Author Topic: Heavier Bullets in 7MM-08 (Read 1464 times)

firstshot · « **on:** March 16, 2005, 12:22:59 PM »

I see there are 7mm bullets in the 160, 175, & 180Grn range. Can the 7mm-08 handle bullet weights in this weight range?

firstshot
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Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2005, 12:38:27 PM »

Sure it can. The ballistically identical 7x57 made it's reputation with those heaiver bullets. But unless you're going to use it on stuff like elk, moose or bear the more commonly loaded 140-150s are all you really need and shoot a bit flatter.

firstshot · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2005, 01:32:18 PM »

GREAYBEARD

Thanks for the response. That's what I wanted to hear!!! I'm thinking bout switching from my BAR Safari 30-06 to a Remington 700 Mountian LSS in 7MM-08. I really like the idea of light recoil in a stainless / laminated package. I missed out on a shot at a really nice 8Pt this season cause I didn't want to get my "beautiful" BAR muddy and had it zipped up in soft gun case on the front of the 4wheeler.

Primary game would be Deer, Hog, & Black Bear here in NW Arkansas, but hope to someday get a chance to hunt Elk out west & maybe Carabo way up north, so at least wanted the option of heavier bullets.

firstshot
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Gregory · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2005, 01:47:18 PM »

Based on all the good things I've heard on the site and from GB himself, I just took possession of a Savage 11FL in 7mm-08. Bought a couple of boxes of factory 139 gr loads to break the gun in, but will be looking for heavier bullets as well as getting some 140 grs. to shoot also.

This Savage sure ain't pretty but I hope it shoots like I've heard they should.

Zachary · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2005, 03:57:58 PM »

The 7mm-08 is my favorite deer cartridge, which is probably the reason why I currently own 3 of them. :grin:

99% of the bullet weights that I shoot in the 7-08 are 139 or 140 grains - which is hardly distinguishable. The 139s come from Hornady - and they are GREAT whitetail loads, and the 140s that I sometimes shoot come from Federal Premiums with Nosler Partitions - which are also great bullets and seem to penetrate deeper (although not necessary for deer they can be helpful when a hog happens to cross my path.

)

Zachary

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2005, 07:04:25 PM »

The 7-08 has been my primary deer rifle for the last 20+ years. Currently in an R700 LSS Mtn. Rifle. I use exclusively the Hornady Light Magnum ammo for hunting with it.

Grubbs · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2005, 05:34:46 AM »

I have been in love with the 7mag for 20 years. After I got my son a 7-08 last year, and saw the results, I am officially in love with the '08. I'd like to have one myself.

Zachary · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2005, 05:57:59 AM »

Believe me I really really love my 7mag too. But, truth be told, where most of my shots on deer are around 100 yards or so, there really is no need for a 7mag. That's where the 7-08 shines - it has low recoil yet its got great performance. Combine that with shorter actions and lighter barrels and stocks, and you have a very handy and very capable deer cartridge.

Zachary

firstshot · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2005, 06:55:41 AM »

Quote from: Graybeard

Sure it can. The ballistically identical 7x57 made it's reputation with those heaiver bullets. But unless you're going to use it on stuff like elk, moose or bear the more commonly loaded 140-150s are all you really need and shoot a bit flatter.

Our Deer & Bear seasons overlap. I got a bear this past year during muzzleloader season.

What 7MM-08 load would you recommend for a combo Deer/Bear load? Would you have to go with even heaver bullet for Elk?

firstshot
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Arizona Jake · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2005, 07:04:59 AM »

I would recommed 140 grain Barnes X bullets. Being monolithic, there are no jackets and cores to separate. Once one of these puppies expands, it acts like a sloid bullet and will punch all the way through. Their monlithic (solid) construction makes going to a heavier bullet unnecessary, and I've found them to produce a 1" tunnel with very little meat bruising.

The key to achieving good accuracy is the seating depth. Seating the bullets 30 to 50 thousands from contact with the rifling produces superb accuracy.

firstshot · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2005, 07:07:08 AM »

Greaybeard

Have you bedded the action and free floated the barrel on your R700 LSS Mtn. Rifle?

Seems like I read something in one of the threads about a "pressure point" on the Remington stocks. What is this about? If freefloating the barrel, should this "pressure point" be left alone?

firstshot
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firstshot · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2005, 07:21:36 AM »

Zachary, Grubbs, Gregory, Arizona Jake

Thanks for the comments guys!!! Like you, everything I've read about the 7MM-08 has been positive. I can't wait to get my new Mountain LSS and find out for myself.

