Finally got some time to get some data on the 140 gr. Accubonds and 4350 in my 7mm-08, 700 Rem. CDL. 24" barrel.
I started at 46.5 gr., and went up to 48.0 gr. in 1/2 gr. incs. I shot my previuous load for this gun which was 48.0 gr. 4350 and 139 gr. Hornady S.P. first, for comparison. I shoot 5-shot strings. The Hornady's shot 0.864" @ 2778 fps., spread of 107. Decent enough deer load.
The following are the Accubond results.

1. 46.5 gr.--5 shots @ 0.719", 4 shots went into 0.360".
Av. fps--2640 Spread of 37.

2. 47.0 gr.--5 shots @ 1.144", 4 into 0.625".
Av. fps.--2710 Spread of 24

3.47.5 gr.-- 5 shots @ 0.412"
Av. fps-- 2734 Spread of 52

4. 48.0 gr.-- 5 shots @ 0.802", 4 into 0.365".

Av. fps -- 2801 Spread of 48.

The weather was in the low 50's. I want to try the 47.5 load and the 48.0 load with temps in the 30's if I can, before deer season.
All in all, I was very pleased with both the Accubond's performance and the rifle's. Bullets were seated to an OAL of 2.795" due to magazine constraints. Rifle bedding is as is from factory. Brass was new, unfired and primers were Rem. 9 1/2. Shot thru Leupold Rifleman on 12x.
Ttttthhhhaaaaats aalll, folks !!

All of these groups are plenty good enough for any big gamehunting application. In fact, some are good enough for serious varmint shooting. Looks like your new 7MM-08 is a keeper. I wouldn't get too focused on the velocity - deer will never know a 2706 load from 2798 fps load.

In addition to trying these loads in cold weather, you might also track how well the gun holds zero over a variety of temperature and humidity conditions. Some of these dime size groups could wind up being baseball size groups, in terms of where the first shot from a cold barrel might print on a given day.

Roskoe---I agree with you 100%. The factory bedding could alter performance simply due to the fact that that's what it is---- no "glass" between the wood and the barrel/ action to help eliminate humidity and possible warp/strain conditions. What I know right now is that it's one of the best "out-of-the-box" shooters I've ever had. I'm going to continue to check temps and loads to settle things out. If it starts to blow groups with known proven repeatable loadings, I'll get the glass out. What do YOU think??

You can't argue with those groups. good shooting. My 7-08 doesn't seem to like 4350 powder but prefers 4064. I've found the accubonds work well in my 300 win mag and my 325 WSM but not in the '06. Haven't tried them in the 7-08 yet. but from the looks of your groups they may be worth a try.

I generally free float a barrel right from the start - even if it opens up the groups a little. With fore end pressure, guns will often print higher when shooting from a firmer rest than a sandbag. They sometimes kinda bounce off springy rest, like a Harris bipod. I also will glass bed the action right away, unless it is a sythetic stock - in which case I usually install the aluminum pillars. Best scenario of all, IMO, is the H-S Precision stocks with a generous free float. They have proven to be the most reliable, in terms of holding zero, of any stock out there. Particularly when combined with a cryo frozen barrel.

I have real good luck with 46grs of 4350 and 139 Hornady innerlocks.

Pawildman

Great report on the 140 Accubond and IMR 4350. I've got a load worked up for my Rem 700 Mtn LSS 7mm-08 with the 140 Accubond and Varget but it's an over max and compressed load.

IMR 4350 turned out much better results than Varget with 145 Grn Speer HotCor's and since then I've been planning to try the IMR 4350 with the 140 Accubonds. After seeing your results, I'll definitely give IMR 4350 at try.

By the way, that's some dang good shooting!!!!!

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