Loads for Tikka 7mm-08

[Graywolf.260]

I just got a T3 light stainless 7mm08 and am waiting for the krg X-ray to come out. Meanwhile I'd like to start rolling some rounds for hunting (thinking of trying 139 GMX) and some bullets for long range targets (open to suggestions). This will be my first 7mm08 rifle, the barrel is 1-9.5 twist. I have a crapload of N-150 and some Norma brass on the way. What is the word? Thanks.

 

[myownman]

I have been trying different powders in my 7-08. Varget, H4350, IMR4350. All with 140VLD, 150SMK, 162A-MAX. The 140VLD shot the best, but have been shooting the 150's lately becouse they don't cost so damn much. I wouldn't think you will have any trouble gettiing the N150 to work. I thought varget was going to be the best powder by far, but the IMR4350 is almost the winner for me.

 

[JGorski]

Probably get your best accuracy with RE15, but I wonder how CFE would work, that would give you the best velocity, accuracy might be pretty good as well. Varget would do very well, also. That I know for sure, CFE would be an experiment but might be worth it.
But after visiting Hodgdon, I'm liking IMR4007SSC, which I have a pound of and some H4895. So since Ive got all three, CFE, H4895 and 4007SSC, one of these would work or all of them might.

IMR 4007 SSC 43.0 2,688 39,800 CUP, Max-46.5C 2,874 48,600 CUP

Hodgdon CFE 223 41.4 2,666 38,900 CUP, Max-45.0 2,847 48,900 CUP

Hodgdon Varget 40.5 2,721 44,700 CUP, Max-43.5 2,877 50,000 CUP

IMR 4064 40.0 2,682 42,500 CUP, Max-42.5 2,847 49,900 CUP

Hodgdon H4895 39.0 2,678 42,500 CUP, Max-42.5 2,857 50,200 CUP

 

[Weaselthis]

Try Varget and the 140g Nosler Accubond for hunting. Modest velocity around 2650fps or so should be a hot ticket. Absolutely a killer. Wife killed 6 animals in Africa w/ that load. All one shot kills. PH like the Tikka so much he wanted me to give it to him for a tip. I gave him $1200 and said no thanks. Kept the rifle. VERY accurate at that velocity. Light weight. Like a sore pecker. Ya can't beat it. Good luck.

 

[korykhunter]

I loaded for a light barreled Kimber that liked the N150 behind a 120gr Btip(43gr at 2840fps). The load for 139grSST was 42gr at 2644fps. The 120 Btip load was used to take speed goats out to 700yds.

 

[Graywolf.260]

I was too impatient to wait for the brass I ordered and bought some superformance 139 SST ammo to try out. Not impressed with it, was around 1-2 moa. Was depressed until I read some reviews of that ammo and they are very mixed, so I will wait for my components to judge. Based on my experience with other tikkas and what you guys report I am not worried. Great story about the PH tip.

 

[Graywolf.260]

Started out with some 120 gr TTSX and 43 gr N150. I have to jump about .1" to fit in the mag. They do fine though, ragged hole at least out to 100 yd so far. That load feels like a .243, it is sweet. I will load some 150 gr Etips later.