Which powder to start with

camp_13 · 01-15-2005, 09:33 PM

I am about to begin reloading 7mm-08. To keep it simple I want to start with one powder, and use that to experiment with different grain bullets and different charges. Any recomendations on a which powder to start with? Some that come to mind would be Hodgdon's Varget, 4350, or 4895. Any other ideas for me?

johnch · 01-15-2005, 09:51 PM

From my data any fo the 3 will work .

I load Varget and love to load it because it meters thru powder measures better than the other 2 .

I have 20+ different rifle powders on my shelf to try ,when I work up new loads.

Be safe and have fun.

Slamfire · 01-16-2005, 02:48 AM

H380, being a ball powder it meters a lot better than the stick types.

01-16-2005, 08:36 AM

Stick with varget and IMR 4064, or RL15. I love Varget for its performance but is really dirty. Carbons a gun quick for some reason.

PaJack · 01-16-2005, 09:26 AM

I get the most accuracy from IMR 4064 for my Model Seven,Savage and Encore in the 7mm-08...

bronko22000 · 01-16-2005, 09:59 PM

I agree with PAJack, My best accuracy also is with IMR4064 with IMR4350 second.
This is with both 139 gr and 150 bullets. I also found, by chance cause I ran out of CCI large rifle primers, that when I loaded a batch up with 42 gr of IMR4064 and used Remington 9 1/2 Magnum primers, my group size shrank from 1" down to 5/8".
I am thinking that this is due to a more uniform ignition of the extruded powder.
I also have been using the Lee factory crimp die for all my cartridges. It seems to help with accuracy consistancy.

HighDesertWolf · 01-17-2005, 01:53 AM

I like hodgdons varget and 4895 the best for my 308 loads but lately I have been playing with BL-(C)2 and im really liking the results especially how well it meters. Varget does seem to be a dirtier burning powder but the extreme velocity spread is very minimal compared to other powders to me thats a good enough reason for me to stick with it.

Handgunr · 01-18-2005, 07:40 AM

camp,

Varget really gets the groups tight in my 7mm-08 Striker. It shoots subMOA at 100yds with my Burris 2X7. Although I've used H335, 4064 & 4895 in the Striker, Varget was more accurate and consistent, especially regarding temperature extremes.
I use a Nosler 120grBT at 2700fps with Federal Match LR primers.

Even though I shot the .308 considerably on the job, and I was always amazed at the inherent accuracy of it, the 7mm-08 seems to surpass it my a noticable margin.

Take care,
Bob