Reduced/Manage recoil load data for 7mm-08

[Andrewlonghi]

Looking for some load data for 7mm-08 reduced loads for my daughter. Probably will start with some 120gr or 139gr depending on what’s available….any suggestions

 

[WhoGarrDen]

Are you looking for powder recommendations for purchase? Here's Hodgdon's recommendation for H4895: https://hodgdonpowderco.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/h4895-reduced-rifle-loads-2.pdf

H4895 with 120gr: starting load - 26.2gr
H4895 with 139gr: starting load - 25.5gr

Start there and work up a little if it doesn't start out accurately?

If you're looking to use another powder you have on hand (Varget, 4350, etc) - I'd start by calling the manufacturer and get their recommendations.

In addition to a light load, maybe double-up on hearing protection, and (if you haven't already) seriously consider a suppressor. Suppressor and limbsaver recoil pad on my sons rifle made a world of difference and no need to change loads.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

For factory?

Hornady does some “custom lite” loads in various cartridges.

A gal we hunted with every year for a few years was using Hornadys 120 SSTs in her 7mm-08 with good killing results.

 

[A382DWDZQ]

some info here:
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads...loads-and-recoil-for-kids.324719/post-3243557

 

[Jason Snyder]

I’ve used H4895 in a 30-06 and it works wonderfully. My daughter was shooting it at 12, using 120-130 grain bullets.

 

[Castle Rock]

The 120 grain Nosler ballistic tip is the standout bullet fo that use, it recoils a lot less than even a139

 

[Vern400]

I had my daughter shooting my 308 with 125 grain ballistic tips and trail Boss powder. That was a hoot!

For a little more power use H 4895 according to the instructions.

If you stay subsonic the noise is much less so you can run that gun anywhere from 950 fps to 2700 FPS. For that matter you can do it with any bolt gun. Some of the reduced loads are very accurate. If you run really slow, with a low case fill you may see standard deviation velocity be high. In 100 yards it may not matter that much.

I never really have understood why people compromise on flexibility and run a marginally small cartridge and then push it to the max.
Crap! Not that I would want to, but hypothetically I could buy a 264 Winchester magnum and run it for years as an everyday shooter at 6.5 creedmoor velocities. The barrel would last forever, and when I wanted to I could step it up to 3200 FPS.

Reduce loads are in my estimation, underappreciated. If you have a light handy rifle, and you hand load, there's no need for a kids gun.

 

[Huntman777]

120gr Nosler BT

40gr IMR 4895

2.800” COAL

Fed 210

This is one of my favorites but not reduced. I would start this same bullet in the 28-30gr range and work up from there if it’s comfortable for your daughter to shoot. Although it may be harder to hunt with if not shooting from a supported position remember that more weight will reduce felt recoil. Also, if a suppressor is in the cards it will greatly help recoil and of course sound suppression.

 

[cnymuzguy]

I know its an older thread, but I've had good luck with RL-7. It's listed in Modern Reloading and has been mentioned on other web sites.
It lists 120 gr bullet loads of 32.8 starting to 35.5 max.

I personally shoot 33 gr with 120 TTSX in 2 guns. Very mild recoil and consistent sub 1" @ 100 yds.

It also lists 31.3 to 34 gr with 139 gr bullets.

 

[Luked]

My wife shoots the Hornaday Custom Lite in 7mm-08 120s and has for a while. They shoot really well.

I do have some 120gr Noslers to load in her rifle. Just haven't got there yet as I have a pretty big supply of the factory rounds and she doesn't shoot a ton

 

[Bull_n_heat]

120gr Nosler BT

40gr IMR 4895

2.800” COAL

Fed 210

This is one of my favorites but not reduced. I would start this same bullet in the 28-30gr range and work up from there if it’s comfortable for your daughter to shoot. Although it may be harder to hunt with if not shooting from a supported position remember that more weight will reduce felt recoil. Also, if a suppressor is in the cards it will greatly help recoil and of course sound suppression.

I've got something pretty similar to this that shoots well and is barely perceptable for recoil. I might use varget, but that 120 grain pill really tempers the thump

 

[Macintosh]

Those Hornady custom-lite 120sst’s work exceptionally well on deer sized critters.