Some load help on my 7mm08 BLR

[Northwoods Hunter]

I have tried several test loads using RE 15, IMR 4350, IMR 4831...mostly with 160gr bullets and a couple 150gr bullets. So far I only got acceptable groups with 160gr accubonds behind 39gr RE 15 and 150 NPTs behind 42.5gr of IMR 4350... Ready to try my tried/true 42gr RE 15 ahead of a 140gr NPT.
I will buy another powder if there is a tried true recipe out there...I think a 150gr bullet may be ideal for a big woods deer/bear lever gun. :grin: But a 140 is not out of the equation... Accuracy is always my primary concern.

If anyone would care to share a load that works for them in a 20"bbl BLR 7mm08 I would appreciate the help...

BTW anyone know the twist of this bbl? I tried the Browning website unsuccessfully... :?

 

[gerry]

http://www.browning.com/products/catalo ... 34&tid=009

Listed as a 1 in 9 1/2 twist

 

[Northwoods Hunter]

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/itemdetails.asp?item=034009116&cid=034&tid=009

Listed as a 1 in 9 1/2 twist

Hmmmmm...my previous 7mm08s were 1 in 9.25" twist... So what adjustment would one make for an accurate load in a bbl with more twist? Maybe 140gr bullets? :?

 

[laylandad]

Try H414 and 150 gr BT's.

 

[Wondermutt]

We tried a few rounds/loads in a my wife's Weatherby Vanguard youth model. I am pretty sure the barrel is about the same length as yours. The best groups came from this combo:

140g. AccuBond
41.5g. varget
Winchester LR primers.
Sammi max Coal. I will get the exact measurements when I get home.

Here is a laundry list of powders/bullets/primers tested:

160 g. PArtitions
130 Speer Spitzers
140g. Accubonds
150g. Ballastic tips

IMR 4350
Varget
CFE 223
RL15

CCI LR Primers
Winchester LR Primers
Federal LR Primers

Federal brass
Remington Brass

We fired over 100 rounds out of this gun with a cleaning after every group of 3-4. With the first combo, the gun is definetly a sub MOA gun at 100 yards. The worst was RL15 and 160g partitions. However, this round had the least amount of recoil. :?:

 

[DrMike]

The twist is sufficiently fast to handle heavier bullets. However, the shorter barrel will ensure a slightly lower velocity. Were this my rifle, I'd focus on 150 grain bullets, though there is more than enough punch for deer with a good 140 grain bullet.

 

[35R]

I don't know how open are you about using lighter bullets. If you are, I 've had very good success using H4895,Varget and H4350 on Nosler 120 BT,SPEER 130g HOT-COR/BTSP, and Nosler 140g AccuBond. All these shoot pretty well in my 20" barrel Weatherby Vanguard.
The 130g SPEER HOT-COR and the 140g AccuBond are pretty stout bullets. I wouldn't hesitate on using them on big Deer or even Black Bears. Heck, even the 120g BT would do you good at the velocities the 7mm-08 and a 20" barrel will produce.

35R

 

[AzDak42]

I've had some nice accuracy with 120g BT and a lighter charge of Varget.

 

[FOTIS]

I've had some nice accuracy with 120g BT and a lighter charge of Varget.

As have I. Also RL19 worked great!

 

[Huntbear]

I am currently working up loads in a 7mm-08. Try some Win 760 and 140 gr. AB. Getting consistent 1/2 - 3/4 in. groups no matter what powder charge I am shooting as I work up to the velocity I want.

 

[SJB358]

Man, I really need to try W760 in the 7mm Mauser... Gotta get my stuff together. Seems too good not to try.

 

[AzDak42]

I've had some nice accuracy with 120g BT and a lighter charge of Varget.

As have I. Also RL19 worked great!

What doesn't R19 work well in? I've had a ton of luck with it in everything from .243 to 7mm RM. I'm going to have to put R19 up my list of favorite powders.

 

[FOTIS]

Man, I really need to try W760 in the 7mm Mauser... Gotta get my stuff together. Seems too good not to try.

Or H414 same stuff. If you can not find one go for the other Scott