7mm-08 Load Data for heavy for caliber bullets

[LVJ76]

7mm-08 is an underrated cartridge. Extremely accurate. The factory ammo available cripples it IMO. It will shoot those 160-170 class for sure, not sure on the bullets above that as far as velocity and twist rate. To wake it up though, you need to reload for that cartridge. As stated above, we got 160 accubonds 2664 FPS out of H4350 in a 22" barrel.

You are correct, the factory ammo for this cartridge does cripples it.

 

[ntg]

It doesn't get the love it deserves for sure.

 

[Wachsmann]

Last night I was also looking at the accubond and playing around with some of the numbers in my shooter app. As for right now I think its just going to be tough getting my hands on some of these bullets. I do have some 7mm 168 LRAB to start with though. I have a box of 139grn loaded hornadys also. So this is where I'll start playing around. As for powder I have plenty of flavors to start off with.

 

[fmuguira]

I ve had sub moa accuracy and good game performance with both the Hornady 139 btsp and the 139 flash base. Velocity is always good with that bullet as short bearing surface. Also, found loading them to 2.790-2.800 oal and no load development. They are forgiving on jump.

Where in ID are you? I m Boise

 

[Wachsmann]

I'm in Meridian

 

[fmuguira]

 

[Wachsmann]

I went over to Cliff gun store today and scored some 7mm 160 AB's. They were also stocking some Vihtavuori powders. I didn't look to close as I have never used any of the stuff. I generally have stuck with Hodgens, Alliant, and IMR.

 

[fmuguira]

If you have H4350 I d start there and see if you can find a good load. Accubonds typically will jump and still shoot good accuracy wise.

 

[Wachsmann]

I was told and I think it was mentioned in here about having to neck turn those 308 cases. I chambered one with out a seated bullet and it fit a little snug. I can hold off on reloading them for now. I was able to get a couple of loaded Hornady ammo (4 boxes) in 7mm-08 which should give me enough brass for reloading for a while and get me started on this rifle. If and when I can find it I want to end up with a box of 100 Lapua or Norma brass correctly head stamped, and if I can find the 162 and 175 ELDX unless the Accubonds just turn out to be a great shooter then there will be no reason to fix what isn't broken. Unless it becomes the availability thing.

 

[fmuguira]

Keep an eye on case capacity if you use a bunch of different brands of brass !!

 

[Wachsmann]

They can range a fare amount on cases when changing brands of brass. I may have to do some weight testing and see. But for now I'll just use the Hornady brass.
Also after looking at the Hornady web site I dont think I have a fast enough twist rate for the 175's. Today at Sportsmen's I was looking at the vortex DB 4x16x50 but the turrets seem too mushy and two of the ones I looked at had a little bit of looseness or play between the clicks. My HSLR is super crisp and no loose or play between the clicks. My Zeiss is also crisp with no play but no where near as loud when dialing. Also looked at a Riton that had a 34mm tube and felt like it was built well. Clicks were loud enough and they seem crisp. For a FFP and 34mm tube it seem like a good scope. They are heavy though. For now I'm going to take off one of my other scopes and use it for a little while to break in the gun.

 

[Gputah]

They can range a fare amount on cases when changing brands of brass. I may have to do some weight testing and see. But for now I'll just use the Hornady brass.
Also after looking at the Hornady web site I dont think I have a fast enough twist rate for the 175's. Today at Sportsmen's I was looking at the vortex DB 4x16x50 but the turrets seem too mushy and two of the ones I looked at had a little bit of looseness or play between the clicks. My HSLR is super crisp and no loose or play between the clicks. My Zeiss is also crisp with no play but no where near as loud when dialing. Also looked at a Riton that had a 34mm tube and felt like it was built well. Clicks were loud enough and they seem crisp. For a FFP and 34mm tube it seem like a good scope. They are heavy though. For now I'm going to take off one of my other scopes and use it for a little while to break in the gun.

Did you ever load any of the heavier bullets (175gr) to see how they did? I have the same rifle, swapped the stock. I had a 24" barreled Weatherby Vanguard that I worked up some 162gr loads that works pretty good but I never was super happy with that gun. So far I'm loving my Bergara so far and it has performed well with factory ammo, especially the 150gr ELD-X ammo. Shot my buck at 433 yards last year with one of those and it didn't make it 10yds before it dropped. But I'm finally working p some loads. I have some 162gr ELD-X ladder loads ready to go for tomorrow, but am going to be loading some 185gr Nosler RDF HPBT bullets for fun. I know the barrel twist rate is slow for these heavier bullets, but I'm going to test them tomorrow to see if I can get any accuracy/speed out of these loads I'm doing.

 

[jjmp]

Reloaders need to study what the bullet makers use for test pressure barrels ,Nosler is a prime example using a 26 inch barrel,this is what delivers the speed ,when the 708 first appeared it was with a 24 inch barrel,then Remington shortened it to 22,then 20 inch's ,why you ask just to fit more customer demands,I'm Very much Pro-Remington so don't think it's a jab, Highpowder shooters long ago learned the benefit of longer barrels,my 708 sports a Lilja 27 inch # 3 conture CM ,1/9 twist barrel ,and no I've not played with the 175 as yet ,but she dots on the 150's to the 168 's Very nicely , Cheers!!!

 

[highbrow]

I shoot High Power Silly Wets with a Remington BDL Varmit in 7-08. Went to 168 SMKs over 48gr Reloder 26 for the rams at 500 meters for knock down power. About 2650 fps. Using Starline cases.