7mm-08 120 BT seating depth

[elkeater2]

Just got this barrel for my Encore frame. I have several other calibers that I've loaded successfully for. I'm putting together loads for my wife to shoot antelope and deer with.

I loaded Varget in Win. cases between 43 and 45 grains. Seated the bullets to the SAAMI standard COL of 2.80. Velocity was about as expected, but the groups weren't.

I measured and this bullet touches the lands at 2.898". Since I don't have a magazine to worry about, been considering changing seating depth. Any recommendations for a starting point? That .098 jump gives me some room on the long side - no other 7mm-08's in the family so I'm not concerned about mixing up rifles.

Have to admit I didn't do my usual anal brass prep, just sized, trimmed to standard - no neck turning or flashhole deburring. Also put a new forearm on and didn't pillar or float it, but have since fixed that. If the wind will just quit blowing towards POP's house, I'll go shoot it again! :grin:
I did load some up at 2.87, .010 off the lands.
Elkeater2

 

[elkeater2]

I think the good guys on here answered nearly all my questions in their replies to POP. One of the cool things about break-opens is you can load a bullet overlong, then keep seating it deeper until the cartridge base sticks out of the barrel the same as a resized case base. That's the 'touching the lands' point for that bullet. Then you can use COL changes to measure additions to the seating depth.

It works well for me, anyway!
Elkeater2

 

[Powerstroke]

I hear you on the wind..... wish you and POP would quit sending it furher south though !!

I'll generally start @ .015 off and modify from there. Generally the 7-08's arn't too finicky about what goes down the tube......

A Max charge of IMR-4350 & 120gr B-tips will shoot half inch all day long out of my M-700. That will make a great round for your Wife.