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7mm-08

nashlaw

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 16, 2006
1,593
15
manchester, tn
Looking to play with another chambering and I keep coming up with this as a prospect.

What twist and bullet weights are you running?
 
Re: 7mm-08

I have a 1-9 barrel, it seems with the 7mm-08 that the 162-168gr. weight class is the best performer for long range. If you're hunting, I recommend the 140gr. bullets.
 
Re: 7mm-08

1:9 or faster

162amax or 162hpbt - looking at 2750-2800 with 26" barrel

I like 7-08, but one thing to keep in mind, is limited selection of good bullets that it has the nuts to get good velocity from. If your barrel doesn't like the Hornady 162s, you're kinda fucked. The berger 168VLD is another option, but after that, its the 175smk (~2675ish) or a 180 (2625ish). Still a performer though.

Also consider:

7mm Creedmoor - great recent thread on it
7x57
6.5x55 --> 7x55
 
Re: 7mm-08

I'm running 150 SMK's out of my Savage with good results with the factory 10.5 twist barrel, but have ordered a new varmint contour in 9.5 twist to run the 162 Amax for better BC at long range.

It's a very capable long range caliber, lighter felt recoil is plus. There's a lot of 7-08 fans here...
 
Re: 7mm-08

Been working up a load for my 591 with 22" Krieger barrel. I am using Nosler brass 162 Amax and H4350, nothing great yet, but getting close to settling on a load.
 
Re: 7mm-08

We played with a 7-08 in our LR pistols for the local 1000 yard matches and we could only get about 2750fps with 44gr of IMR4064 in a 15" barrel so we used the Berger 140 VLDs and they did very well. I thought we ran the ballistics on the Berger with other bullets based on the velocities a 7-08 could realistically get and they did much better than the heavier 162-168 bullets. If I remember correctly it was nearly a full mill less elevation needed for the lighter 140 Bergers at 1000. I think the heavier bullets do much better when driven faster in bigger cases but we had our best success with the 140s at the velocities we could drive them. If shooting beyond 1000 yards the heavier bullets do a bit better but most shooters shooting past 1000 yards usually use a bigger case then a 7-08 and can take advantage of heavier bullets..

Topstrap

 
Re: 7mm-08

I'm planning on 8.5 twist 7mm-08 for the 175 Sierra MatchKings, they have a Litz G7 BC of .327. A 26'' barrel and RL-17 should give close to 2,800fps, that keeps them Supersonic for 1,450 yards.
 
Re: 7mm-08

I dunno about that RE17...

I've tried it with 162s, 175smk and 180smk in my 284, limited to 2.975" COAL, and have not seen any velocity advantage over H4350.

I've also tried it in a 7-08 with 162s, and again, seen no advantage over H4350.

I know others swear by it - but I sure haven't seen any performance. It's accuracy has been piss-poor as well - as in 1.5 - 2.0 moa.
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rusty815</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a 1-9 barrel, it seems with the 7mm-08 that the 162-168gr. weight class is the best performer for long range. If you're hunting, I recommend the 140gr. bullets. </div></div>Wow, those must be at the extreme limit on bullet weight for the 7mm.
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: longguntoter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rusty815</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a 1-9 barrel, it seems with the 7mm-08 that the 162-168gr. weight class is the best performer for long range. If you're hunting, I recommend the 140gr. bullets. </div></div>Wow, those must be at the extreme limit on bullet weight for the 7mm. </div></div>

??

Sierra has a 175 and 180 matchking in 7mm. Berger has a couple different 180s, and they're soon-to-release a 195.

I'd say 195 is about the extreme limit. Anything heavier is more of a javelin than a bullet.
 
Re: 7mm-08

My 7MM08 is a hammer to 1000 yards (as far as I have shot it) with H4350 and the 168 SMK. The best match bullets are going to start around 162 and go to 168 for the 7MM08. A 1 in 9 twist works fine for most bullets in that range but the 8.75 twist is maybe a little better.
I shoot the 180 Berger VLD in a 1 in 9 Broughton barrel, but in a 7 WSM at over 2900 FPS. Never tried them in the 7MM08 because I think it would take too much powder capacity away.
 
