I need 7mm-08 load advice!!

[aboltlrhunter]

So I'm gonna work up a load for my Gf's 7mm-08. This is a factory Savage model 11 mostly gonna be used for deer/elk rifle and I may end up using if for some long range shooting for fun. So I'm torn between 140grs or 150s? Im not sure if the little higher BC with the 150s will make that much of a difference with what im wanting to do? I have fire formed brass for it and plan on using Varget for the load.

Thanks for the help,
Trent

 

[jack88]

Just shoot a 140 gr TTSX over Varget and you're set!

 

[bhylton]

140 accubond over the same powder would be a good option as well. 140 is the sweet spot for that round IMO

 

[gmajor]

Subscribed to this thread. I've got some 140 grain partitions for elk, but I'm thinking the BC and reported accuracy of the accubond could sway me...

 

[aboltlrhunter]

Yeah I was leaning towards the 140 accubonds. Just wasn't sure if the 150 may be better? Anyone shoot the 139 horn sst?

 

[hunting1]

140 accubond over the same powder would be a good option as well. 140 is the sweet spot for that round IMO

This is where I would start!

 

[IChaseCoues]

Have you considered the 150 long range accubond? The listed bc is great (if correct) and it should run fast enough to take advantage of the aerodynamics. I've been using the 162 a-max for a few years with great results on a few species of deer and awesome accuracy at 500yds but if I can get my hands on some 150 ablr I'd love to see what they do and possibly switch.

 

[aboltlrhunter]

Have you considered the 150 long range accubond? The listed bc is great (if correct) and it should run fast enough to take advantage of the aerodynamics. I've been using the 162 a-max for a few years with great results on a few species of deer and awesome accuracy at 500yds but if I can get my hands on some 150 ablr I'd love to see what they do and possibly switch.

I thought about it, but the availability I think is an issue around here. I would like to run something that I can just run down to cabelas and get. But Ive never seen those in there unfortunately because that would be a possibility Id like to try too.

 

[Shrek]

Forget the hot and filthy Varget and go H4350. I've run both and get better velocity and cooler barrel and brass from the H4350 with 140's . I've shot 139 sst ,140 BT , 145 Speer , and now 140 berger vlds. The vlds have provided the best accuracy far and away. Jammed into the lands , 2880 fps and .4" five shot groups when I'm shooting well. If temp sensitivity isn't a problem I have gotten great performance from W760. I was using a hotter H4350 load but brass was done In three loadings. I'm running a 24" barrel to get that velocity. Varget has not made me happy in anything I've tried it in. The 140 vlds are devastating on deer but haven't tried them on anything bigger. Picture is three 139 sst all recovered under the far hide on 160 to 170 pound deer. All three were drt.

 

[Blockcaver]

For fast but lower recoil load for the GF, try Winchester 760 / Hodgdon H414 (same stuff) over a Barnes 120 grain TTSX or TSX with CCI BR primers. This combo shoots the best of any loads in my finicky old Kimber Montana. As Shrek says, Varget wasn't as good (but is great powder in my 22-250 and 22 BR). The lighter bullets have noticeably less felt recoil than the heavier bullets in a a very light rifle.

 

[GKPrice]

Have you considered the 150 long range accubond? The listed bc is great (if correct) and it should run fast enough to take advantage of the aerodynamics. I've been using the 162 a-max for a few years with great results on a few species of deer and awesome accuracy at 500yds but if I can get my hands on some 150 ablr I'd love to see what they do and possibly switch.

the 150 ABLR is WAY too long for that little case - I'm seeing mostly 140's advised and THAT is where I'd go as well - Varget / H414 / RL-15

 

[rileybassman]

Sister shoots one with a 140 grain accubond over imr 4064 and shot just over an inch at 200 yards.

