Reduced load idea

[waitforit]

Tell me what you think about this..

Ive been working on a few reduced recoil 7mm08 loads for my 9 year old to shoot using 120gr TTSX. Main goal being a capable 200yd deer round. Started at 28gr H4895 and worked up to 30. Havent chrono'ed yet but they fly similar to my full power loads at short ranges. He smiles while shooting them

I got to thinking about terminal bullet performance and what speed would be required to open up that bullet. Instead of using TTSX and being at the lower fps threshold, why not use Accubond long range (opens down to 1300fps) and run them to hit at 1800-2000 fps at 200 yards?

In a nutshell - adjust powder charge for minimal recoil, making the bullet hit at the same speed at 200 yards that normally would be at 400-500 yards with a full charge.

 

[Rob5589]

As long as impact velocity it is adequate, sounds totally reasonable.

 

[Highvoltage1]

Not a 708 but I bought my 10 year old a tikka 270. I load the 90gr gold dots for it and it does a number on deer. Also using 4895. They go 2750 through the chronograph. The 90 gr gold dot is designed for 6.8 spc and is good to 3100 I believe. So I can turn the juice up when necessary. I run 40.4 gr and he loves it and it’s very accurate. I think your in the right track by moving away from the Barnes. I’d personally go 120 ballistic tip over lr accubond. Don’t over look just a plane Jane cup and core and try to keep them above 2400-2500. Best wishes to you and your son!

 

[waitforit]

How is the Tikka stock for fit? Looking at some options for a bolt gun with both you and adult stock options.

 

[hodgeman]

You're on the right track. TTSX (or any other monometal bullet) expansion gets iffy at reduced speeds.

The ABLR would be a good bullet, but don't overthink this... for a 200 yard gun, the much cheaper Ballistic Tip or even a plain Hornady Interlock are going to do just as well.

I loaded some Interlocks in a reduced load .270 and they performed great out to 200 or so.

 

[Highvoltage1]

I cut the tikka stock down and added a slip on limbsaver pad. I believe it’s close to 12.5” lop now, a 12” would have been even better with heavy clothes.

 

[Muley Buck]

I'd look at a cup and core bullet especially if I was going to be reducing the charge.

 

[Rich M]

You could go accubond, partition, or something else non copper if laws allow it. Then you don't need to worry about him penciling a monster and having to deal w losing an animal.

 

[waitforit]

Just remembered, Im getting 200 bullets from hornady for the rebate from buying dies, 139gr interlocks.

 

[MrTim]

My kids shoot a Compact Tikka 7mm-08. Rangework is done with 100 grain Sierra and a reduced charge of h4895. Hunting is done with a 120g Nosler ballistic tip and mid range charge. I just sight in the gun right before hunting season with the 120grain load. When the season is over, I rezero with the reduced loads. Saves a little coin too.

 

[Little Tunny]

I've shot a half dozen whitetails and a few pigs with the Nosler 120gr BT at a moderate MV around 2900fps with excellent results. Quarter-sized exits on almost everything. I believe there is something special about the 7mm 120 BT. Highly recommend this bullet for youth loads.

 

[30338]

Did a reduced load with a 120 sierra about 14 years ago. Son killed his first elk ever with it quite effectively. I'd probably avoid the mono if you could. That load was in a Tikka 7 mag and was very light recoil. You'll be great in that dept.

 

[FLAK]

Interlocks will keel.

 

[sacox31s]

I did the same thing with H4895 and some Barnes TSXs for my two sons except the rifle was a 308. The only I'd watch out for is whether or not he can comfortably shoot the rifle due to its size. Is it easy for him to rest his cheek on the stock and still see through the scope and if the length of pull is ok? I didn't realize how small my sons' faces were until they tried to get a good cheek weld.