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7mm-08 loads
Posted by TikkaT3 on June 17, 2012 at 10:06 pmI've had my Tikka in 7mm-08 for about half a year. I still never bought any factory loaded ammo because I started with hand loads from the start. I was wondering if anyone worked up some 7mm-08 loads for their rifles. Load data, velocity, and group size would be great.
Cloverprint replied 6 years, 11 months ago 5 Members · 6 Replies -
6 Replies
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1 Bullseye
I've had my Tikka in 7mm-08 for about half a year. I still never bought any factory loaded ammo because I started with hand loads from the start. I was wondering if anyone worked up some 7mm-08 loads for their rifles. Load data, velocity, and group size would be great.
I'm using Vhit N140, but you'll have to find what suits your rifle.
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1 Bullseye
So I've found a load. Not the best but still pretty good. I will work up the load and update you with the new info.
7mm-08
154 Gr SST (Hornady)
IMR 4064
41.0 Gr
Velocity average: 2650
Brass: Winchester
Primer: Winchester Large Rifle
Group Size: sub .5 inchI will try to push it faster than 2700 then I'll be happy ;D
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1 Bullseye
47.0 grains Ramshot Big Game
WLR primer
140 grain Nosler Partition
Remington brass
2.805″. OAL
2873 ft/sec MV
Sub MOA 100 yard groups -
1 Bullseye
My recommendation is to work up an Optimum Charge weight for your rifle with a specific powder and bullet.
1. Start with what you want to shoot (Target, Hunting, Both? – which game?) If Deer is your primary, then 140gr or 150gr is going to be just fine with 140gr being the primary popular weight. Select your bullet. If you are going to have some long range shots, I prefer Berger – they are consistent and shoot well. But the Nosler Ballistic Tips are fine too. So pick your bullet.
2. Select your recipe as a starting point. I have a Tikka T3x Lite SS and found some ideal charge weights of 47.5gr of RL19 or 41.8gr Varget, loaded with a COAL of 2.803 and using the Berger 140gr VLD. Note that the Max load of the Varget is 41.7 so follow at your own risk.
3. I load 3 rounds at 2 or 3 gr intervals and usually 5 – so 41.6, 41.4, 41.2, 41.0 and 41.8 gr. Load all of these at the same COAL AND CBTO.
4. I set up 5 targets and shoot one of each round at each target waiting 2 min between shots and dry patch clean after each 5 shot round (Load and extra one and fire first as fouling shot).
5. You will easily be able to spot your optimum charge weight for the bullet and powder.
6. You can repeat the process with the charge weight and start to play with your COAL/CBTO – same process just loaded with different COAL lengths. If you are shooting a magazine based deal like I am you are going to be restricted to a max COAL of 2.806 +/-. So the only direction you have to go is shorter for your COAL's. But I would look at .002 increments.
Good Luck.
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