7mm-08 Loads

[mordecai]

Well, I could use some edu-macation at this point on what's tried and true.

Post yer CPT loads and Ram-bo loads...

(Yea, I know, I know, just take my 6.5 loads and increase them about 7% and I should be fine... ;) )

[daisy]

One load for all animals .

I use 168gr Sierra Match 1930, powder is 44 gr ADI AR2209( some listed equivalents H414 / H4350 IMR 4350 W760 Tu 7000 N204 AA 4350 N150 / N550 AR2209.)

Daisy

[Trent]

"Ram-Bo" = 168 matchkings with 38gr Varget

CPT = 130 matchkings with 36.3gr Varget

In Arizona last weekend I bumped up to 150gr matchkings with 37gr of Varget in case of wind and shot my highest score to date. I was real pleased with that load both off the bench and at the animals.

[Bob Mc Alice]

My current CPT load is a 130 MK with 37.0 Varget. The ram load is a 168 MK and either 39.0 I4895 or 40.0 Varget , both shoot the same tight groups and have same elevation value. Another load I use on all the targets is the 150 MK and 40.0 Varget . My "come ups" are the same as the 130/168 loads and it does knock down the rams at home. During practice at AZ last week every ram I hit went down with the 150. The recoil is mild enough to shoot all day.

Prior to the introduction of Varget in 1996, my favorite CPT load was a 130 MK and 41.0 I4064. The 168 ram load was 44.0 I4350. In my opinion the top powder choices for 7-08 accuracy loads are (not in order) Varget....I4895....I4320....I4064....RL15....I4350. I never had good accuracy results with ANY ball propellant.

Don't hesitate to try any propellants in the same burn rate category as these. And try out common hunting bullets, too. I shoot any I can get my hands on cheap 120 thru 175 grs. They are a cheaper alternative to MK's for practice and can deliver exceptional accuracy. They are what I use in my practice guns and would use them in any match.

[Innocent]

The recoil is mild enough to shoot all day.

For those without neck injuries! How many did you ring during the match Bob? Just have to make sure you feel the 'love'. LOL
Innocent

[mordecai]

I'm so pleased to see so many Varget loads... That and 4895 are probably my favorite powders to turn to when I need a place to start. Thanks!

[Snake]

I have an 8 twist barrel hence the loads are somewhat tame for a 9 or 91/4 twist(rem standard) 37grs varget with 120 gr Nosler ballistic tips, or 150 Sierra or 168 or 175 sierra MKs. the 175 chronos 2500fps + or - .....the 168 JLK uses the same but its right up against the lands (all VLDs should be treat this way). The same weight applies to 4064 except that IMR 4064 isn't as friendly as accurate or XMR4064. My friend uses Vitovouri 140...and squeezes 2800 + from 150 sierras....scary. I have used 41 grs Varget and 150 sierras in a 600 yard benchrest match using my silhouette gun; shot a 2.8 in 5shot group and placed 8th!!!! The loads described use winchester brass and fed primers although win primers produce little change in that barrel. The thicker Norma brass bumps pressures up a small and tolerable amount....but above 38 grs varget with the 175 could be problematic (primer flattening etc)

[Bob Mc Alice]

Now Mary, I fessed up...only lost one all weekend with a heart shot. We watched the setter push it back against the stop. Same ram went down on second set with a hit three inches higher. The whole reason you shoot a 7-08 is so ya don't have to worry about lost targets. I KNOW of a whole bunch that stood to hits from smaller diameter projectiles.

[Innocent]

McAlice, That was only one great center shoulder hit and one dinger hit that didn't go for me...and my 6.5 is only slightly larger than you 6.3 camera lens!!!
Innocent M

[Bob Mc Alice]

Well, thats still twice as many as me. And why did you break the shot on the dinger of all places ?

[ter]

Anyone have experience with Accurate Arms 2230? I have a case of 2230-C.

[Bob Mc Alice]

I have never used it and after reading about it , wont. Belgian made military surplus of various years and questionable quality. Its a faster burning ball powder, like H335, better suited for the .223 Rem. but could be used in medium size cases. Does not sound like the right powder for match quality ammo to me. Sell that case and invest in what works.

Load data: http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

[mordecai]

Any brass favorites in the moderately priced range? (Rem/Win/Fed/etc...)

[Trent]

I'm pretty new to reloading but Win brass was recommended to me and I can't find a thing to complain about. In fact, I've bought Win brass for all my calibers and I am happy with all of it.

[Bob Mc Alice]

WINCHESTER

$22.90 per 50 at Sportsmans Warehouse. Or for the discriminating shooter, Grafs has Norma and Nosler for a mere $1.00 EACH...

Read the "Better Brass" title a dozen down in the HP section.