Thread: Short barrel 7mm08 loads

So we've had all the 308 short barrel loads, how about the short 7mm08 loads?

I'm about to head down this path and thought I'd ask how others had got on? Thinking about going to 15 inches, so I can keep the standard Tikka stock intact.

Projectile will likely be the 162 ELD-X at this stage.

If you're planning to run a DPT can, you'll need basically 16" to clear the forend.

CFE223 will give good vels with a 120 TTSX in such a barrel. Still plenty of killing power out to a solid 300yds.

Mine ran well with 150gn eldx and 2208 at 15" outta a model 7 action

ADI pistol data is taken from a 15" barrel:

Data – Pistol – ADI World Class Powders and Ammunition

Originally Posted by dannyb

Mine ran well with 150gn eldx and 2208 at 15" outta a model 7 action

Sorry mine was 17" not 15 as earlier stated but yeah was a deadly load still

My old 18inch 7mm08 loved the 162gr and 41gr 2208.
Tikka with a long action mag and bolt stop.
Worked a treat from 10 meter out to 600 meters

Ah yes powders on hand are 2208, IMR 4895, IMR 4064, 2206h, w760. Everything I don't already have in the cupboard is fairy dust at this stage I believe

I'm having a bit of success with the IMR 4895 and 162 ELD-X at the current length so hopefully that'll work when it gets shorter

Thanks @Steelisreal hodgdon have a pistol section as well and my Lyman manual has a pistol section with rifle cartridges listed as well, curious as to real world experience.

My loads for 16inch Kimber are

Factory 139 Whitetail is 2450
Factory 139 Superperformance SST is 2750fps
120 Ballistic Tip with 45gn 2208 is 2830fps

Tried 120 Ballistic Tip with 50gr 760 and got 2700

I loaded 2206h and 162eldx. Was a hot load but fast from an 18" barrel and quite accurate. Wont post the load publicly as only takes 1 Muppet to go straight to it without working up. Pm me if you want it

162 amax with rl17 from a 17" tikka at 2530fps. Pretty warm but comfortable as

Not sure what the point is trying to run a long/ heavy for calibre bullet out of such a short barrel, slower MV means worse BC.

Better to push something that's a bit shorter a lot harder and faster

Originally Posted by caberslash

Not sure what the point is trying to run a long/ heavy for calibre bullet out of such a short barrel, slower MV means worse BC.

Better to push something that's a bit shorter a lot harder and faster

Makes it an all rounder. A 162 amax doing 2500-2600 from a short 708 is lethal up close and out to 500~ depending on the shooter. A little barnes or soft point will go faster up close but be out of steam a lot closer.

16"

160gr TMK.
40.0gr 2208
Remington brass.
Fed LR primer
Model 7 rifle.
COAL 2.780

2430fps

Used ADI pistol data for reasons stated above due to barrel length.

If you're going from a shorter barrel there's 2 theories: 1) send a light for calibre projectile and drive it as fast as you can like a Barnes or 120gr NBT. Usually of stouter construction.

Or option 2) push a heavier weighted match style bullet slower that opens up across the velocity range no worries. I generally aspire to the latter for both 308 and 7mm08. They both work. Keep it as simple as I can seems to be a oxymoron for a reloader but I've found that that is not far off the money.

Hope this info helps

18inch m700

150eldx at 2600fps
120 sierra game kings at 2800fps

Both using 2206h powder and seem to go good

Originally Posted by Forestry

My loads for 16inch Kimber are

Factory 139 Whitetail is 2450
Factory 139 Superperformance SST is 2750fps
120 Ballistic Tip with 45gn 2208 is 2830fps

Tried 120 Ballistic Tip with 50gr 760 and got 2700

Jeez that superformance really is something else isn't it?
Amazing stuff