Loading for 7mm-08 Rem.

[Pawildman]

Just thought I'd add my latest findings for 7mm-08 loading criteria--- After running through Varget with Nosler, Sierra F.B., and Hornady, I got some fairly respectable groups, but not the repeatability I wanted. IMR 4350 with 139 gr. Hornady Spire Points is the answer in my particular rifle. Loads of 47.0,47.5, and 48.o (published max) all turned in amazing groups, 47.5 shooting 0.324" for 5 shots at 100 yds. This was all done at temp. ranges in the low to mid 80's. Need to see how they will shoot at colder (hunting weather) temps. in the 25 degree range. Looks very promising. Oh, yeh--- using CCI Mag Rifle 250 primers, and trimming cases every other loading. Bullet seating to the cannelure sets the bullet .020 from my lands.

Me too. I was astonished by the groups. I never thought of using 4350 but it was all I had one day, and am plesently surprised. I don't like my velocity however. At 48, its only 2700fps. I am going to try 29 and 50 since I didn't have any pressure signs.

[trailer]

I"™ve tried a number of different powders and bullets and to my surprise the IMR 4320 with the 160gr Sierra has been the best with all three holes touching at 100 yards. I haven't checked the speed yet but will be doing it soon with my new chrono. I would have liked lighter bullets for deer but the 160 gr. will work for this year.

[Pawildman]

I've loaded the 139 gr Hornady in my old .280 Rem. at 53 gr 4350 for years, and it sails along around 2700 fps. Just flat slams deer to the ground. Also loaded it in 7mm Rem Mag, with it travelling 3100+, and never noticed it killing any deader. Ther is just something about 7mm cal. and that bullet-----

[firstshot]

I was also surprised at the accruacy I got out of my 7mm-08 using IMR4350. I worked up some loads for the 145Grn Speer SP (HotCor) in 0.5Grn incrementsfrom 45.5Grn to 48.5Grn (0.5 over max). Group sizes CTC @ 100 Yds ranged from 1.266" down to 0.561" for the 48.0 Charge. Velocity for the 48.0Grn charge is a chronographed 2,830 fps. Didn't shoot the 48.5Grn load as I had reached my targeted 2,800 fps velocity for which the trajectory almost exactly matches the optimum trajectory for my Burris Ballistic Plex reticle.

Groups for work up loads forthe 145 Speer SPon top of H414 averraged 1.488" @ 100Yds. That's almost a 1" or 62% improvement in group size with the IMR 4350.

In light of these results, I'm going to go back and try the IMR4350 with the 140Grn Accubonds and 140 Sierra GK's.With the 140 Accubonds on top of 42.5 Grns (0.5Grn over max) of Varget, I'm getting 2,786 fps & 3/4" groups. The 140 Sierra GK's on top of 43.5 Grns (0.5Grn over max) of Varget run at 2,857 fps with 0.508" Groups @ 100 Yds and 1.678" groups at 200 Yds.

Trying IMR 4350 with these two bullets shouldgive me a better feel for ifit is the IMR 4350 that is really makingthe difference.

I've also got some 139 Hornady Spire Points. These are currently shooting 3/4" groups @ 2,876 when loaded on top of 47.5 Grn H414. I wonder if IMR 4350 would tighten up these groups?

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

[firstshot]

Thought I'd go ahead and share theloads I worked up this Spring/Summer for my Rem 700 Mtn LSS in 7mm-08 w/ 22" barrel. Velocities are chronographed. Groups were measured Center to Center @ 100 Yds. These loads are all safe and show no pressure signs in My Rifle, but if you decide to try them just be sure to back off 10% and work up slowley.

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140 Grn Nosler Ballistic Tip
42.75 Grn Varget (Hot)
2,808 FPS
1.25" @ 100 Yds

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150 Grn Nosler Ballistic Tip
40.5 Grn Varget
? FPS (Didn't have chrono then)
1.057" @ 100 Yds

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139 Grn Hdy SP
47.5 Grn H414
2,876 FPS
.793" @ 100 Yds

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140 Grn Sierra Game King
43.5 Grn Varget (Hot)
2,867 FPS
0.527" @ 100Yds

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140 Grn Accubond
42.5 Grn Varget (Hot)
2,798 FPS
0.764" @ 100 Yds

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145 Grn Speer SP (HotCor)
48.0 Grn IMR 4350
2,830 FPS
0.561" @ 100 Yds

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154 Grn Hdy Round Nose
47.5 Grm H414
2,736 FPS
0.586" @ 100 Yds

I just got this gun this past spring and haven't hunted with it yet, so I can't really say which of these loads will turn out to be my "favorite". With the exception of the 140 Nosler BT's, they all shoot MOA or better, so I'll just have to wait and see how they perform on game.

However, this season, I'll primarilly be hunting with the 145Grn Speer SP (HotCor), but I will probably load up some of the 154Grn Hdy Round Nose for woods hunting.

Good Luck & Happy Hunting!

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

[bronko22000]

Just goes to show why reloading is so much fun. Trying to pick a load. My Browning didn't like 4350 or Varget at all. But man does it like 42 gr of IMR4064 behind a 139 gr Hornady.

[whitetailhunter4637]

Firstshot,

Are you sure you got the velocity for the 145 grain speer, cause usually velocitites for the 7mm-08 are around 2800 and yours were too...until BAM!!!!! you got 3,830 with it. Do you mean 2,830?...just a lil confused

[Roskoe]

I haven't done much reloading with the 7MM-08 yet - but the first load I tried shot real well. 45.0 of H-380 and a 150 grain Swift Scirocco. It chrono'ed 2709 out of 25" barrel. As usual, this load was fine in my gun, but it might blow yours up. In that case - I'm sorry. But that's it. No liability is expressed or implied. Consult a loading manual in case I got this load confused with one for a 7MM Weatherby

[Roskoe]

Just got back from the range. This was the first day in awhile when it wasn't fairly breezy. I shot a .510 group with the load mentioned in the above post. Ready to take this dog hunting.