Author Topic: 120 Grain in 7MM-08 (Read 2059 times)

James B · « **on:** May 19, 2005, 04:40:54 AM »

Just wondering if any 7mm-08 shooters have tried the 120 grain bullets for deer? How does the 120 shoot in the Handi's? I have a youth model Handi in that caliber. Thanks.

mitchell · « **Reply #1 on:** May 19, 2005, 06:58:55 AM »

well i never hand loaded for my 7mm-08 (just didn't have the time) but i did use 120grain corlokt's in it they shot good but then again every factory load i shot ,shot MOA or under. i did connect with a doe at 265 yards bullet went through the doe just went 30 yards. if you where to ask me i wouldn't shoot 140 in the 7mm-08 . its too close to shooting the 150 in the 308 but the 120's felt more like shooting a 243 but killed like the 308. when i get another 7mm-08 i will use 120 grain bullet probably (if it shoot well) the Barnes Triple-Shock X-Bullets 7mm (284 Diameter) 120 Grain Boat Tail

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=884590

257man · « **Reply #2 on:** May 19, 2005, 08:05:37 AM »

James,

I have loaded 120 nosler ballistic tips for my Rem 788 7mm-08 for several years and have never been disappointed by them. This bullet has been used to kill many deer and hogs over a great variety of distances and shot presentations and the results have always been very effective.

As far as the handi question goes, I do not own one in 7-08 but I feel sure your results should be the same as in my 788.

Hook · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2005, 11:10:59 AM »

James, I am in exactly the same boat as you. I just bought the same rifle in the same caliber as a first rifle for my first grandchild. She's only 9 months old so maybe I can get it ready by the time she's ready.

I took it out a coupla weeks ago and shot some of my 139 gr Hordnay SP loads in it. Way too much for a child and less accurate than I would have liked. Now I'm thinking in terms of a reduced load with 120s that she will be able to handle well. Course, I'll have to try it out on a few deer before she gets old enough just to make sure they work alright.

I'd really like some feedback from y'all on reduced 7mmX08 loads too!

James B · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2005, 11:22:56 AM »

I load the 120 grain Sierra Pro-Hunter in my 280. I load them to about 2800 fps. They really flatten deer quick. 140 grain Corlokts shoot good in my Handi. 7mm-08.

mitchell · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2005, 01:21:22 PM »

Quote from: James B

140 grain Corlokts shoot good in my Handi. 7mm-08.

and they really flatten deer quickly too

De41mag · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2005, 02:00:59 PM »

James;

All I've used is a 120gr. bullet in my 7mm-08's. And I don't know how many whitetails I've shot, but for deer here in the southeast, I don't think there is a better bullet than the 120 period! And most fall right in their tracks. I did shoot an eight point back in 95 that was well over 200 lbs on the hoof. I nailed him with a Rem. 120gr HP behind the shoulder, he dropped his head then looked as if he was gonna tear out running. He went about 10yds, then fell nose first, dead. And that was shooting with a 18-1/2 inch barrel Model 7FS Remington.

Dennis

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** May 19, 2005, 05:47:13 PM »

Hi Pres, been awhile since I've seen any posts from you on here. Welcome back.

I'm of the opinion that most any 120 grain load is going to be too much for a young child. Before last hunting season my oldest son Bob brought his step son over to see if he could learn to use Faye's short stocked Model 7 in 7-08. I loaded up some 120s at fairly low velocity and even those had him flinching like mad. Now it might just be he is afraid of it but he was lining up the crosshairs and then closing his eyes and jerking on the trigger and pulling the stock off the shoulder all at the same time.

Once I noticed what he was doing I called a halt to all shooting as he was developing bad habits that just didn't need to be developed. They can be hard to unlearn. I convinced Bob to wait until he grows bigger and learns to handle recoil a bit better to take him deer hunting.

If you want to teach a child I'm a firm believer in starting with a .22LR and then moving up. For a 7-08 I'm thinking 100s at the lowest velocity you can safely push them to begin with and work up slowly as they get used to the recoil.

Hook · « **Reply #8 on:** May 20, 2005, 07:18:07 AM »

Hey Bill, I've been lurking around the NEF and Marlin Lever boards quite a bit. Just haven't had much to say. Rest assured that this young lady will have plenty of quality time behind a 22 before she ever touches a centerfire. Nearly ruined my youngest son making that mistake. I've seen plenty of kids at 7-10 years of age handle deer rifles up to 06 power with little problem. Its all in how they get there.