Gunsmithing 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

[Mgordon]

Does anybody know what a standard print 7mm-08 reamer is set up for as far as 7mm bullet weight? I would like to use a standard 7mm-08 with 160-180 gr bullets seated around magazine length with out having to worry about being too far or too close to the lands, as well as seating the bullet down too far in the case neck.

If its too close to the throat, I will just have to use a throating reamer to stretch out the throat a bit.

Any opinions or first hand knowledge. Thanks for the help.

Mark

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

You got it right. You have to chamber with a throatless reamer, and come back in with a throat reamer to the proper seating length you want. We've had to do this with a 7wsm for the 168 and 180 vld's and several 260's running the 140 vld's.

 

[Mgordon]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

Chad, thanks for the help.

I have my 223, 260, and 308 95 Palma reamers set up this way, but I was not sure if the 7mm-08 would require the same attention.

I guess I will call PTG back up and have them add the throating reamer.

Dang....another $66!...lol

Mark

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

You're welcome. I don't know the dimensions on a standard 7mm-08 reamer to the lands. But more than likely the standard reamer will require the VLD bullets to be seated out long to reach the lands, and will be over mag length (some 7-08 shooters might know). This is the cost (or benefit!!) of doing it in 2 steps!

 

[wnroscoe]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

If loading for a 7-08 to use the 162 to 180 bullets, you’re going to have a good amount of bullet stuck in the case with a COAL of 2.800"

For the longer bullets, 162/168/180, you'll end up with free bore of about .160" to .170” if the base of the bearing surface is kept at the base of the neck. Too long for the 7-08 to be kept at 2.800”

If ordering a new reamer order with a short free bore length, say .040" or so. That way you can use the throater for the longer bullets and reamer for the shorter ones. The Wyatt’s box is a good addition on the 7-08 as a COAL of 2.900" is better than 2.800".


Chad,

Try .090" to .100" free bore on your next 260 reamer

 

[swd]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

Ask Kiff what his neck dia is. Most 7-08 reamers seem to come with huge necks with .008-.010 total clearance.
Seekins DBM have an internal oal of 2.950" which helps get that bullet out of the case a little. But it still leaves a lot stuffed below the neck. The trick way to go would be to use his WSM DBM with the oal in the mag of 3.1". That would get the base of a 162 A Max about to the bottom of the neck. That might really wake up a long throated 7-08.

 

[o0ben0o]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

Sorry to pull up an old thread...
Im researching reamers for a 7mm-08 build im starting on. Im building on the Stiller Tac 30 AW action so will be using
AI AW mags and am planning on loading for the 162 AMax at mag length (2.980 OAL in the stickied AI mag thread). Any pointers on direction I should be heading as far as reamers go ? As this is my first build I want to make sure Im gonna get the most out of the set up first time.
All work will be performed by a smith... Just dont want to be sold the generic or standard reamer when I can go longer.
Thanks in advance guys.

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

Mark,

To help you out a bit on figuring this out here are my handliad specs which I have found to work great in a couple of rifles.

162bthp
47.2g H4350
Winchester brass
CCI 200
2.870 oal

162 Amax (lost stability after 1100 yards)
47.2g H4350
Winchester Brass
CCI 200
2.905 oal

2780fps out of a 26" barrel. Both loads have the dies on the exact same setting and both have the same .02 freebore to the lands.

Good luck,
Merritt

 

[blackblue]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

Im doing the exact same build right now also.

 

[GGGN]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

I am shooting

178 amax
2.92 COAL
48 gr. H4350
24"
2875 fps

.100 FB is what the chamber was cut from what I remember

the 260 barrel had to have more than .100 FB two seat out that far. when the barrel comes back I can tell you
seated the bullets out to 2.99 two have barrel cut and the will be loaded to 2.92

 

[19Scout77]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GGN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am shooting

178 amax
2.92 COAL
48 gr. H4350
24"
2875 fps

.100 FB is what the chamber was cut from what I remember
</div></div>

178 AMAX in 7mm? OR 162 Amax...if so, Nearly 2900fps out of a 7'08 that feeds in a s/a?? Now we are talking.

 

[GGGN]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

Sorry

7-08
162 amax

Yes feeds in shoot action. Running aw mags.

