Author Topic: 7mm-08 handloads (Read 1140 times)

kenscot · « **on:** February 25, 2005, 05:56:39 PM »

Well after a lot of phone calls I was able to find a lefthanded microhunter in 7mm-08 one sweet little rifle in my opinion I topped with leupold
vari x2 3x9 scope I should have it in a week.
I am looking for opinions on bullets, powders, loads that have worked well with you guys. I will use it predominently for deer but it could see alittle bit of black bear and boar

beemanbeme · « **Reply #1 on:** February 26, 2005, 03:42:27 AM »

As a go anywhere, do anything round consider a 140-145gr NP or Grand Slam in front of some H4895. Some folks say H414 is good too. I am currently checking out Varget (if the &^@#*! weather would cooperate).

Since moving to WV, I have been using a 154gr Hornady ROUND NOSED bullet with good success. At the shorter distances here, it has done very well. I did shoot one deer at 240 yards with it and didn't feel handicapped doing so. It was one of those "bang flop" things that folks talk about but one deer doesn't mean a whole lot. I have never shot a bear but I would think this bullet would do well for them.

If this is your first 7-08, you're gonna find that it is pretty easy to get along with and will do well with most any reasonable load you want to use.

BTW, that sounds like a fine, balanced rig you're getting.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** February 26, 2005, 05:57:17 AM »

I've tried a ton of reloads in several 7-08s I've owned over the years. Never yet found any to match much less beat the Hornady Light Magnum load using the 139 grain BTSP. So that's all I use for hunting with mine. I've used the Remington 140 grain factory load also and it too is a good one.

I use reloads when playing around or practicing with it but when it's time to go hunting it's packing the Light Mag ammo.

Will_C · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2005, 06:11:45 AM »

Powders: W-W 760, IMR-4350, Varget.
Bullets: I have used Nosler 140 grain Ballistic Tips for the 10-12 deer I have killed with mine. Not much other experience.
Will

while99 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 26, 2005, 07:51:06 AM »

I have reloaded only a few cartridges for the 7mm-08 but my rifle, a Winchester Model 70 compact, seems to like W-W 760 powder and 140 grain bullets.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** February 26, 2005, 12:38:08 PM »

W760 gave me some of my most accurate loads but watch that powder. Loads put together in cool weather when fired in summer locked my bolt up from the increase in pressure. No I didn't exceed book max but was right on it. The powder is very much temperature sensitive and pressures can climb drastically in hot weather.

hunting1 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 26, 2005, 08:12:56 PM »

Varget is a very good powder, very accurate and good for other calibers. I am shooting 139 HIB right now. Good shoot'n!

kenscot · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2005, 05:52:32 PM »

Are 120 gr bullets suitable bullet for whitetail deer?

beemanbeme · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2005, 04:50:50 AM »

Don't know. I prefer the heavier 139-154gr bullets. You can drive those bullets in the 2800-2900fps range. I can't see what advantage a lighter bullet would give you.

Will_C · « **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2005, 10:35:18 AM »

I have always had success with the 140 grain ballistic Tips. There are quite a few shooters who claim the 120 grain Ballistic Tips are a tougher constructed bullet. I am sure that a 120 grain bullet, especially in a Barnes Triple Shock or X, would do nicely for deer. I can't see any advantage myself, unless you were tryimg to develop the lowest recoiling load possible for a lady or a kid.
Will

Buffalogun · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2005, 02:37:53 PM »

kenscot,

My 7mm-08 chambered rifle is a Browning A Bolt II Composite Stalker /Boss and it really likes the Hornady 139g SP. My rifle also likes the 120g and 140g Nosler Ballistic Tips, however if I seat them close to the rifling, the tips make the cartridges too long for the magazine.

I could probably snip a little off the tip, but I haven't tried that, yet!

Buffalogun