7-08 loads

[smoker]

Does anyone here load for the 7-08? I have a 114 that needs to have a load developed for a 150 grain bullet. Would appreciate info for using IMR powders. Thanks, smoker

[Woodser]

Giving out accuracy loads for unseen rifles is a hit and miss proposition. What might work good in one may be lousy in another of the same make and model.
Best bet is to purchase a Sierra and a Lyman reloading manual, look at the accuracy loads published therein, and using the same powder, primer, case and bullets, start with the lowest load and work up from there. Somewhere between min and max you should find a usable load for your rifle. Refine it by altering bullet seating depth and you just might find a sweet spot just for your rifle. If after you feel it has reached it max accuracy you are not satisfied, change to another primer leaving all other variables the same as the best load you have worked up.

My Sierra manual shows an accuracy load for their 150 grain bullets of 41.4 grains of IMR4064, an COAL of 2.8", using Rem cases and Rem 9 1/2 primers, for 2700'/sec. The load is for a 700 with a 1:9 twist. Minimum powder for that combo is 36.1 grains, max is 42.1. Start at the minimum and work up in 1/2 grain increments. THIS IS IMPORTANT!

[smoker]

Sorry about the wrong forum. Woodser, thanks for the info. Was really looking for someone who had hands-on with this combo. smoker

[wbm]

I reloaded a Savage sporter in 7x08 for a while. IMR or Hodgdon 4350 were the best by far with 150g bullets.

[Elkbane]

Smoker,
I can dump a bunch of data on you for 130's, 140's and 162's - just never tried 150's in the 7-08. I probably have 2k rounds through mine.

If you need data on the others, PM me.
Elkbane

[CJ in WY]

Just went through load development for a Savage sporter in 708 with deer/antelope in mind for the main target. I had 139 and 160 grain bullets leftover from the 7Mag, the 139s shot good and the 160 s did alright but the little devil kickt like a mule withem. A couple of trusted source's recommended the 120 grain Nosler and H414 powder so I give the 120s a try but used IMR3031 powder instead as that is one of the powders I had on hand.
Ended up getting my mulie this year @ 673 yards with the 120s= they shoot that good in the little sporter!!

[Cycler]

The Hodgdon web site has a ton of loading data for most powders you are likely to be interested in. Since Hodgdon owns IMR and Winchester powders as well as their own brands the data is extensive.

They cover all of their brands of powder and a huge range of bullet weights from 100 to 175 grains for the 7 mm-08 so what you are interested in should be in there somewhere.

BTW, as has been discussed here recently, recent Savages in 7 mm-08 have a rifling twist of 1:11.5 inches which may be too slow to stabilize anything above 140 gr.

[smoker]

Thank you all. I gave up on the 150's. My rifle just ain't gettin it! Slide a 140 in and it goes right where I point it everytime and within 3/4". 150's looked like I might have been shooting a new Winchester :)