Author Topic: Information for the new owner of a 7mm-08 (Read 1091 times)

dkale5 · « **on:** November 15, 2003, 03:54:43 AM »

:lol:
As alot of you do, I've just been to visit the local gun shop in town, and my son (age 9) talked me into a Ruger M77CR MKII in 7mm-08. I have heard good things about this caliber and am looking forward to using it. My questions are simple, first of all it is a compact rifle with a 161/2 inch barrel. What kind of accuracy can I expect and how will the shorter barrel affect performance, I've heard about 50fps per inch. It will be a pick-up gun used for about everything ( I live in north central, Wyoming) and I'm wondering what would be the best ammo to use (i've been told Hornady and Federal) or if I would be better served hand loading, (i've got a press but nothing else). Any other info you could give me on this rifle would be great as well. I haven't posted in a while so I am looking forward to this.

Thanks!

PA-Joe · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2003, 04:07:08 AM »

Don't have a rugers but have been using a Rem 7 18 inch barrel for years. Quick handling. Yes you do lose about 25 fps for each incvh but in most cases that is within the shooters capabilities anyway.

I have settled on 140 grains for deer and 162 grains for everything else.

Most of the tinme i am soft loading (reloads) since my shoots are unter 150 yards.

Enjoy your new shooting partner!

Dave in WV · « **Reply #2 on:** November 15, 2003, 04:17:35 AM »

If you reload you can check data for 7-08 pistol ammo. You may find the rifle likes medium burn rate powders best. I base this on a friend's Ruger Compact in .243. He stated using IMR 4064 instead of 4350 and got the accuracy he wanted. If your don't reload try everthing you can get if you're not getting decent accuracy. (decent accuracy = 1.5" three shot groups)

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2003, 02:05:21 PM »

My brother had a Model 7 chambered in 7-08 for a while. I remember it was real finikey (sp?) about ammo. Hated Rem and Hornady but liked federal. You'll need to try different types/wts of ammo to see what the gun likes best. He later converted it to .264, but not before using it as 7-08 to easily drop a moose. It's more than adequate for most game.

kc5rkg · « **Reply #4 on:** November 18, 2003, 04:52:07 AM »

The 7-08 is definitely a fine caliber. If (when) I get another rifle, that is what i'll get. I had one for a while and like a fool, sold it. I used the federal 140gr factory loads and could shoot 1" groups at 100 yds. Good enough for me. Good luck with your rifle, hope you enjoy it!

dkale5 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 18, 2003, 07:54:13 AM »

Finally got out to shoot yesterday. Didn't get in a whole lot of it, my son got cold. I was putting Hornady 139gr premium ammo through it. At 50 yards getting 1/4 inch groups so I think with some tinkering I will be extreamely pleased. Tell me what kid of game this rifle will be best for?
:lol:

Silverado · « **Reply #6 on:** November 18, 2003, 09:17:03 PM »

http://www.chuckhawks.com/7mm-08.htm
Some good info here.

PA-Joe · « **Reply #7 on:** November 19, 2003, 01:57:29 AM »

Almost anything from coyote to black bear and elk. Great under 300 yards.

dkale5 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 19, 2003, 08:50:51 AM »

300 yards is no prob. Thats about as far as most folks can shoot anyways. I've never been an advocate of the big magnums, unless dangerous game is in the sights. I think I'm really gonna like this 7-08, very mild recoil, and from the looks of it, it should be a dandy little hunting rig.

crow_feather · « **Reply #9 on:** November 22, 2003, 08:05:33 AM »

My wife has the Ruger Compact with the 16 1/2 inch barrel in 7mm-08.
She loves it and has put away her 6.5x55 for this rifle. So far she has dropped a 200 lb Russian boar and a deer with handloads using IMR 4895 and a 140 grain bullet. You don't seem to lose as much velocity as you think and I have shot sub-one inch groups with five shots of FC 140 grain ammo.

The compact is the handiest rifle I have ever seen for a person who moves around when he hunts. My wife's rifle has a slip on recoil pad to add to the legnth and it shoots like a 22 rifle. As a famous mountain man once said - usem, likem, nuff said.

C F