read your thread, which helped a bit. I think I might try a few other bullets when I get some more time. Hunting season is upon us in the north, so my experimenting is over for a bit.

Cheers

 

[mpwolf]

I havn't seen a moose yet that could stand up to a 120 TSX. Before the TSX, I used Hornady 162 BTSP and H414 for moose. It shot solid 1.5 moa at 2550 fps. Nothing earth shattering, but it did the job for 2 bullwinkles. Now I just shoot 120 tsx out of that rifle for everything. Moose don't get impressed by energy or velocity, bu they do die if you put a bullet through the lungs, and the tsx will do that, and then go out the other side.