Long Range Load for LR Duplex 7mm-08

[bullet]

Just about to finalize my long range load for my FX II 6x LR Duplex for my 7mm-08 has taken a great deal of thought and effort. :mrgreen:

My rifle, mounts and scope set up:

140gr Berger VLD

ALMOST FINISHED AND SATISFIED/WILL SHOW FINAL RANGE REPORT LATER THIS WEEK :mrgreen:

 

[DrMike]

Mike, did you forget to shave today? :mrgreen: My goodness, you've taken up tabaccy?

I always enjoy your photography of rifles and bullets. You have an excellent eye for detail.

 

[FOTIS]

Nice pictures.

 

[bullet]

Thanks guys, sure have fun doing what I do :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[Songdog]

I just want to know.... what's in the pipe?

 

[bullet]

I just want to know.... what's in the pipe?

Some real cool stuff W760 :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[FOTIS]

Then do not light it!

 

[bullet]

Then do not light it!

Good thing I haven't figured out how to fix a Fed 210 primer to it. :shock:

 

[SJB358]

Very nice Mike. How did you come around to the 140 Berger? It looks like a solid little combo though.

I am looking forward to working more with my boys 7x57 later on in the year. It has shown some great groups so far and it is a real speedy little rig when loaded right.

Looking forward to seeing how you make out. Most of the loads for the 7-08 follow the 7x57 pretty close. I have been monkeying with the 160 PT's a bit and 2700 with RL19 seems to be a good load. I need to verify it, but as it stands, that is my boys elk rifle! For now at least.

Great looking set up Mike. Scotty

 

[bullet]

Scotty, I settled on the Berger 140gr for a couple of reasons. First, I will only be using it on whitetail deer, bobcats, coyotes and the likes. Second, I needed a round that would velocity wise match my LR Duplex for my 300, 400 and 500 marks on my LR Scope. Third, I needed a cup core bullet with great BC to maintain energy and flight time down range, while at the same time being able to open well at distance and at 7mm-08 velocities especially past 300yds, hence my reasons. I will use my 140gr AccuBond for heavier and tougher game, but want to limit that round to 300yds max at 7mm-08 velocities - although it will kill game beyond 300yds, but I am not crazy about its expansion at the longer ranges.

Now all of that said, I have not used a Berger of any kind in a 7mm-08 while hunting, so this will be new for me. Now that said, my friend in Arizona uses this bullet on coues deer, mule deer and black bear and has not had a failure. Of course he is a good shot and places his shots well. I think I am good enough shot to do the same and that will probably make the difference in kill results when using this VLD.

 

[FOTIS]

I have used them in high velocity situations. 264 140 VLD and 300 RUM 210 VLD.

Though many failures do happen (too many for my taste) they do work when all goes well. Pick your shots very well.

 

[bullet]

Pick your shots very well.

I will do that as I always do, but my main use of this load will be along a certain gas line I hunt where I can and if given time will take just at a 500yd shot, as well as the coyote hunting I do. This is a specialized load for a specific need, so I won't be leaving the AccuBond when it comes to my general hunting. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[FOTIS]

Then you will be just fine Mike.

BTW I have to ask, how is the 6 power at 500 yards? I have less than perfect eyes and have spoiled myself with 10-14 power on the top range.

 

[bullet]

Then you will be just fine Mike.

BTW I have to ask, how is the 6 power at 500 yards? I have less than perfect eyes and have spoiled myself with 10-14 power on the top range.

It is clear and works great when I looked at a dog that was just about 500yds away but have not shot at 500yds yet. I will not have a problem with a 8" circle target at that distance. Will work fine on coyote to deer size game. Very bright and clear from edge to edge. It is so simple when I lift my rifle to fire, just aim and shoot and I really don't think about needing more power.

 

[FOTIS]

Good deal Mike.

 

[SJB358]

Scotty, I settled on the Berger 140gr for a couple of reasons. First, I will only be using it on whitetail deer, bobcats, coyotes and the likes. Second, I needed a round that would velocity wise match my LR Duplex for my 300, 400 and 500 marks on my LR Scope. Third, I needed a cup core bullet with great BC to maintain energy and flight time down range, while at the same time being able to open well at distance and at 7mm-08 velocities especially past 300yds, hence my reasons. I will use my 140gr AccuBond for heavier and tougher game, but want to limit that round to 300yds max at 7mm-08 velocities - although it will kill game beyond 300yds, but I am not crazy about its expansion at the longer ranges.

Now all of that said, I have not used a Berger of any kind in a 7mm-08 while hunting, so this will be new for me. Now that said, my friend in Arizona uses this bullet on coues deer, mule deer and black bear and has not had a failure. Of course he is a good shot and places his shots well. I think I am good enough shot to do the same and that will probably make the difference in kill results when using this VLD.

Makes sense to me Mike. I have recently tried the AMax's, since Brian and a few others here turned me on to them. I kinda like em. Not giving up Noslers for anything, but for steel and deer I don't think they would do a bad job at all. They have great BC as well with the 162's in my 7WSM. I see where you are going with your loading.

Can't wait to see how they shoot for you. Never shot a Berger yet. The Hornady's are pretty close to the same and with the tipped bullets, I gotta think they will open really well!

 

[bullet]

Going to the range in the morning, it will be cool and we will see.

 

[bullet]

Today at the range with the 140gr VLD in simple terms SUCKED!!!!!!!

Back to the drawing board, with changing powder charge and OAL

 

[SJB358]

Sorry to hear it Mike. What was the issue?

 

[bullet]

Velocities are outstanding but group is not what I can live with. I will work it out :shock: :grin: