162 Amax for the 7-.08?

[Wannashootit]

Just finished the stock for a used 7.08 Savage- formerly a Model 10 FM Sierra. I want to see how the stock barrel shoots before relegating it to the pile (or selling it off) in case I get lucky. Being a "mountain rifle" originally, it has a short, 20" barrel with- I believe- a 1 in 10-1/2 twist... While short, I want to see what it can do at 600 yards. Trying to use a higher BC bullet, as opposed to pushing a lighter one, faster...

The 162 Amax has an amazing BC of .625- beats the hell out of my much heavier .308 SMK's...but is 162 grains too heavy for this twist rate and a 20" barrel?

If it'll work, any load suggestions on where to start that might save me some time? Thanks...

 

[Topstrap]

Re: 162 Amax for the 7-.08?

Wonder if the Berger 140VLDs might do a bit better with the shorter barrel?

Ours was 5" shorter but 44gr of IMR4064 and the Bergers worked really well even out to 1000 yards.

Topstrap

 

[25MAN]

Re: 162 Amax for the 7-.08?

Should handle it fine...1:10 should handle the 162s fine and the 308 catridge (7-08 i know you are shooting but speaking to the parent case) has shown to be very effcient in shorter barrels.

Best way to know is go shoot it but if I were a betting man, which I I am not, I would bet you will be happy with the results.

260 and 308 both perform great with shorter barrels I beileve will be the same for its cousin...

just remember one very important detail in order to take advantage of the full potentail of the 162s BC you need to be pushing it much faster than what you will most likely get from a 20 inch barrel...I am not sure exactly what speed you need to be at to take advantage of the full BC but someone on here I am sure knows or Hornady can tell at what speeds they make that predicition.

Good luck

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: 162 Amax for the 7-.08?

1 in 10.5" may be ok but it's going to be hard. Your going to need to push close to max speed to stabolize that bullet. Also try the 162 BTHPs from Hornady as I use them because I have found them more stable and I'm able to push them a bit faster. Stick with H4350 and 2000MR for powders. If I was you I'd just run the 140 bergers with that slow of a twist but you'll never know until you try.

Good luck,
Merritt

 

[Fletcher/AAC]

Re: 162 Amax for the 7-.08?

I push 2700 with an 18" tube and 162s. I think that 1-10.5 is too slow, I run a 1-9 and wish I had 1-8.

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: 162 Amax for the 7-.08?

Thanks guys- figured it was borderline.
Since the barrel was a "freebie" (bought the rifle for the action realizing I would probably want to rebarrel) gonna give the 162's a try, work up and see if I can push them fast enough to stabilize without excess pressures.

If not, we'll order a faster twist bull/varmint contour.

I use Varget and RE-15 on the bench already for slightly heavier bullets. Will they produce acceptable results here? How does the burn rate of 4350 compare?

 

[7mmRM]

Re: 162 Amax for the 7-.08?

I dont think the 162s will work for you with that twist rate. Try the 140 VLDs. Varget and RL15 are faster burn rate than H4350.

 

[fireguyty]

Re: 162 Amax for the 7-.08?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fbomb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I push 2700 with an 18" tube and 162s. I think that 1-10.5 is too slow, I run a 1-9 and wish I had 1-8.</div></div>

I'd love to get your load data. Thinking of this very same set up.

Thanks,
Ty

 

[Fletcher/AAC]

Re: 162 Amax for the 7-.08?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fireguyty</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fbomb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I push 2700 with an 18" tube and 162s. I think that 1-10.5 is too slow, I run a 1-9 and wish I had 1-8.</div></div>

I'd love to get your load data. Thinking of this very same set up.

Thanks,
Ty </div></div>

41.5 RL-15
Lapua brass
FGMM primer
2.95" OAL

Want to try MR2000

 

[Wannashootit]

Re: 162 Amax for the 7-.08?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7mmRM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dont think the 162s will work for you with that twist rate. Try the 140 VLDs. Varget and RL15 are faster burn rate than H4350. </div></div>

Honestly, I think I'd rather re-barrel for a couple of hundred bucks...

I think the VLD's are ridiculously expensive. Nothing against Berger, but hell I can buy a box of 162 Amax's- with a better BC- for 40% less...a new barrel would pay for itself...

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: 162 Amax for the 7-.08?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wannashootit</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 7mmRM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dont think the 162s will work for you with that twist rate. Try the 140 VLDs. Varget and RL15 are faster burn rate than H4350. </div></div>

Honestly, I think I'd rather re-barrel for a couple of hundred bucks...

I think the VLD's are ridiculously expensive. Nothing against Berger, but hell I can buy a box of 162 Amax's- with a better BC- for 40% less...a new barrel would pay for itself... </div></div>

You got that right. I got my 26" McGowen ready for me to slap onto my action for 235.00 to my door. It would def pay for itself. I'd recommend the 1 in 8 twist that I run now. Stabolizes all the way up to 180g bergers if I want.

Good luck,
Merritt