7mm-08 questions ....

[bigjeepman]

To fill in a gap in my calibers (I need some kind of reason don't I?), I am going to make the 7mm-08 my next rifle. I have done extensive reading on this caliber and it seems to be perfect for my newest needs. My gap range is from my from .243 to my .300 wsm. I know that is a big gap but my needs (varmits and coyotes) have been filled with an assortment of calibers .243 and below. I never really needed the .300 wsm but wanted to try a larger bore to see what the fuss was all about.

In my .243, my most accurate loads include 60gr HP, 70gr Nosler BT, and 80 gr BT. In my .300 wsm, my most accurate loads have been in the 165gr to 180gr Noslers. In a 7mm-08, I am thinking I will have a low recoiling, accurate rifle that will use bullets in the 120gr to 140gr area. I reload and I understand every rifle is different but this leads to my questions. My main use for this rifle will be occasionally hunting coyotes (not worried about pelt damage), lots of range shooting (up to 400 yds), and a future hunt for antelope and mule deer.

1. What are the most accurate hunting bullets for your 7mm-08?
2. What are the most accurate range bullets for your 7mm-08?
3. What are your favorite powders?
4. What is the largest game the 7mm-08 is capable of taking? 

[John R.]

Well lets see: Most accurate hunting bullet has been the Nosler 140 gr. Accubond. Most accurate range bullet has been Nosler 140 gr. Bal. Tip or Sierra 140 gr. BT Spitzer. Favorite powders are Varget, Win. 760, or H414. Largest game is a little tougher since I've only shot deer and hogs, but I would think Black Bear or Elk would be no problem. (probably want to keep your shots to 200 yds. or under on elk)

[Buckskin]

I have a 7mm-08 in a 15" Encore pistol. Nice shooting round.  I reload 140 Hornady SST w/ Varget.

I just got it and wasn't able to take a buck with it this year so it is still a virgin as far as a killing gun for me. But I would say it would be perfect for your antelope and muley hunt.  Elk I would use another.

[Tn Jim]

I'm using IMR 4350 and a 140 Nosler Ballistic Tip. The 140 Accubonds are almost as accurate. Reloder 19 and Varget are supposed to be very good powders too. With something like a 140 or 160 grain Partition or Triple shock, black bear and elk are very doable out to 200 yards.

[longwinters]

My Rem 700 in 7m-08 is about the same as the other guys have posted.  140 Accubonds and Sierras shoot sub .500.  Actually the Sierra bullets are sub .300.  But I have had excellent accuracy with the 120 TSX also.  For some reason this rifle perfers H4350.

Long

[De41mag]

Bigjeepman;

I think you made a FINE choice on the caliber. I've had two of them, both with short barrels.
One was a Remington Model 7FS w/ a 18-1/2 inch barrel and the one I have now which is my late fathers, a Ruger Model 77 MKll w/ a 16-1/2 inch barrel. Both absolutely love IMR-4064.
The Rem liked the Speer 130gr.SPBT and the Ruger likes the Sierra 120gr. Spitzer.
I never had any luck with 140gr. bullets in both rifles.
But boy did I kill the deer with the Mod. 7FS and factory 120gr. HP's.
I even took the Mod 7FS on a prairie dog shoot last year loaded with 110 HP/TNT Speers.
Again good choice on the caliber, and good luck!

Dennis 

[bigjeepman]

Thanks guys for the very good feedback. This is exactly what I was looking for. De41mag, longwinters, Tn Jim, Buckskin, and John R., I really appreciate your comments. I use Varget in a lot of my pet loads in other calibers but I will buy some IMR powders as you have had good success with 4064 and 4350. I also have some Reloder 19 to try. I posted this same question on another forum and Dennis is the first to mention success with the 110gr and 120gr bullets but he was using a different powder. I will try his powder with the lighter weight bullets. The majority has mentioned 140gr Nosler BT and the Accubond bullets with IMR-4350. My other rifles tend to favor Nosler BT or Sierra's. I do shoot some Vmax in my .223's but that is not what I am going to use in this rifle.

Again ... thanks guys. Maybe others will contribute so we have more info to see what they have had success with.