Re: 7mm-08

I run a 1in8 twist 26" barrel. I get 2780fps out of the 162bthp and have never had a problem with it out to 1500yards. I over spin my bullets on all my rifles because I believe it helps with wind, also I could run the 180s for hunting if I ever wanted to. Everyone is so worried about bullet drop however I've learned drop is easy to correct for if you know how to properly range, the wind will get you every time, therefore I prefer slow and heavy in this case over light and fast. JMO.

Good luck and if you have any more questions feel free to shoot me a PM.

Merritt
 
Re: 7mm-08

I'm building one right now to be my all around white tail rifle. Rem action and a 24-25" fluted Rock Creek #5. (The blank is 27" and I haven't decided how much I really want chopped off)

edit: I'm going to give the 162s a ride just to play with them but I expect that my main hunting bullet will be something in the 140 to 150 range.
 
Re: 7mm-08

Ive got a new 7mm-08 it has a 26" Rock 1-9 twist. I loaded up some 162amax over varget from 41.0 to 42.6gr and the speed was great but groups were crap. 42.6gr got me to 2820fps. Now I am shooting 40gr varget and pushing it 2625fps and groups are better. Im going to try 4350 and see if the groups improve. From what I have been going over in my head is the 7mm-08 should be the best all around caliber for long range and hunting. 162 amax has a high bc and performs great out to distance. My dope at 1k is 8.9mils which was much better than my 308 shooting 178amax which was 12.2 mils to 1k. Just my thoughts on the deal but if you get the 162 to mid to high 2700fps you can run with a 260 with more knockdown.
 
Re: 7mm-08

Drew - some barrels just won't fuggin shoot the 162 hornadys. My advice to you is try another bullet. Varget is a bit fast for the 162 in a 7-08 though.
 
Re: 7mm-08

I run 140 TTSX and 139gr. GMX's at a bit over 3k fps using a heavily compressed load of RL-19, I brought it back to 2920fps so it could match the ballistics of the Hornady Superformance 139gr. GMX. I plan on getting some 162gr. A-MAX's to test, I'm sure I can get a bit over 2800fps with them from my 24" barrel.
 
Re: 7mm-08

Berger 168 gr. VLD using RL17 in a 26 " factory Rem 700 bbl 1-9 twist @ 2775 fps, I could get em to 2900 but the accuracy was at 2775. Same load in a Obermyer 22" bbl is getting 2700.
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrawDad338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm planning on 8.5 twist 7mm-08 for the 175 Sierra MatchKings, they have a Litz G7 BC of .327. A 26'' barrel and RL-17 should give close to 2,800fps, that keeps them Supersonic for 1,450 yards. </div></div>

I think that is quite optimistic, I run the 175's at 2885 from a 30 " 7saum
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrawDad338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm planning on 8.5 twist 7mm-08 for the 175 Sierra MatchKings, they have a Litz G7 BC of .327. A 26'' barrel and RL-17 should give close to 2,800fps, that keeps them Supersonic for 1,450 yards. </div></div>

I think that is quite optimistic, I run the 175's at 2885 from a 30 " 7saum </div></div>

My melonited 26" 284 does the 175smk @ 2825, pushing it pretty hard. 2775 is more reasonable. 2800 with a 7-08 will be tough, especially magazine length. My buddys melonited 7-08 does the 162amax @ 2800 with a case full of H4350. I've read the RE17 wonder stiries, but haven't personally gotten it to do anything H4350 won't.
 
Re: 7mm-08

7cm is looking like a better choice then 7mm-08. Even thow I have been considering running a 7mm-08AI..
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: George63</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrawDad338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm planning on 8.5 twist 7mm-08 for the 175 Sierra MatchKings, they have a Litz G7 BC of .327. A 26'' barrel and RL-17 should give close to 2,800fps, that keeps them Supersonic for 1,450 yards. </div></div>

I think that is quite optimistic, I run the 175's at 2885 from a 30 " 7saum</div></div>

Haha, I know and I can't help it... I've had really good luck with RL-17 in my .308 gas gun..2,703 fps with 178s and a 22'' barrel very accurate...What does another 4'' of barrel get me? It's pretty amazing the contrast in field reports on RL-17, I guess every gun is different. I will be able to mag load 2.98 COAL on my 7mm-08 build.

