Big Game Powder

[highoctane]

Ive used Big Game before in my 7 08 and had decent results but nothing to get excited over. I decided to try it again with a 150 gr Ballistic Tip. I loaded up a charge weight of 46.5 grs, (safe in my rifle) and seated that 150 gr BT to 2.820. I set my Chrono up and shot several groups at 100 yds.

I was pleasantly surprised at the results. Accuracy was 3/4 to one inch, which is more than enough for my hunting area but what got my attention was the velocity. It averaged 2820 fps with that 150 gr. BT. That velocity should be right in the wheel house of performance for that 150 gr BT.

I also tried it with a Win magnum primer and accuracy opened up just a little, nothing that would really make a difference, velocity stayed about the same.

 

[grry10]

I have Big Game but have not tried it in anything yet.

 

[6.5_sWv]

I've used BigGame in the 6.5 creedmoor, 7x57, 8x57, and the 338-06. Where it has really shined for me is the 8x57.

 

[KinleyWater]

I think it's Big Game that I use in my 375 Ruger. Hmm... Might be Hunter... I think it's Big Game. Anyway, it gives me pretty good accuracy and fine velocities for my needs. Which are, I confess, limited for that particular rifle.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

I have used Big Game in three different 7mm08s with very good groups and in my 30-06 as well. I like it.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

I have several powders from ramshot that I bought specifically for use in certain cartridges, but have yet to use any. I bought hunter for 7-08, big game for 308win, lrt for 338lm, magnum for 243win, but now might get more use with many in ither cartridges I'm starting to obtain as in 338fed. I bought grand (2#) to try in a few cartridges as it's another I haven't got around to trying. In the whole ramshot line I think there's 4 out of 12 i haven't bought as 3 (maybe 2) I don't have use for. 1 I don't need at all. Hoping either BG or hunter will work in the 7-08 from 90's to 175's!

 

[michsteve]

Big game is supposed to be really good for the 9.3x62 at some point I will try it.

 

[Orezona]

I have an 8# jug because I read a bunch about it being really good for the 7-08 with 140gr bullets. My rifle didn't like it with 140 PTs. I may try it someday with BT 140s.

 

[SJB358]

I have used Big Game in three different 7mm08s with very good groups and in my 30-06 as well. I like it.

It’s damned good in a 7-08 for me.

 

[Orezona]

It’s damned good in a 7-08 for me.

Which bullet in your 7-08?

 

[highoctane]

Which bullet in your 7-08?

I used the 150 gr Ballistic Tip, seated to 2.760 with the Big Game powder. I also have a great load with the 140 Sierra non-tipped Gameking using IMR 4895 or Varget

 

[JMRhino]

I have had really good results with Big Game in both my 7-08 w/120gn BTs and 300 WSM shooting 150 TTSX. That seems to be a pretty wide range of utility. I was averaging 3356 fps with the 150s out of a 23" barrel for the 300 WSM. I am pushing the 300 WSM pretty hard and I believe that I am at the upper end of the max load.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Which bullet in your 7-08?

Nosler 120 BT mostly but works well with the 140bt, Hornady 139 sst.

 

[highoctane]

@JMRhino That's a great group with that 120 gr BT. I also noticed your SD and ES numbers. My load numbers were like that as well, however I really don't get caught up in things like that, especially when accuracy is where it should be.

Another thing, I noticed your charge weight was 50.5 grs with velocity in and around the 2800 area. I know velocity is not everything. Maybe it's just me but that 120 gr BT with that charge weight of Big Game powder seems a little slow for that bullet weight. However, with that group I wouldn't change a thing

 

[JMRhino]

@JMRhino That's a great group with that 120 gr BT. I also noticed your SD and ES numbers. My load numbers were like that as well, however I really don't get caught up in things like that, especially when accuracy is where it should be.

Another thing, I noticed your charge weight was 50.5 grs with velocity in and around the 2800 area. I know velocity is not everything. Maybe it's just me but that 120 gr BT with that charge weight of Big Game powder seems a little slow for that bullet weight. However, with that group I wouldn't change a thing

I don't disagree. It may be a tad slow as I can get 3000 fps with my Barnes 120gn TTSX load out of the same rifle. It's worth mentioning that those velocities are from a 16" barreled Tikka. Once I started getting those group sizes, I stopped looking for more speed. I don't love the SD/ES numbers but will live with them for now as I don't know they matter much in this set-up. I shot a buck last year at approximately 130 yards with the TTSX load and he was DRT and a doe at 275 yards with the 120 BT. She ran a while but left good blood.

 

[grry10]

If it works for a 7mm-08, I would think it would work for a 7x57 in a Ruger #1.

 

[highoctane]

I don't disagree. It may be a tad slow as I can get 3000 fps with my Barnes 120gn TTSX load out of the same rifle. It's worth mentioning that those velocities are from a 16" barreled Tikka. Once I started getting those group sizes, I stopped looking for more speed. I don't love the SD/ES numbers but will live with them for now as I don't know they matter much in this set-up. I shot a buck last year at approximately 130 yards with the TTSX load and he was DRT and a doe at 275 yards with the 120 BT. She ran a while but left good blood.

That 16 in barrel explains those velocity numbers.

And yes, with accuracy like that I would be done with it! Good luck this season