Zachary: How do the Partitions perform on Hogs?

Gregory: Let me know how that new Savage 7MM-08 shoots.

Grubbs: Well...I guss you're going to just have to do like me and take the plunge & get yourself a new 7MM-08

Arizona Jake: I've heard a lot of good comments about the Barnes X bullets but have never tried them myself. How are they at expanding at lower velocities?

firstshot
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Arizona Jake · « **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2005, 08:37:37 AM »

According to Barnes, the X bullets require a terminal (impact) velocity of 1600 fps to expand. I don't have my loading manual to give you closer figures, but using their 7mm bullet launched at 2800 fps, the bullets should expand reliably up to 400 yards, which is pushing the limits of ethical shots on big game critters. best of luck!

Zachary · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2005, 04:06:37 PM »

Quote from: firstshot

Zachary: How do the Partitions perform on Hogs?

firstshot
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Well, it all depends on the size of the hog.

The biggest hog I shot with my 140 partitions in the 7-08 was about 100 pounds and it worked great. The shot was less than 100 yards away and right behind the shoulder. The hog ran about 50 yards and dropped. It was a quartering shot and the exit shot came out through part of the right shoulder - the bullet completely penetrated.

I can't say that the same results wouldn't happen with any other bullet, but I think that the partition will give you more consistent results because it retains the back portion to drive the bullet through. It's just added insurance.

Zachary

Graybeard · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2005, 04:24:15 PM »

Quote

What 7MM-08 load would you recommend for a combo Deer/Bear load? Would you have to go with even heaver bullet for Elk?

Personally I'd go with either a 150/160 Nosler PT or a 160 Nosler AB or a 154 Hornady IB if bear or elk were on the agenda.

Quote

Graybeard

Have you bedded the action and free floated the barrel on your R700 LSS Mtn. Rifle?

Seems like I read something in one of the threads about a "pressure point" on the Remington stocks. What is this about? If freefloating the barrel, should this "pressure point" be left alone?

Yes I did glass bed the action on my 7-08 LSS. Not that it seemed needed as it shot fine right out of the box. I just kinda like to have the actions glass bedded. Leave the factory pressure point in place until you exhaust all other options to make it shoot. Thin barrel rifles more often than not shoot better with it than without it.

rickt300 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 22, 2005, 04:52:03 AM »

As for heavier bullets I have found the Speer Hotcor 160 grain bullet and the Hornady 175 grain bullet to penetrate deeply and expand just fine out of my 7x57. The problem with long bullets and short actions is that the bullets will intrude into the case and take up powder space. Especially with the 175 Hornady Spire point anyway. I don't have the problem in my 7x57 but you may in your 7-08.

Gregory · « **Reply #16 on:** March 28, 2005, 12:26:31 PM »

Quote from: firstshot

Zachary, Grubbs, Gregory, Arizona Jake

Gregory: Let me know how that new Savage 7MM-08 shoots.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

Just getting started loading for this gun........off to a good start.

Buckfever · « **Reply #17 on:** March 29, 2005, 01:16:58 PM »

Thanks for bringing up an issue that doesn't get a lot of air time. If you want a gun that can shoot 150gr. to 180gr.. for what ever the reason the 308 maybe a better way to go. The 308 is not a new caliber but was the father of a lot of shorter action cartridges. It still has a lot of advantages as with a 150gr for both the 270 and 308 the drop at 300 yds is not very different but it seems the 270 gets all the press. Yet you can commercially buy many different bullet types and sizes for a 308 but not for the 7mm-08, 260, and so on. The 270 and 308 offer a lot of choice. Just thought I would suggest that a 308 maybe the right caliber for a lot of folks if they want commercially available bullet types and sizes. 150gr. kick about as much as a 150gr. , 270. The 180gr now you are getting about the same as a 30-06.

Buckfever

firstshot · « **Reply #18 on:** April 15, 2005, 07:23:45 AM »

Well, I did it. Sold my BAR 30-06 and bought a REM 700 Mtn LSS in 7MM-08. Some of you may have seen my post over on "medium bore" but for those that didn't here a couple of pics.

Shoots good too, almost right out of the box. I have adjsted the trigger. See "7MM-08 - First Trip To The Range" thread at http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=60274

firstshot
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borg1 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 15, 2005, 07:41:46 AM »

If you know the twist rate of the barrel you can figure out where to start on bullet weights.

