7mm-08 reloads?

str8meat · 05-02-2007, 10:07 AM

I am fairly new to reloading and was wondering if anbody could give me a good load to start with for my 7mm-08. I want to reload with Hornady 162 grain BTSP and IMR 4350 powder. A manual I have says for that bullet weight and powder to load 41.5 grains of powder and never exceed that and that the MinOAL 2.800 inches and MaxOAL 2.800 inches. Just want to see what you experienced reloaders think? Dont want to make a BIG mistake.

thanks
str8meat

Pawildman · 05-02-2007, 10:52 AM

I have found 4350 powder to give excellent results in my 7-08, but I have been working loads up based on different 140 gr. bullets. As for OAL, 2.800 max is what is recommended, however, if you are working with a rifle that is not limited to OAL by the magazine box, you may want to try seating the bullet at different lengths short of the rifling. I usually find somewhere in the neighborhood of .020 works well, but guns are individuals unto themselves as to what they like. Unfortunately, many bolt action guns limit this seating depth to what you can load into the magazine.

05-02-2007, 10:59 AM

I also find 46-48gr of 4350 to be great with 140gr bullets, but only get 2680fps with 26" barrel. I really want 2800 or so. Why, I don't know, but I am starting to experiement with Varget and 4064 also.

str8meat · 05-02-2007, 01:48 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys. But does anyone have experience with reloading the 7mm-08 with a hornady 162 grain BTSP?

ShatoDavis · 05-02-2007, 02:38 PM

My feelings are that the Case is just about maxed out with a 140g bullet. the 7-08 is a sweet cartridge but really doesn't have the powder capacity to tackle heavier bullets. I've never reloaded for anything heavier than a 140 gr bullet in mine. sorry

str8meat · 05-02-2007, 03:27 PM

ok, thanks guys, I guess its back to the store to buy some different bullets. I appreciate all the feedback.

PaJack · 05-02-2007, 05:55 PM

I get the best accuracy from 4350 & 4064 out of all of my 7mm-08's. Every gun shoots different,I use a Savage for woodchucks for shots 500+ yards and the only powder it likes is 4350! For deerthe Hornady 139gr. SST works execelent on deer size game but my Model Seven likes 4064...

steve4102 · 05-02-2007, 10:03 PM

No reason you should have to go with a lighter bullet. If you want to try the heavier bullets, go for it. Just remember to start low and work up. I load Ramshot Hunter in my 7mm-08 with 160gr Partitions with excellent results. Damn near 280 velocities with one hole groups. Hodgdon has load data for the 7mm-08 with 190gr bullets traveling at 2570fps. The 7mm-08 will shoot the 162's with no problems.