What ammo for Browning X-Bolt 7mm-08?

waynewjw

waynewjw

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Only desert in Canada overlooking the Thompson Riv
I've put an X-Bolt Hunter in 7mm-08 on hold and it's being shipped to my LGS. Will get it next Thursday or Friday. I'm wondering what ammo you guys are using or would recommend. Rate of twist is 1:9.5 from a 22" barrel.

My first initial shoot will be some factory ammo, recommendations appreciated. I figure I'll pick up 4 boxes to break in and sight in the scope and then see what groups I can get.

After that, it's off to the reloading bench. What powder and grain of bullets would you guys recommend?

Cheers
waynewjw
 
When i got my 7mm-08 made (1-9" twist, Ted Gillard Barrel) i started with Winchester Ballistic Silver Tips.. They held 1" groups.. I then got the materials for reloading.. I shoot 160gr Sierra BTSP, 150gr Swift Scirroco and 140gr Sierra BTSP. Im using Remington Brass, Remingtong 91/2 primers and IMR4007SSC for powder. I don't have a crony but i should be 2650fps with the 160gr, 2800 with the Swift 150. Have not killed any deer or moose with it YET.. But that time will come.
 
Just went through setting one of those up.
120gr federal fusion 1moa
140gr federal fusion 1moa
120gr rem core lokt 1.5moa
140gr rem core lokt 1moa
140gr federal premium nosler 3/4moa
120ttsx h4350 1/2moa 0.050" off lands
139 hornady gmx twelve moa
 
I have a 7x57 in a modern rifle. The old caliber, ballistic twin of a 7-08. I like 162 Amax, a target load but has excellent game results at 7x57/7-08 velocities.

The old standby of light/stout bullet or heavier more frangible applies. I am sure something stout like a bonded or partition in 140 and a softer in about 160 would work. IMO the case does not have the capacity to effectively push large 175 grain projectile...perhaps as a short range large animal snorter. The caliber is what it is, trying to hot rod it would seem odd since there are other hotter 7mm mags for that purpose.

Excellent South Province deer rifle.
 
For that twist of barrel and all around balance a 140gr projectile will work nicely from coyote to moose.The type is up to your intended game.The ballistics of most 140's out of a 7-08 will trump the heavier projectiles down range anyways if you intend longer range shooting.

Powders like W760,H414, H4350 , and other similar burn rates have always given nice accuracy and decent velocity.

Should be able to achieve 2850 ft/sec or so with 140's without over pressure and good accuracy and consistency.
 
I had one at one time. Took up to caribou in size using 140 gr Partition. To me the case capacity is a little too small to get the best out of 160 to 175 gr. bullets, I prefer more horsepower to get this weight of bullets moving and still have flat trajectory.

Jim
 
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