 

[19Scout77]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

That is getting to where I may switch from my trusty 22.5" 7wsm. I assume that is a "jagged edge" load as far as pressure is concerned?

Also, what are your rifle specs? Who cut the chamber?

Thanks.

 

[KYS]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

Mark is building me a 7mm Creedmoor. Its going to be a 162gr Amax stuck in Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor brass. He has testing and number from a 24" barrel doing 2850 with excellent accuracy. I plan to run a 26" barrel, with suppressor in a short action. Hoping to hit 2900-2925 fps.

 

[19Scout77]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mark is building me a 7mm Creedmoor. Its going to be a 162gr Amax stuck in Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor brass. He has testing and number from a 24" barrel doing 2850 with excellent accuracy. I plan to run a 26" barrel, with suppressor in a short action. Hoping to hit 2900-2925 fps.

</div></div>

I was toying with running the specs on just such a wildcat this morning. Look forward to hearing the results. What does the 7CM give you over a 7 08 and what action/mags are you running?

 

[GGGN]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 19Scout77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is getting to where I may switch from my trusty 22.5" 7wsm. I assume that is a "jagged edge" load as far as pressure is concerned?

Also, what are your rifle specs? Who cut the chamber?

Thanks. </div></div>

Pressure is not an issue primers are not flat and bolt is easy as pie to lift/eject. I could go faster but it shoots in the .1,s to .2's. Golf balls on a sting at 500 yards is easy.The thing almost shoots itself, and frankly boring sometimes.
Benchmark I believe barreled it. 3 groove 1-9 twist.
7/08 cut throat .100 over. manners T5A with Aw bottom metal. Underground skunk works 911 action with AW Cut.
Bullets are just off the lands sometimes I get one with a higher ogive and they will be into the lands but they rifle does not care.

 

[A10XRIFLE]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If loading for a 7-08 to use the 162 to 180 bullets, you&#146;re going to have a good amount of bullet stuck in the case with a COAL of 2.800"

For the longer bullets, 162/168/180, you'll end up with free bore of about .160" to .170&#148; if the base of the bearing surface is kept at the base of the neck. Too long for the 7-08 to be kept at 2.800&#148;

If ordering a new reamer order with a short free bore length, say .040" or so. That way you can use the throater for the longer bullets and reamer for the shorter ones. The Wyatt&#146;s box is a good addition on the 7-08 as a COAL of 2.900" is better than 2.800".


Chad,

Try .090" to .100" free bore on your next 260 reamer

</div></div>

Standard AICS mags with the plate removed gives you 2.950 you can get the mags without the plate installed from Accurate Mag or Alpha. Way better Setup and then you can use the better Triggerguards. I have the reamer your looking for its got .055 FB 162's loaded to 2.9 are .005 off

 

[The Animal]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If loading for a 7-08 to use the 162 to 180 bullets, you&#146;re going to have a good amount of bullet stuck in the case with a COAL of 2.800"

For the longer bullets, 162/168/180, you'll end up with free bore of about .160" to .170&#148; if the base of the bearing surface is kept at the base of the neck. Too long for the 7-08 to be kept at 2.800&#148;

If ordering a new reamer order with a short free bore length, say .040" or so. That way you can use the throater for the longer bullets and reamer for the shorter ones. The Wyatt&#146;s box is a good addition on the 7-08 as a COAL of 2.900" is better than 2.800".


Chad,

Try .090" to .100" free bore on your next 260 reamer

</div></div>

Standard AICS mags with the plate removed gives you 2.950 you can get the mags without the plate installed from Accurate Mag or Alpha. Way better Setup and then you can use the better Triggerguards. I have the reamer your looking for its got .055 FB 162's loaded to 2.9 are .005 off </div></div>

Hey George,

You think that reamer configuration will work for our mutual friend, as discussed at SHOT, that was interested in necking down a 308 to a 7mm, while using smk 175's, and not run into any doughnut issues?

