Author Topic: Encore 7mm08 shots like a dream (Read 2160 times)

Redhawk1 · « **on:** September 30, 2006, 06:52:52 AM »

I just got back from the range, I was testing a new load in my Encore 7mm08. At 100 yards I am getting sub MOA groups and at 200 yards the accuracy did not change. I am shooting 140 gr. Sierra Game king bullets over 42.4 gr's of IMR 4064. I am very happy with the results I achieved today.

encore3006 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2006, 11:24:16 AM »

upnorth · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2006, 01:20:54 PM »

good job redhawk! I too have a new 7-08 that shoots great!!! I do have a question for you... I'm not sure how to play with setting the bullet off the lands. I went by the load manual for an overall case length. Now that I have a load it likes, I'd like to tinker with it a bit. What do you think?? Whats the best way to adjust bullet seating depth?

poncaguy · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2006, 03:27:53 PM »

Pistol or rifle?

poncaguy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2006, 03:44:09 PM »

I guess rifle since this is a rifle forum........

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2006, 05:30:04 PM »

encore3006, I am 0.055 off the lands with this load. I have a OAL of 2.800. I tried a couple different lengths and found the OAL at 2.800 to give me the best accuracy.

upnorth, like I said to encore3006, I just played with the OAL until I found one that worked the best. My groups with different OAL were very close. What I do to find my distance from the lands is, I seat a bullet in a case I have fired that I have run in the sizing die just enough so it gives the bullet a little snug fit. Then I insert the case with the bullet into the barrel and close the action of the rifle. I then remove the case with bullet and measure the OAL. Then I can adjust my die to seat the bullet to what depth I want to be off the lands.

poncagay, it is a rifle barrel 24 inch standard taper.

upnorth · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2006, 09:06:12 PM »

thanks. went and did it, so now I have a starting point.I have absolutely fallen in love with this cartridge.... after shooting a 7mm rem mag for 15 years, this is a dream to shoot.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2006, 02:22:04 AM »

I love the lack of recoil while at the bench. Not that recoil bothers me, but I was able to shoot 50 rounds in just my t-shirt. My Encore in 22-250 also is a tack driver. Even though I have never had a problem switching out barrels and affecting accuracy, I have a frame, stock and forearm set up for each barrel I own.
On my 22-250 I have a laminated thumb hole stock and the frame is stainless as is the barrel, my 7mm08 has the new pro-hunter stock and forearm and the frame and barrel are stainless. My 50 cal is a new Pro-hunter with a thumb hold stock and I have another stainless 50 cal with a walnut thumb hole stock and forearm. My last Encore is a blued 45 cal M/L barrel and blued frame with a laminated stock and forearm.

TomD · « **Reply #8 on:** October 05, 2006, 03:06:48 PM »

I recently purchased a 7mm-08 Encore barrel and I really like it! I previously had a savage in 7-08 and fell in love with the round. When I upgraded to the Encore, it was the only choice for a rifle barrel to add to the ML setup I bought. I have not started to develop handloads for it yet, but it shoots the Remington 140gr core-lokts and ballistic tips MOA...and better if I'm on my game!!

I'm gonna reference this thread when I start to build up loads...thx

Tn Jim · « **Reply #9 on:** October 07, 2006, 10:43:30 PM »

I've been loading my 7-08 with 140 grain Nosler Ballistic Tips and IMR 4350 and if I do my part it will put 3 rounds into 1/2" at 100 yards. Can't seem to get the Accubonds to do that no matter what I try.

upnorth · « **Reply #10 on:** October 09, 2006, 06:39:45 AM »

Really??!! That surprises me tn jim. I loaded 10 rounds of the exact same load with 140 bal. tips and 140 accubonds, and the p.o.i. is identical. guess it just goes to show how touchy barrels really are!

kudzu · « **Reply #11 on:** October 09, 2006, 02:42:46 PM »

Tn Jim, If u r not opposed to 160 grainers, try them. Some that can't get the 140's to work have great luck with the 160's.