More ludicrous claims with 7mm-08 and RL-17...lol http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1382419
 
Re: 7mm-08

I'm running a 1:10 twist in my 7mm-08AI and it stabilized the 162's just fine so far.
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cypriss32</div><div class="ubbcode-body">7cm is looking like a better choice then 7mm-08. Even thow I have been considering running a 7mm-08AI.. </div></div>

I'm building a 7-08 right now, my smith has a 7-08AI reamer and I'm waiting for a standard one from PTG.


Doing an AI on any 308 based case doesn't buy you much of anything other than the effort to fire form your brass. Yes, you will read people on the interwebs posting of their incredible velocities, but then again there are people posting 2800 FPS with 175s from 20 inch barreled 308s too.

A 308 is a pretty straight case. If you do the AI thing you may get a couple of percent increase in case volume. Sure you will get less neck growth, but if you are pushing the most you can push you are going to get loose primers after six to 10 reloads.

If you really want more capability in a short action you might consider a 284Win. Not up to short magnum speeds but surely a 7-08 on steroids.
 
Re: 7mm-08

I tried 41grs 2000MR with the 162AMAX, did pretty well in initial testing from a sporter weight barrel.(700 Stainless.Synthetic) 300yd target.
IMG_0262.jpg


http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/p...mp;cartridge=70
 
Re: 7mm-08

7-08
162 amax / 168 Berger Hybrid
2.92 COAL fits in AW mag
48.0 h4350
2875 FPS
24"
1-9 twist
3 groove

groups below .250
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GGN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">7-08
162 amax / 168 Berger Hybrid
2.92 COAL fits in AW mag
48.0 h4350
2875 FPS
24"
1-9 twist
3 groove

groups below .250

Yo G, you be playin with fire, max is 45grs with the 162. Fire in the hole!!
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp
</div></div>
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captramrod01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Damn GGN your really fitting 48.0 gr? </div></div>

Seriously... 46 is quite compressed. I f*cked up a seating stem trying 46.5 under a 162amax @ 2.850.
 
Re: 7mm-08

Fits very nice notice setting @ 2.92 with no pressure signs and I get about 10 loads give or take before I see any loose pockets
 
Re: 7mm-08

I know what book says and there is a reason I put the COAL for all to read. 2.92 It is not over pressured,and if you load that much powder in standard leagth 7-08 you might blow up. Please read all specs.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JGorski</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GGN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">7-08
162 amax / 168 Berger Hybrid
2.92 COAL fits in AW mag
48.0 h4350
2875 FPS
24"
1-9 twist
3 groove

groups below .250

Yo G, you be playin with fire, max is 45grs with the 162. Fire in the hole!!
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp
</div></div> </div></div>
 
Re: 7mm-08

Haven't used the longer Amax, but sounds like the long ogive lets you seat it longer, and still keep enough of the bullet in the case for proper tension (?).

How far does it put you off the lands in that rifle?
 
Re: 7mm-08

Rifle is throted .100 to allow bullet to seat that far. They just are just off the lands.bullet sits in the perfect spot in the case. It is up above the powder and sits in that sweet spot below the neck above the powder.
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GGN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know what book says and there is a reason I put the COAL for all to read. 2.92 It is not over pressured,and if you load that much powder in standard length 7-08 you might blow up. Please read all specs.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JGorski</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GGN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">7-08
162 amax / 168 Berger Hybrid
2.92 COAL fits in AW mag
48.0 h4350
2875 FPS
24"
1-9 twist
3 groove

groups below .250

Yo G, you be playin with fire, max is 45grs with the 162. Fire in the hole!!
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp
</div></div> </div></div> </div></div>

I noted the OAL, kinda figured thats how you werent getting too much pressure. My 700 708 will seat the 162AMAX @2.950 just kissing the lands, suppose I could cram more of that 2000MR in there and see what happens.
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GGN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rifle is throted .100 to allow bullet to seat that far. They just are just off the lands.bullet sits in the perfect spot in the case. It is up above the powder and sits in that sweet spot below the neck above the powder. </div></div>
Care to share the rifle specs, barrel, contour, make of barrel, etc?
 
