Rifle decisions

[JMack]

^^what he said.

The 160s shoot unbelievable....not that the 140s don't but....160s cloverleaf at 200

 

[Greyfox]

You are correct rifles shoot similar in accuracy/consistency....slight edge to the 7mm08

I'm expecting shots to be 500 and in likely average to be 250-350. My buddy has been on this ranch multiple times and witnessed shots from 50 to 350

Given you are prepared to take a shot at 500 yards I'd take the rifle you're are most comfortable, and have the most experience shooting at your max range. IMO, 500 yards is approaching the outer limit of the your 7mm08/loads. As Bravo 4 stated, the 300RUM will have a ballistic advantage. I prefer to plan for the extreme, not the average.

 

[Bravo 4]

I prefer to plan for the extreme, not the average.

Same here, I try to plan for worse case scenario.

 

[Craveman85]

How fast are you pushing that 160 accubond. If it will be above 1800fps @ whatever range you must possibly shoot out to then I'd take that I prefer to stay 100+fps above the manufacturers minimum expansion but I did some slow impact testing with 140 6.5 accubond and was still pleased with what I saw at 1700 fps

 

[vancewalker007]

You are correct rifles shoot similar in accuracy/consistency....slight edge to the 7mm08

I'm expecting shots to be 500 and in likely average to be 250-350. My buddy has been on this ranch multiple times and witnessed shots from 50 to 350

If you're limiting yourself to 500, take both, hunt with the 7-08. If you're seeing deer farther and need the reach switch to the RUM.

 

[JMack]

How fast are you pushing that 160 accubond. If it will be above 1800fps @ whatever range you must possibly shoot out to then I'd take that I prefer to stay 100+fps above the manufacturers minimum expansion but I did some slow impact testing with 140 6.5 accubond and was still pleased with what I saw at 1700 fps

I need to chrono it. I think I'll max out around 500yards to stay within the 1800fps

 

[JMack]

Chronographed the 160s at 2300fps pretty disappointed that speed only get me to about 375 yards.

I'm taking the ultramag

 

[LVJ76]

Chronographed the 160s at 2300fps pretty disappointed that speed only get me to about 375 yards.

I'm taking the ultramag

That's a pretty light load, you shoould be able to get close to 2,600 fps with RL-19, Varget or IMR-4064, but maybe accuracy may change.

RUM is however your do it all so might as well

 

[PredatorSlayer]

Yes.

I NEVER go hunting with just one rifle. Unless I am backpacking in.

7-08 w. 160 NAB
AND
.300RUM w. whichever shoots better.

I always have a spare rifle too - still makes me nervous to leave one in the truck. I am lucky nothing has been stolen to this point, but I always worry about that.

 

[JMack]

That's a pretty light load, you shoould be able to get close to 2,600 fps with RL-19, Varget or IMR-4064, but maybe accuracy may change.

RUM is however your do it all so might as well

47gr of RL19 is where I'm at can't fit much more in the case.

 

[LVJ76]

47gr of RL19 is where I'm at can't fit much more in the case.

Dang, that would be a pretry hot load, you're right at max on books, maybe cause of the shorter barrel

 

[JMack]

Dang, that would be a pretry hot load, you're right at max on books, maybe cause of the shorter barrel

Nosler manual 7 I think it is showing 47.5 as max I get zero pressure signs at 47 , cci primer oal 2.78

 

[LVJ76]

Nosler manual 7 I think it is showing 47.5 as max I get zero pressure signs at 47 , cci primer oal 2.78

All I can think is probably the shorter barrel so take the big gun then, better safe than sorry and good luck on the mulie hunt

 

[cajun]

What kind of chrono that sounds slow. You can check your drops to confirm. This late in the game may be a mute point.