Tn Jim · « **Reply #12 on:** October 10, 2006, 02:11:38 AM »

My Accubond loads aren't that bad. Around an inch group, but 2 inches lower and three to the left of the Ballistic Tip loads. I think my Encore just likes to keep me on my toes.

grumps · « **Reply #13 on:** November 04, 2006, 06:13:42 AM »

I'm glad to hear you guys are getting good results with the 7-08. I just got mine and I can't get it to shoot well at all. Trying Win supreme 140 bt's. Results not good today or yesterday. Can I have a bum barrel? If so how can I prove it.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 04, 2006, 07:14:23 AM »

Quote from: Grumps on November 04, 2006, 06:13:42 AM

I'm glad to hear you guys are getting good results with the 7-08. I just got mine and I can't get it to shoot well at all. Trying Win supreme 140 bt's. Results not good today or yesterday. Can I have a bum barrel? If so how can I prove it.

Have you tried reloading for it?

My reloads work great.

grumps · « **Reply #15 on:** November 04, 2006, 08:30:07 AM »

I quit reloading many moons ago and don't believe I'll get back into it. It'l just have to shoot good enough with factory 140's or get dumped unless I find its a bad barrel. I have friends that have em and theirs shoot in the 1-2" size at 100 and if mine won't it goes back.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 05, 2006, 12:56:46 AM »

You may have to try several different manufactures to see if someone makes one that will shoot well in your barrel.

I am using the 140 gr. speer bullets with great results.

nomosendero · « **Reply #17 on:** November 05, 2006, 07:54:08 AM »

Very true, different barrels like different loads, who knows why. Redhawk, congrats on your 7-08, it sure is a good Deer round among other things.

kudzu · « **Reply #18 on:** November 05, 2006, 02:33:59 PM »

Redhawk1 , are your speers the Hot-cores ? That's what I will be shooting out of my PH 25-06. How are they for deer ?

upnorth · « **Reply #19 on:** November 05, 2006, 04:36:24 PM »

grumps, it may be worth the money to try the premium ammo. loaded with the accubonds, or ballistic tips. just a thought, anyone at your range reload for the 7-08? for a few bucks, you might be able to get him to help you develop a load without re-investing in all the equipment.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #20 on:** November 06, 2006, 03:10:53 PM »

Quote from: dancoman on November 05, 2006, 02:33:59 PM

Redhawk1 , are your speers the Hot-cores ? That's what I will be shooting out of my PH 25-06. How are they for deer ?

Yes those are the ones.

As for deer they will work great.

Also the Sierra Game King are as accurate in my rifle. I use more of them than the Speers.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #21 on:** November 24, 2006, 02:45:20 AM »

My buddy liked my 7mm08 setup so much he made me an offer I could not refuse. I sold the complete gun to him, and we headed out to the range. He was so happy with the performance of the 7mm08 Encore set up.

I took him to West Virginia of the opening season on my land and he got a big 5 1/2 year old doe at 100 yards. He is now hooked on the Encore.

upnorth · « **Reply #22 on:** November 24, 2006, 09:14:01 AM »

you sold it?

? Man, that has to be one good buddy!! Did he offer his wife as a part trade? ( pending a 10 day inspection if course. )

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 24, 2006, 10:49:12 AM »

Quote from: upnorth on November 24, 2006, 09:14:01 AM

you sold it?? Man, that has to be one good buddy!! Did he offer his wife as a part trade? ( pending a 10 day inspection if course. )

I'll pass on his wife. LOL...
I like to shoot a lot of guns and selling one just lets me experiment with another. I have a few buddies that like the way I set up my guns. I have sold over 15 guns to buddies. I always tell them, they like me to do all the hard work and they get to enjoy the finished product.

But little do they know, I have a blast setting them up.