 

[pwc001]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If loading for a 7-08 to use the 162 to 180 bullets, you&#146;re going to have a good amount of bullet stuck in the case with a COAL of 2.800"

For the longer bullets, 162/168/180, you'll end up with free bore of about .160" to .170&#148; if the base of the bearing surface is kept at the base of the neck. Too long for the 7-08 to be kept at 2.800&#148;

If ordering a new reamer order with a short free bore length, say .040" or so. That way you can use the throater for the longer bullets and reamer for the shorter ones. The Wyatt&#146;s box is a good addition on the 7-08 as a COAL of 2.900" is better than 2.800".


Chad,

Try .090" to .100" free bore on your next 260 reamer

</div></div>

Standard AICS mags with the plate removed gives you 2.950 you can get the mags without the plate installed from Accurate Mag or Alpha. Way better Setup and then you can use the better Triggerguards. I have the reamer your looking for its got .055 FB 162's loaded to 2.9 are .005 off </div></div>

Thanks for this info, I am getting ready to order this same reamer this week.

 

[GGGN]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pwc001</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If loading for a 7-08 to use the 162 to 180 bullets, you&#146;re going to have a good amount of bullet stuck in the case with a COAL of 2.800"

For the longer bullets, 162/168/180, you'll end up with free bore of about .160" to .170&#148; if the base of the bearing surface is kept at the base of the neck. Too long for the 7-08 to be kept at 2.800&#148;

If ordering a new reamer order with a short free bore length, say .040" or so. That way you can use the throater for the longer bullets and reamer for the shorter ones. The Wyatt&#146;s box is a good addition on the 7-08 as a COAL of 2.900" is better than 2.800".


Chad,

Try .090" to .100" free bore on your next 260 reamer

</div></div>

Standard AICS mags with the plate removed gives you 2.950 you can get the mags without the plate installed from Accurate Mag or Alpha. Way better Setup and then you can use the better Triggerguards. I have the reamer your looking for its got .055 FB 162's loaded to 2.9 are .005 off </div></div>

Thanks for this info, I am getting ready to order this same reamer this week. </div></div>


This is what I just did for my 260 build had to send the barrel back for chamber issue (tooling mark). I took out front plate and run the 260 out past 2.9 all will have to get the exact later for you. I had started testing with 45 gr h4350 and that worked well. When barrrel gets back I will get you some more info.

TA. that should work with the serras as the are more pointed then the amax most the time. Should work well.

 

[Mgordon]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

The picture I'm about to post was taking during some pressure testing of the 7mm Creedmoor. It was with once or twice fired brass in our test rifle. The Results have not been able to be duplicated since as far the high velocity with out pressure signs. We are pushing a 162 A-Max bullet around 2850 with slight pressure, more than that and we start getting ejector marks, very flattened primers and blown primers.

The test rifle is up for sale in the exchange. Here are the specs of the test rifle for reference. Accuracy is in the 1/4 to 1/3 MOA range with most loads. This rifle is like a mini .284 Win.

Remington 700, Short Action, Right Hand.
- Fully trued, PTG oversized bolt installed (1 piece)
- SAC Lower Bolt Clearance mod performed
- Timney 510 trigger tuned to 2.5 lbs
- Seekings 20 MOA base
- 8/40 base screw upgrade
- Side Bolt Release (gen 3)
- APA bolt knob
- Oversized recoil lug

Brux M40 7mm barrel, 1-9" twist.
- Finished at 24.9"
- Chambered in 7mm Creedmoor, SAC reamer, 2.855 touching lands with 162 A-Max
- 5/8 x 24 threads, custom thread protector.

Manners MCS-T4A, 90%, right Hand
- APA RTG bottom metal
- Full epoxy pillar bedding, with stock fitting for clean up

In the picture we have two columns for pressure testing. The column on the left was with the 162 A-Max with H4350. The testing was to see how how we could push the 162 before we got into pressure. We could not fit any more H4350 into the case with out causing extreme compressed loads, so we decided to go with a faster powder.

The Column on the right is with Varget. Starting load was 40.0 Gr of Varget at 2535 FPS with our Oehler 35. Finial load was 44.7 Gr of Varget at 2922 FPS with a stick bolt. More testing has shown pressure is around 43.7 Gr.

This rifle is shooting the 162 A-Max with around 42.3 gr of Varget at 2775 FPS with out any pressure in the 1/3 and less MOA range. I'm pretty excited to try another rifle with a longer barrel to see what kind of pressure/velocity readings we get.

