Reloading for 7mm-08

[husk243]

I had read positive things about the 7mm-08, so I purchased one this year for deer and really like the rifle and cartridge. I realize that there are not a lot of choices for factory ammo other than 140gr. which worked great for deer and 120grhp. I plan to do some predator hunting, mainly coyotes and was wondering what the best ammo for this would be? I do not currently reload but would consider that an option if it would save me some money and provide some good loads for coyote and other predators. What would be the least expensive way to start reloading for the 7mm-08? Or would I be better of to stick with factory ammo and purchase a different caliber rifle for the smaller stuff? I just thought it would be nice to have the one rifle that I am comfortable with and be able to handle two jobs even though it may not be the perfect gun for predators.

[Big Z]

I load 120gr SPs in my 7mmRM to about 7mm-08 velocities for general shooting or varmints. So, if you could find something in ~120gr range, I'd guess you wouldn't have a problem bringing some yotes down . Reloading is always a good choice (unless you're insane er something). You'll cut the cost of your ammo, perhaps by half or more. Effectively, your equipment will start to pay YOU back for loading your own.

[TUK101]

If you are not going to be shooting buckets of ammo at a time killing yotes or varmints then there is no reason to get another rifle for it. Just get some light weight bullets intended for the job and load your own, or find some off the shelf stuff that fits the need and go with that.

[DKA]

My 7mm 08, shoots 120 Gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips, great, although I use 140 Gr mostly for deer. Might try a lighter bullet, if rifle will stabilize it.

[bronko22000]

I have 2 - 7-08s. One Browning and one Savage. These rifles like their own recipe. The Browning likes 139 gr Hornady bullets and the Savage prefers the 154 grainers.
I reload for both and have to keep the boxes marked accordingly.

[RugerMike]

Originally Posted by DKA

My 7mm 08, shoots 120 Gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips, great, although I use 140 Gr mostly for deer. Might try a lighter bullet, if rifle will stabilize it.

This is the reason most offerings are in the 140gr area. The rifle twist of most 7mm-08' s stabilize the 140 grain bullet the best for accuracy. Doesn't mean you can't find something that will work in your particular set-up in the 120gr area, that could give you satisfactory accuracy you may need for varmints.

Good luck

[SwampCollie]

Originally Posted by bronko22000

I have 2 - 7-08s. One Browning and one Savage. These rifles like their own recipe. The Browning likes 139 gr Hornady bullets and the Savage prefers the 154 grainers.
I reload for both and have to keep the boxes marked accordingly.

Same here.... only with a Rem 700 and a TC Encore.

700 likes Nosler bullets.... 120s (currently) and 140s.

TC Encore, I thought liked 162 Innerlocks ok... but not really.... shoots about 2".... went with Barnes 120s.... shot around 1" for a while.... shot her today and she is back out to 2.5"... gun has just never shot all that great with anything.... best it'll do with factory stuff is 4"...... today was the last straw.


Reloading will only save you money if you shoot a lot. But it is very rewarding and gives you a lot of versitility. I personally recommend it highly, but don't think that if you are just a hunter it is going to save you money, because unless you are 6 years old and shoot a LOT of game and practice a lot too... it never really will. But thats ok.... its still a great hobby and can get you a superior product.