Powder For 7mm-08 in XP

[The Pistoleer]

I will be using some 120gr. SSP bullets in my XP 100 this year and I was wondering what powder some of you might suggest with that bullet and the short barrel?

[Lone Star]

For top velocities, use the same powder you'd use in a long barrel.. Too many tests have confirmed that this is the case.  The disadvantage of a slow powder is blast and flash.  Lyman lists data with RL7; this looses a little velocity versus W748 or H380, but it will have a lower muzzle pressure and less blast.

[KYODE]

H4895, H4895, H4895.........try it, you WILL like it. if for some reason it doesn't, or you don't.........varget is reported to do well also.

my 15" encore in 7-08 does 2800fps with 120gr noslers......n H4895.

[xphunter]

Ditto what Kyode said

[The Pistoleer]

Thanks for your replies.

I see Hodgdon's list a max load of 43.7 of H4895 for the 120 gr. bullet.  Is there a lighter load that is more accurate?

[dlk]

Pistoleer-  Sorry, don't mean to hijack your thread, but I have a question for Kyode.

Kyode-  How much powder are you burning for that 2800 fps?
I'm running the exact same setup as you, but I don't have a chronograph.  I was wondering about where I am speed wise.

Thanks
DLK

[xphunter]

Always work your way up since there are so many variables, but get to 42.0 grains & then work your way up if need be.

[The Pistoleer]

No problem DLK, I have a couple of chronographs and will give you the data when I get the rounds loaded and shot .  I sure don't look for anywhere near 2800 :-) .

I'm thinking some thing around 2500 to 2600fps :?

[KYODE]

that 2800fps from my 15" 7-08 is an average of 5 shots across the chrony.
i'm callin it a very near max load at 41.5gr of H4895 n the 120gr nosler bullet. so........in my barrel, i can't reach listed max very easily. each barrel can be different. 41.5gr shot best in my barrel when compared to other charges.
i think i got around 2600+fps with a 40.0gr load, with which i hunted deer one season. it worked great there also.

if you push the 120 up toward max.............yep, i'd definately look for 2800fps in a 15" barrel. 140's should do around 2600fps....n actually 140gr FACTORY loads do chrony around 2550fps.

[KYODE]

i might add that xphunter is the one that pointed me towards H4895 a good while back now. some great advice, and really made load work quick n easy for me in this barrel. it's a keeper!

[xphunter]

I might add that this was in an XP-100 which was match chambered and tight necked.  The reamer was designed around the brass. and then throated for the 140 NBT to where the base of hte bullet was at the neck/shoulder juncture.  That is why you may need to back off some from the load given.

[sawfish]

Most of the rounds based on the .308 Win. case do very well with powders that have similar burning rates to 4895 i.e. AA2460, AA2520, RL-15, Varget, etc..  Interestingly enough, the .308 based handgun cartridges give up very little velocity compared to rifles in the same calibers.

[rimfire]

I just grabbed a 7mm-08 Striker at a gunshow and curious about the barrel length.  It is listed as 14", but with the muzzle break on the end it is closer to 12" of actual barrel.  

Should I be looking at any diffent loadings because of this?  Anyone with any experience with the 7mm-08 in a 12" barrel?

[PaulS]

I just grabbed a 7mm-08 Striker at a gunshow and curious about the barrel length.  It is listed as 14", but with the muzzle break on the end it is closer to 12" of actual barrel.  

Should I be looking at any diffent loadings because of this? Anyone with any experience with the 7mm-08 in a 12" barrel?

rimfire,

If you want rounds that will give you the highest velocity from your twelve inch barrel then use the powders that give the highest velocities from the manuals - using a faster burning powder will only further reduce your velocity.

[lovedogs]

A few years ago I was playing with some 7-08's and got curious about powders.  I called Remington and got ahold of someone who wasn't as tight-lipped as they usually are.  Their factory stuff uses a non-canister lot of 760.  I tried 760 and found it beat all the others I had tried, both in accuracy and velocity.  I could never get any speed out of H380, which some claim works well.  Each gun is different though.  But I'd give 760 a try.  And I recommend it with a magnum primer.  Good luck.