 

[blackblue]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

Mark how would that compare to a straigt 7-08?

 

[mdesign]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wnroscoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If loading for a 7-08 to use the 162 to 180 bullets, you&#146;re going to have a good amount of bullet stuck in the case with a COAL of 2.800"

For the longer bullets, 162/168/180, you'll end up with free bore of about .160" to .170&#148; if the base of the bearing surface is kept at the base of the neck. Too long for the 7-08 to be kept at 2.800&#148;

If ordering a new reamer order with a short free bore length, say .040" or so. That way you can use the throater for the longer bullets and reamer for the shorter ones. The Wyatt&#146;s box is a good addition on the 7-08 as a COAL of 2.900" is better than 2.800".


Chad,

Try .090" to .100" free bore on your next 260 reamer

</div></div>

Standard AICS mags with the plate removed gives you 2.950 you can get the mags without the plate installed from Accurate Mag or Alpha. Way better Setup and then you can use the better Triggerguards. I have the reamer your looking for its got .055 FB 162's loaded to 2.9 are .005 off </div></div>

What BM parts do I need for the set-up George is describing? I currently have a 7-08 in a Stiller Predator SA with BDL bottom metal and a Wyatt extended mag box.

 

[Mgordon]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blackblue</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mark how would that compare to a straigt 7-08? </div></div>

I have never did any real testing on a 7mm-08 so I cant say. I would imagine it would be hard for the 7mm-08 to get the same numbers with the same over all length. When you seat a 162 at 2.830 in the 7mm CM the boat tail is right at the neck/shoulder junction.

With the 7mm-08 its stuffed farther down. The Creedmoor case design is just superior. So I think you can run the 7mm Creedmoor faster in standard length AI mags than you could a 7mm-08. I have not proved this out yet because I dont have a 7mm-08.

Mark

 

[In2b8u]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

You will shortly........ You can use mine as the mule when it is done so you can get your data.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mark is building me a 7mm Creedmoor. Its going to be a 162gr Amax stuck in Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor brass. He has testing and number from a 24" barrel doing 2850 with excellent accuracy. I plan to run a 26" barrel, with suppressor in a short action. Hoping to hit 2900-2925 fps. </div></div>

That's rather intriguing...basically identical performance as a short-action 284 with same length barrel for ~15% less powder.

I know zero about wildcats...what kind of reloading dies would one use for such a chambering?

 

[blackblue]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

My setup will be with a AW mag and action setup for it so longer oal with be allowed, 2.980 on the one I have here and 2.985 on the alpha based on a number I found on here.

 

[KYS]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mark is building me a 7mm Creedmoor. Its going to be a 162gr Amax stuck in Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor brass. He has testing and number from a 24" barrel doing 2850 with excellent accuracy. I plan to run a 26" barrel, with suppressor in a short action. Hoping to hit 2900-2925 fps. </div></div>

That's rather intriguing...basically identical performance as a short-action 284 with same length barrel for ~15% less powder.

I know zero about wildcats...what kind of reloading dies would one use for such a chambering? </div></div>

Mark had dies made by RCBS if I am reading his info right.

 

[KYS]

Re: 7mm-08 reamer and heavy bullets...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 19Scout77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mark is building me a 7mm Creedmoor. Its going to be a 162gr Amax stuck in Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor brass. He has testing and number from a 24" barrel doing 2850 with excellent accuracy. I plan to run a 26" barrel, with suppressor in a short action. Hoping to hit 2900-2925 fps.

</div></div>

I was toying with running the specs on just such a wildcat this morning. Look forward to hearing the results. What does the 7CM give you over a 7 08 and what action/mags are you running? </div></div>

Ill run AICS mags with the plate removed initially until I can secure some Alpha mags.
It will be built off the Alpha 11 SA that is cut by Defiance Machine for SAC.

Reading Mark's post above is that you are basically taking advantage of the case being a better design then the 7-08. You dont have to cram the bullet down to fit in mags in the creedmoor. 2850 out of a 24" barrel is very respectable. I am going with a 26" barrel and adding my suppressor. should see some very favorable results. I will post more when I have the rifle and load some ammo.