I've been thinking of assembling a 7mm-08. A rem or win action, douglas xx #7 barrel and fajen stock....

Grubbs · « **Reply #20 on:** April 15, 2005, 09:05:29 AM »

firstshot.....that is a sweet gun. good luck with it. Gregory, nice shootin'....nothing will be safe in your neck of the woods from now on. You'll love hunting and shooting that 7-08. I have "borrowed" my son's a few times already.

Grubbs

beemanbeme · « **Reply #21 on:** April 15, 2005, 09:23:16 AM »

For a deer/bear combo, I'd go with the 145gr Speer Grand Slam. A little tougher bullet than you need on deer but it might give you a bit of an edge for a larger bear.
For elk, either the 160gr NP or Grand Slam, whichever one your rifle shot the best.
My son made a one shot kill on a large Wy mulie using the 7-08 and a 145gr Grand Slam at a range of 285 yards. It was the old 18" barrel model 7. He had ranged it in at 300 yards using the plex in his scope.

firstshot · « **Reply #22 on:** April 15, 2005, 01:47:03 PM »

Gregory

That's a heck of a group.....I definitely agree...."You're off to a good start".

firstshot
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firstshot · « **Reply #23 on:** April 15, 2005, 01:51:50 PM »

Quote from: borg1

If you know the twist rate of the barrel you can figure out where to start on bullet weights.

I've been thinking of assembling a 7mm-08. A rem or win action, douglas xx #7 barrel and fajen stock....

borg1

The Rem 700 Mtn LSS 7MM-08 comes with a 1 in 9 1/4 twist. Where does that put you with bullet weights?

firstshot
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Gregory · « **Reply #24 on:** April 15, 2005, 02:56:38 PM »

Quote from: firstshot

Gregory

That's a heck of a group.....I definitely agree...."You're off to a good start".

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!

Here's one with the 154 Hornady Interbond at 100 meters:

This Savage is definitely an easy gun to load for. I'm off to the range tomorrow, trying some 150 gr Noslers.

Brithunter · « **Reply #25 on:** April 16, 2005, 03:21:23 AM »

Hi All,

I have aquestion that you 7mm shooters may be able to answer for me. Having brought a few boxes of Remington 175 Grn semi spitzers in 0.284", which I have yet to try out any loads with. Does any one know how hard are these bullets? and do they expand well?

The Deer I will be using them are not big, 140lbs max weight (Fallow) and our Roe Deer are only 35-60lbs in weight.

Cartridge is the ole 7x57mm, now the reason I wish to use such heavy bullets is that one of my 7x57 rifles is an original German DWM made M93 Mauser for the Boers of South Africa. The rifle action is not as strong as the later 98 actions and was designed for the 173rn bullets at 2300fps. This sporting rifle has fine iron sights is not and will not be scoped so I want to duplicate the orignal velocities to stay in the ball park with the original sights.

Asking Remington they say that the bullet will expand reliably at 7x57 velocities, now has any one first hand experience of these bullets?

borg1 · « **Reply #26 on:** April 18, 2005, 02:56:14 AM »

firstshot,

1 1/4?!?!?! That is an extremely fast twist. do you mean 10 1/4??

Let me know the twist and i'll get back to you about a good bullet weight to start with...

firstshot · « **Reply #27 on:** April 18, 2005, 06:48:43 AM »

Quote from: borg1

firstshot,

1 1/4?!?!?! That is an extremely fast twist. do you mean 10 1/4??

Let me know the twist and i'll get back to you about a good bullet weight to start with...

borg1

Well, I surely fatfingered that one. It's 1 in 9 1/4". Thanks for catching that!!! Would that twist rate favor heavier or lighter bullets?

firstshot
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borg1 · « **Reply #28 on:** April 18, 2005, 07:00:21 AM »

heavier bullets... i'll check and get back to you...

borg1 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 20, 2005, 06:00:48 AM »

ok, here's the scoop.

for a 1 in 9 1/4 twist barrel 160 to 170 grain bullets are best. The bullet should be 1 1/4" in length (at least) and have a ballistic coefficient of 0.55. Velocities need to be around 2400 fps for proper stabilization.

So, check the velocity of your factory ammo with these bullet weights. If handloading, i'd slowly work up a load with, say, a 160 grain bullet, looking for pressure signs as you go. I'd say 2400 fps is near the top end for handloaded velocity with handloading and this bullet weight in this caliber...

good luck...