I like Big Game so much I bought enough of one lot to last my 7mm08 barrel life...
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7-08 Help
- Thread starter sextonds
- Start date
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Do a ladder test and let the rifle tell you what it likes. I used to just start at the bottom and work up in 3 shot groups. Wasted lots of time, money and trips to the range. Then someone taught me how to do a ladder test years ago. WAY easier. If you have good shooting habits and a good front/rear rest the rifle will "tell" you what it likes and doesn't like. Every rifle is different.
West Calamus
Well-Known Member
I have had good luck with the 160 grain sierra game kings in a 9 1/2 twist.
I agree, but I was looking for some good starting points to keep from burning through components. They aren't real easy to replace these days
john k
Well-Known Member
Thanks
You'll be perfectly fine with a 1 in 9, my 7mm Rem Mag with a 1 in 9.25 shoots the 180gr VLDH's perfectly.
My 7mm-08's shoot 168gr Bergers as well with no issues.
Stay safe
I second the 1:9 twist. I run a 1:9 in my 7 practical. Stabilizes the 180 eldm just fine to 1k killed many chucks past 1k. With 1 chuck killed at 1,570.
the 7/08 with a 162 behind varget is a deadly deer slayer. Velocity isn't fast at 2650-2700fps... but the 162 eldm is a very soft bullet. At these velocities it's absolutely perfect and hits like a hammer. Run the numbers to 500yds. 2,675fps with a 100yd zero it's 10.5 min to 500 with 2000fps and 1400lbs energy! If you sight in 3" high at 100 it's only 7.5 min to 500. Hold on hair to 300 yds on a 10" kill zone. Can't ask for more in my opinion for deer. Same trajectory as the 6.5 WISHMOORE but with more energy. Hehehe
the 7/08 with a 162 behind varget is a deadly deer slayer. Velocity isn't fast at 2650-2700fps... but the 162 eldm is a very soft bullet. At these velocities it's absolutely perfect and hits like a hammer. Run the numbers to 500yds. 2,675fps with a 100yd zero it's 10.5 min to 500 with 2000fps and 1400lbs energy! If you sight in 3" high at 100 it's only 7.5 min to 500. Hold on hair to 300 yds on a 10" kill zone. Can't ask for more in my opinion for deer. Same trajectory as the 6.5 WISHMOORE but with more energy. Hehehe
john k
Well-Known Member
Pretty impressive to handle 120gr thru 180's. I don't load my '08 over 140 due to velocity (my hang up). When I have to increase bullets to 160 plus, I pull my .280 Ackley out. Again, that's just me. I love them both! But it's amazing all this info on the 7-08 loads and it's great but you just got to take the time to load develop for your particular rifle. 7-08 likes more than a few powders but your personal one like a particular one the best we all have to find.
Outdrmn
Well-Known Member
What's your OAL for your Berger's and ELDX? I'm thinking of a bolt stop extension and lager magazine for my wife's Tikka. See if a little longer seating depth make a difference.
Gr8 bullet. Use it in my 7wsm and 7 08.
2.80" for both. I'm limited with my factory Rem 700 magazine lenght.
My 7mm Rem Mag likes the 168gr and 180gr .01 off the lands
I used a 280 Rem for a few years, loved it, the 280AI is even better.
The newer higher BC bullets combined with somewhat newer powders make the 7mm-08 cartridge a solid 700 to 800 yds animal slayer. The 150gr. ELD-X, the 162gr version along with the 168gr VLDH make this cartridge just more fun to hunt with. It's now about 50 to 80 fps at most behind the 280 Rem with less powder and a in a lighter short action.
Now the 280AI is a very versatile cartridge, right behind the 7mm Rem Mag and with less powder. Been thinking about making my next 7mm a 280AI, but having a 7mm Rem Mag already makes me think twice.
All Tikkas are long action
