7mm08-308

[jerry d]

From what I understand they're the same cartridge,the 7mm08 is necked down to .284,correct? So how come the heavyest wieght bullet i've found in factory ammo is 150g ?

My question is do any of you guys handload for the 7mm08? If so do you load with bullets heavier than what's availible from the factory?

[Ridge Runner]

the capacity of the 7mm/08 is such that it does best with bullets of 150 gr or less, my go to bullet is the 120 gr nosler BT.
RR

[AP HD_Jake]

have a 7mm-08 for deer use a 120 gr. best round for it.
heya rr

[jerry d]

So even though it's basically the same cartridge as the 308,which handles bullet wieghts of 180g because it's necked down to .284 it wouldn't handle the wieght bullet?

[Ridge Runner]

jerry in short action calibers, when you get into heavy bullets, they take up alot of case capacity for bullet storage.
example
7mm-08/175 gr nosler
best it'll do is 2500 fps
sighted in at 100 yards
at 400 yards it looks like this
-47.4"
time of flight is .614 seconds
remaining energy is 1298 ft/lbs
now same cartridge with a 140 gr accubond, same sight in and conditions
-34"
time of flight is .530 seconds
remaining energy 1391ft/lbs
so what is the advantage of shooting a 175 gr in the 7mm-08 compared to a 140?
the 140 shoots flatter, faster, and retains more energy at the capabilities of the cartridge, the 175 has a higher BC but the longer TOF to just 400 offsets any advantage in the BC difference.
RR

[streetglideok]

The smaller the caliber, the less efficient it is, vs a larger caliber of the same case. Look at the RUM calibers, and its really evident. You could handload heavier bullets for the 7mm-08, but you will be making it into something its not. If you want to shoot the meatier bullets of 7mm, get the 7mm rem mag.

[cjwink]

The beauty of the 7mm-08 is the ability to shoot 120 grain bullets.. I woud not want to shoot anything heavier, otherwise you might as well just shoot a 308.

[cataway]

i may of tired 120's in my 708 yet i really dont remember them being outstanding at the range . mine has a decided preference for noslers 140's

[jerry d]

Yup Ridge that puts it in prospective.There would no advantage to shooting a 175g bullet over the 140g,actually with a 13"+ drop @ 400yds it's a disadvantage.

[zrexpilot]

I curently have a vanguard in 7-08, its has knox stock and basix trigger, it shoots fairly good with 120 gr, 3/4 inc to 1 1/4 inch 5 shot groups, I want to get an aftermarket barrel installed as I want to try my hand at shooting long distance, like 600 yds. What would you all suggest I set the barrel up for 120, 140 or 160 gr boolits.
Ridge ?