 

[aboltlrhunter]

Forget the hot and filthy Varget and go H4350. I've run both and get better velocity and cooler barrel and brass from the H4350 with 140's . I've shot 139 sst ,140 BT , 145 Speer , and now 140 berger vlds. The vlds have provided the best accuracy far and away. Jammed into the lands , 2880 fps and .4" five shot groups when I'm shooting well. If temp sensitivity isn't a problem I have gotten great performance from W760. I was using a hotter H4350 load but brass was done In three loadings. I'm running a 24" barrel to get that velocity. Varget has not made me happy in anything I've tried it in. The 140 vlds are devastating on deer but haven't tried them on anything bigger. Picture is three 139 sst all recovered under the far hide on 160 to 170 pound deer. All three were drt.

Yeah I don't have any h4350 and that sucks because I just spent 35$ to get the Varget lol. Oh who knows maybe I'll have some luck. And I forgot to say in the OP that I'm going to be limited the the mag box length, so the accubond LR or the Berger VLDs wouldn't be a good fit. Otherwise I'd run the VLDs. Well I have a gift card for cabelas so I guess I'll run by there tomorrow and see if they have any of the 139 sst's or the 140 accubonds and go from there. I know I'm not gonna have 1/2 MOA, maybe 3/4, but that just may be wishful thinking

 

[Retterath]

I'm just gonna start load testing for my wifes 7-08 with 140 accubonds and vld. Is there enough mag length to seat those 140 vld on the lands? This is a factory tikka. This is also a 22" barrel what are u getting for velocity with a factory 22" 140gr bullets.

 

[MRidge]

I have yet to see many 7-08's that are finicky. I have one of the early Remington 700 Varminters that has always shot about anything I've sent down the tube really well. I've taken elk with 120, 140, & 150 grain ballistic tips. Also pre-ballistic tip era, the 150gr SMK was the go to bullet with IMR4350. It's pretty much a safe queen now, but I settled on 120gr Ballistic Tips & Viht N-140.
I'm starting to work up some loads for my son's youth 700 now, and will run with the Accubond or 140 Ballistic Tip.

You may hit the Nosler Forum as well. Don't quote me exactly here, as I might be slightly off, but I believe the 140 grain ballistic tip has a slightly thicker jacket - maybe the 150 cut down?

Good luck & let us know how it shoots. I suspect you'll find a load quickly.
Note: below is my load - verify with load manuals your loads are within specification.

View attachment 24854

 

[aboltlrhunter]

Thanks guys I appreciate it. I'll let you know how it goes

 

[KMD]

I crunched 120TSXs down on a full case of Varget in my lightweight 7-08, and it was a super combo of speed and accuracy. Also kept a bunch of 120Vmaxs loaded to plink with, and as luck would have it, shared almost the same POI @ 200yds with the TSXs...

If you're loading for your girlfriend/ wife/ child, I'm sure they'll appreciate the marginally less recoil afforded from going with a lighter weight bullet. I could tell a difference between the 120 & 140TSX, so just stuck with the lighter ones. A deer won't shake off a 120TSX goin' 3125fps, and they'll fly plenty good to 500...

 

[GLB]

140 accubonds and 42 grains of Varget is a great combo. Same with the 140 vld. Use Varget or H4350 for the 708. If your barrel is 22" or less I would start with Varget.

 

[bhylton]

you mentioned the possibility of a little long range shooting. If you get a good load with the 140gr accubonds for hunting, your could switch over to a cheaper 140gr ballistic tip for plinking. they should have very close POI and the ballistic tip will perform better if you do shot a critter at longer range (lower velocity). just a thought. Enjoy!

 

[Shrek]

The BT and the SST bullets are plenty tough for the velocity of the 7-08. For deer sized game they are about ideal. I've punched plenty of shoulder blades and even hit the ball . The bullet exploded the ball joints and bone and bullet shredded the heart and lungs. I don't believe you really need the bonded bullet for deer sized game and I base that on killing more than a few deer with SST's and BT's. I've been on cull permits over the years and killed hundreds of deer. Cheap SST's were used most due to cost. Accurate and effective. I had harsh words for Varget but it performs fine. It burns hot and dirty and I can get better velocity from both H4350 and W760 with less heat and mess to clean.