7mm-08 COL

[Raptor 1]

Getting ready to load 168gn Bergers VLDs in 7mm-08 for deer huntingthis coming season. Most reload manuals give a max COL of 2.80. I have read that the Bergers like touching the Lands. My rifle is a T/C Encore, I seated a load at 2.975, and it chanberd with no problem with no signs on the bullet of touching the lands. I also read that the Encore's have long throat, so I was wondering if I would be safe at the COL of 2.975. Any help would be appreciated....

R1

ORIGINAL: Raptor 1

Getting ready to load 168gn Bergers VLDs in 7mm-08 for deer huntingthis coming season. Most reload manuals give a max COL of 2.80. I have read that the Bergers like touching the Lands. My rifle is a T/C Encore, I seated a load at 2.975, and it chanberd with no problem with no signs on the bullet of touching the lands. I also read that the Encore's have long throat, so I was wondering if I would be safe at the COL of 2.975. Any help would be appreciated....

R1

First thing you need to do is find out how deep you can can load before hitting the rifle. Get a fireformed case adn Partial FL size it so you don't push back the shoulders but only size the neck. Then take a dremel tool and split the neck and shoulders, and insert a bullet, and chamber. See how much it pushs the bullet back. In an encore, you can load out as far as you want.I like to have at least 1 caliber in the case.