Author Topic: 7mm-08 Questions (Read 651 times)

tacshooter · « **on:** October 24, 2004, 01:42:31 PM »

I just became the owner of a 7mm-08 barrel after a long time of desiring one. I have some questions for veteran 7mm-08 shooters.

1. In over 26 years of reloading I have never formed cases for one cartridge from that of another. I know you can make 7mm-08 from .308 Win, and . 243 Win. Which is the best to start with? I have plenty of both.

2. Is any neck turning required with the resulting case from either cartridge?

3. What weight bullets do the Handi-Rifles shoot most accurately?

4. What is the twist rate of the H&R 7mm-08?

All information is appreciated!

Thanks, Tac................. :sniper:

bubba · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2004, 01:53:17 PM »

Tac from my experience it is easier to neck the 308 down than try to expand the 243. I did a few with 308 and they turned out ok. All I did was split cases when I tried expanding the 243. Then a buddy of mine who has a 7-08 gave me about 100 brass he had accumulated and he does not reload. I did length trim the cases after resizing the 308 and did have to trim a bit. I cant answer any questions about the twist or how the handi rifle shoots cuz mine is a umm bolt gun savage. Mine shoots the 140 grain sierra game kings btsp very well. I use winchester cases cci primers and I settled on 42.6 grains if IMR 4895. It shoots as well as I can and the recoil is livable.

Buffalogun · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2004, 03:31:59 PM »

Tac,

Like Bubba wrote, it would be easier to bring the .308 down to .284 and then trim, rather than to stretch the .243 up. I have the .243, 7-08 and the .308, so I don't try to make one into the other.

As for bullets, most 7-08's would probably like the 139/140g bullets best. From what I have been reading here, it reads like the Handi's prefer flat-based bullets over the boat-tails.

The 4895's, H380 and Varget powders are good places to start.

It's a good one!

Buffalogun

Haywire Haywood · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2004, 04:22:45 PM »

I believe you'll find the twist rates all listed in the FAQ at the top of the forum. I think I read it once many moons ago.

Ian

JPH45 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2004, 04:45:21 PM »

Not to be a smartass tacshooter, but why not just buy some 7-08 brass? Strikes me as far easier than reforming. Remember, you will have to mic the outside diameter of your reformed brass after resizing to be sure it does not exceed the diameter of the rifles neck daimeter. Brass when sized down will usually gain thickness in the neck, which if too great requires turning to allow proper fit in the chamber neck. A small step like this should not require anything other than running 308 brass into a 7-08 die, lube as normal, be sure to use graffite or moly powder on in inside of neck to aid in pulling the brass back over the expander button.

The 7-08 is a factory offered chambering and factory loading. I would be surprised to find brass unavailable.

You may however have the desire to make some, in that case, ignore me and have fun :grin:

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2004, 06:37:40 PM »

I'm cheap and an inveterate case reformer. That said, I'd probably buy new cases for a Handi. Cases that have been fired in a larger chamber are gonna give you sticking problems.

The new cases I bought might be .308s though. www.gibrass.com often has cases from pulled ammo at a fraction of commercial brass prices. Necking down is easy to do, and I would not anticipate needing to neck turn for a Handi.

Donaldo · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2004, 03:49:49 AM »

Don't have the 7mm-08 but do have a bolt riftle in 7x57 which should be very similar. I always prefered the 139/140 grn flat base spire point for deer. It is very effective at 2700 to 2900 fps. Don't remember the load I used, it has been a while since I shot it or loaded for it. IF I remember right I used 4064 powder. Course, my memory ain't what it used to be.