7mm-08 question

[filmjunkie4ever]

I have a question. Would like to build a rifle in the next two or three years chambered in 7mm-08 but not sure whether to go with the 20" carbine barrel or a 22" rifle barrel. I am thinking a Rem 700 or Ruger 77 action and not sure whether to go stainless/synthetic or blued/walnut. I want to shoot 120-140 grain bullets with the heavy bullets getting at least 2750-2800 fps and the lighter bullets getting closer to 2900-2950. This duplicates the performance of the 270 in a shorter action and a lighter rifle. I have little experience with this cartridge. In fact I have more experience with the 284 Winchester and 35 WCF than I do the 7mm-08. Though I have read extensively on the cartridge lately and think it is a worthwhile proposition. Have also considered the 260 Remington...another good cartridge which I have nearly zero experience with. Will I lose too much velocity with the shorter 20" bbl?

 

[rick smith]

You should be able to reach your stated vels with a 20" bbl.Rick.

 

[DrMike]

The 7mm-08 is a superb cartridge and a build is certainly great fun. I'd go with a 22 inch barrel, primarily because the rifle will balance better in your hand. At least, that is my opinion (worth pretty much what you paid for it). You won't lose a great deal of velocity with the shorter barrel. I anticipate between 25 and 50 fps; if I think 35 fps in standard cartridges, it seems to be very close to what I measure. The velocities you mention are certainly achievable.

 

[elkeater2]

fj4,
It looks like you've done your research and expectations are entirely reasonable. I am in the midst of developing loads for an Encore 24" barrel. The bullet weight ranges I want are similar to yours. The Nosler 120 BT's like H414 and will go 3K easily. 139 Hornady's and RL17 are my current effort, and I am settling in on loads that produce 2850 fps in this barrel with fine accuracy. That's one node below the 'hot' node - I did get up to 2969 fps but that one did show a hint of measurable pressure signs. Using WW brass, Remmy has much thicker neck walls and IMO they are less consistent.

 

[BK]

Too bad you live over the mountains, Dale, or I'd let you play around with my 7-08.

 

[Powerstroke]

You won't go wrong with either. Personally I have turned to like the .260 slightly better, however the 7-08 is much easier to load for. IMO the .260 will do what ever the 7-08 will do.

My 7-08 has turned into a safe queen M700 Rem VarminterView attachment 7-08.JPG

 

[jmad_81]

I really like the 7-08 a lot, I just didn't like the one my wife had. I was able to get the 120 BT to reach 3150 fps with Big Game. Took several deer with great results. I played around with Big Game and the 140 AB a good bit, but was only able to tickle the 2800 mark.

I would think that a 22" tube would do you a great job. They are a pretty neat little package for sure. Nice choice.

 

[SJB358]

I can't see a 22" tube being too long for just about anykind of hunting. The 7-08 and 260 are two rounds that have evaded me for a long time. I kinda wished I would have bought the wife a 7-08 instead of a 308 as it would have been less recoil for her and I kinda think the 264's/7's are neater cartridges! Yup, I said it! Scotty

 

[257 Ackley]

Dale -
My son shoots a 7mm-08 with a 20" barrel that I load 120 BT's for. It goes through the chronograph at a little over 2900 using R15 powder. My custom rifle in the caliber has only had 140 bullet loads worked up for it. It has a 21" barrel (I had to be different as long as it was a custom build :roll: ), and are usually around 2800fps. I just started load work with Varget and 140 grain AB's and was pleasantly surprised with the velocities I was getting. This caliber can work for just about anything as long as shots are kept to a reasonable distance.

That being said, I do like my .260 caliber rifle with 130 grain AB's, and wouldn't be afraid to use it for elk. As Powerstroke said, the 7mm is usually less picky to find an accurate load than the .260. You can't go wrong either way. Have fun

 

[onesonek]

The 7-08 and .260 are both fine rounds, and well under-appreciated in my mind.
I would prefer the 7-08 over the .260 myself, but for no real logical reason.
I agree that a 22" might balance better for you. If that don't seem to be an issue however, then it would depend where and how I hunted with it most. If hunting in or on timber edges, I would go 20". If more open country is the rule, then a 22". But then, being the velocity difference is a non issue for the most part, it boils down to handling characteristics for the most part. As velocity goes, the difference between the two lengths in reality, only adds up to 15 yds or so in PBR......The animal won't know the difference.

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

Yeah Kurt too bad I am not closer, thanks for the offer, I would really like to play around with one. Dr. Mike, your advice has always proven sound to me, and I too seem to prefer a 22" to a 20" on short action cartridges. I like 24" on long action or WSM rounds. They handle the best for sure.

I like the looks of both of these cartridges although I feel the 7mm would be a better choice if I ever waned to hunt elk with this gun. This is unlikely as I have two perfect elk rifles already. But also the available weight range of bullets draws me more to the 7mm-08 as well. I really think a Ruger M77 would be about what I am looking for but wouldnt rule out another Win 70 or Rem 700.

I use H4350 in my 25-06, 30-06, and 300 WSM; the lighter weight 7mm bullets seem to perform well with this same powder so that will be nice. Too bad you never see these used...that'd save me building or buying a new one! :grin: