Kiddo load for the 7mm08

[MtnW]

We used M70 Classic 7MM/08 with factory ammo with 140 gr Nosler Partitions. Starting at 9 years old, we killed over 100+ whitetails with the young kids and ourselves. Never lost a deer. The young guys handled the factory ammo with zero issues. If you want to do a lot of target practice, I would use light 120 gr loads but still use the Nosler’s for hunting.

 

[Ringbill27]

I went a similar route with a .243 for a smaller kiddo. A factory Winchester Ranger with short LOP, and a Leupold Freedom 3-9x40. I actually wanted some weight on the rifle to reduce recoil.

I called Hodgdon and Nosler. Using H4895 I followed their starting load for reduced recoil/downloaded loads recommendations for a 100 grain partition, IIRC. The employees I spoke to regarding the effecacy of that load both stated that was the route they had taken with their own kiddos.

The load printed 2" @ 100 yds all day long. It would shoot better groups on occasion but I knew it was plenty accurate for our use.

The furthest shot taken was 75 yards, most 50 or closer, on our feet with a tripod, still hunting on whitetail does. One shot kills every one. Small sample size of a few, but it was quite effective and a lot of fun.

A 140 gr. Nosler Partition, starting load with the reduced load H4895 and learning to get close, with accurate shot placement, will be filled tags all day long.

My wife literally 45mins ago shot a small buck with Her 243 and the 95gr partition. Looking forward to seeing how it preformed.