7mm-08 18" barrel Twist Rate recommendations (120gr-150gr bullets ONLY)

[mguthr1]

Looked around, couldn't get a definitive answer before making the purchase.

Scenario:
Tikka 7mm08 with a CarbonSix 18" barrel

I want to be able to shoot 120gr to about the 150gr bullets and mostly will use this for hunting and plinking. I want an effective range out to 500yds for shooting deer if possible. I know this will be stretching it, but wanted to know if this has been proven before.

The Question:
What is the appropriate twist rate for the shorter barrel, and bullet weight selections (120gr-150gr). I see 1-9, then i see 1-8. Just looking for the optimal twist. Thanks everyone!

 

[WeiserBucks]

Length doesn't dictate twist, bullet weight does. Up to 150 grain a 9 will work great.

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

I wouldn't expect there to be problem in terms of bullet weight/stability until you got up to some heavier offerings

what @WeiserBucks said

 

[steelheadmike]

I've been shooting up to 162 out of a 9.5 twist tikka. A 9 twist should have no problem with anything in that range. Unless you want to sling the 180 eld-m, I don't see any need to go 1:8.

Getting out to 500 shouldn't be problem with any bullet in that range.

 

[The Guide]

With the shorter barrel and the lighter bullets, go with the slower twist barrel to get as much speed as you can before you hit pressure. Faster twist barrels hit pressure sooner than slower twist barrels just due to friction. The 7mm-08 was designed with sub 150 grain bullets and a 1 in 9" barrel in mind.

Jay

 

[mguthr1]

Appreciate everyones insight. Wasnt sure how much length affected twist rate considering I am going to try and push the speed some with handloads. Being that it will be a dedicated Deer rifle, that goes to the range occasionally, i wanted to make sure it was setup for success and can still launch a pill 1000yds as well.