New Reloader 7-08rem

Dust1n

FNG
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Aug 19, 2020
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Alberta
What’s the fastest and flattest load for a 7-08rem?

I’m gonna be using a 120g bullet from Barnes ttsx
 
Probably gonna get the best velocity from cfe223. Big Game and varget are worth a shot too if you don't get the accuracy from the cfe. Barnes has load data listed on there site.

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45grs R15, 3150 from my Tikka. I used Barnes load data, it lines up with actual numbers speed wise.
 
Barnes data shows 6 powders that will get between 3100-3200 fps, nominally, from a 24" bbl. Take barrel length into account, I don't know how many 7mm-08's have a 24" bbl.
 
44 grains of RL-15 in my Kimber Montana (22" barrel) is a bit above 3000 fps. Paired with the 120 gr. TTSX, it is very accurate, and I've taken a bunch of elk with the combo.
 
RL-16 and RL23 are said to have good temp stability, low SD, and low fouling properties if that matters...

I've been moving from IMR and Hodgden powders to Alliant the last few years- in general. I still have some "honey" loads with them though. But the Alliant stuff is gaining ground on the "old traditional" powders these last few years for sure.

Heck... with power and primers costing as much as cocaine I'd get what you can and go from there IF you want to shoot sooner than later. The Barnes should meet the "flat shooting" criteria fine-- just remember to calculate your energy if going "long" with them.
 
CFE 223 in my experience. 3200 fps. out of my 20" tube with the 120 TTSX's.

That said, my working load at the moment is 44 grains of 4166 under the 120 TTSX and it gives me a consistent 3000 fps. that groups well. Plenty for any deer I plan to hunt.
 
Varget and 140 Bergers work very very well out of my 7mm08 w/20" barrel. Re15 worked really well but I ran out of it.
 
Had 20” barrel finnlite and CFE and the 120 ttsx is the ticket. I was getting 3240 FPS.
You WERE getting or you ARE getting? What powder charge are you pushing that with?

Barnes data barely gets within 50 fps of that with a 24 inch barrel and CFE. You know they are running a SAAMI min spec chamber, right? Take off 100 FPS minimum for your 4" shorter bbl from published data. I have run Barnes bullets for way too long, and that is far above what you should be getting. That's not a velocity for what is known to be sensible guidelines. Running published speeds with a 20 inch barrel is overboard, much less 50 fps above.
 
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You WERE getting or you ARE getting? What powder charge are you pushing that with?

Barnes data barely gets within 50 fps of that with a 24 inch barrel and CFE. You know they are running a SAAMI min spec chamber, right? Take off 100 FPS minimum for your 4" shorter bbl from published data. I have run Barnes bullets for way too long, and that is far above what you should be getting. That's not a velocity for what is known to be sensible guidelines. Running published speeds with a 20 inch barrel is overboard, much less 50 fps above.
Here we go 🤦‍♂️
I ran that gun for 3 years with that load , I used nosler brass and I loaded that 50 pieces 4 times. Pockets were tight and brass was in perfect shape and I used it in my next 7-08 after that. Do you go after everybody that claims they are over what the “book “ says with RL 26 ? RL26 is known for big gains in speed over other powders and CFE 223 is the same way in my experience .

But don’t worry I don’t have that gun anymore so everybody is safe now !!
 
Here we go 🤦‍♂️
I ran that gun for 3 years with that load , I used nosler brass and I loaded that 50 pieces 4 times. Pockets were tight and brass was in perfect shape and I used it in my next 7-08 after that. Do you go after everybody that claims they are over what the “book “ says with RL 26 ? RL26 is known for big gains in speed over other powders and CFE 223 is the same way in my experience .

But don’t worry I don’t have that gun anymore so everybody is safe now !!
It's all good dude. I ran some crazy hot loads in my 7RM years ago that were cringe worthy :LOL:
 
Combination of the fast components and factors must've been at play. Can't argue with experience.
 
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