Re: 7mm-08

Thinking of a 7mm08 barrel for my Savage. The 175 grain SMK sounds like a winner to me. Can you still load them to mag length in AICS mags?
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RFutch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thinking of a 7mm08 barrel for my Savage. The 175 grain SMK sounds like a winner to me. Can you still load them to mag length in AICS mags? </div></div>

Can you, yes. Will they be where they need to be at that length, that's up to you and your gun smith. I would recommend running the type 2 alpha mags like I am and gaining some space. I have an overall length of 2.883 with my load so I have to run the alphas.

Good luck,
Merritt
 
Re: 7mm-08

Well im going to give H4350 a try seeing my gun doesnt seem to like the 162s loaded over varget. If that doesn't work then it must be time to try the 175smk
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrewinTejas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well im going to give H4350 a try seeing my gun doesnt seem to like the 162s loaded over varget. If that doesn't work then it must be time to try the 175smk </div></div>

Everything i've read seems to indicate that Varget is a little to fast for the 7-08 and the H4350 is the way to go. That is where I'm starting as soon as mine is finished.
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrewinTejas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well im going to give H4350 a try seeing my gun doesnt seem to like the 162s loaded over varget. If that doesn't work then it must be time to try the 175smk </div></div>

Everything i've read seems to indicate that Varget is a little to fast for the 7-08 and the H4350 is the way to go. That is where I'm starting as soon as mine is finished. </div></div>

H4350 turned 1" groups with Varget at 100 into one ragged hole, but that's with the 150 SMK. And I'm a huge Varget fan...but every rifle's different as we all know...
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: XTR</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrewinTejas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well im going to give H4350 a try seeing my gun doesnt seem to like the 162s loaded over varget. If that doesn't work then it must be time to try the 175smk </div></div>

Everything i've read seems to indicate that Varget is a little to fast for the 7-08 and the H4350 is the way to go. That is where I'm starting as soon as mine is finished. </div></div>
.
Maybe the case with the heavier loads. However I found mine likes 44.0 Varget with 120bt's and tsx. Trying the 4350 idea here once it cools a bit for the range.
 
Re: 7mm-08

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JGorski</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GGN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rifle is throted .100 to allow bullet to seat that far. They just are just off the lands.bullet sits in the perfect spot in the case. It is up above the powder and sits in that sweet spot below the neck above the powder. </div></div>
Care to share the rifle specs, barrel, contour, make of barrel, etc? </div></div>

will Get some pics up later but spec

Skunkworks actions
custom contour barrel from benchmark

Here is pic of rifle will get pic of ammo later

IMG_0116.jpg
 
Re: 7mm-08

Nice looking outfit. My 7-08 should be done in 3 weeks if everything stays on schedule.

In addition to H4350, I got some 2000MR and 8208xbr to work with. Load data for them looks a little faster than H4350 with bullets in the 162/168 range but I'll have to see what the rifle likes.
 
Re: 7mm-08

7mm-08 owners, how much faster can you push a 162 Amax compared to a 175 SMK? 1,000 yard wind drift seem like a wash if I figure 100fps faster for the 162 Amax using Litz G7s for both...
 
Re: 7mm-08

Well I loaded up some 4350 and shot this weekend. It seemed to shoot better but didn't have a 100yd setup to shoot groups. It shot a 2" group at 460yds but I will load more and go to a range and just shoot a group with it and see what it does on paper. I was getting around 2750 fps with 45.8gr of 4350.
 
Re: 7mm-08

Mine is going to be a hunting rifle if the reamer ever gets here. I have a box of 162s but I'm thinking I may never shoot them. I'm planning to run 140 accubonds for whitetail hunting and I think I'm just going to work up a load be done with it. I get enough loading and trigger time feeding my F-TR jones. I really don't need another chamber to feed.

I'm at 900+ through the "new" Krieger barrel I put on in January. By the time Perry and the TN state championships are over it'll be up to about 1500. I don't know how Open guys do it with barrel burners.