W748 for 7mm-08?

[LBANALES]

I'm gathering reloading information for a Ruger American Gen2 in 7mm-08 I just bought, and wondering if anybody has used W748 for 120 gr, 139 gr, or 162 gr? I noticed it's close to Varget on the burn chart, and figured I'd ask the question. First rifle in 7mm-08, so I'm learning this caliber.
Thanks in advance.

 

[RL338]

First welcome to the forum.
There are better choices than W748 for the 7-08 especially for the 162gr. I’ve only ran W760 and RL-17 thru mine.
Something in the H4350 burn rate is the happy place for the 7-08.

 

[LBANALES]

First welcome to the forum.
There are better choices than W748 for the 7-08 especially for the 162gr. I’ve only ran W760 and RL-17 thru mine.
Something in the H4350 burn rate is the happy place for the 7-08.

Thanks for the welcome! I appreciate the advise. Looks like I'm need to buy some powder. The closest to H4350 that I have on the shelf is CFE 223.

 

[desertcj]

The CFE would be good for 120gr and should work for 140gr. I’d go with something slower for 162gr personally. H4350 or RL16, maybe even Staball 6.5.

 

[TexasLife]

I too have...well just have a 1st ever 7-08 along with a 7saum. 748 case fill will be between 89 and 94% 120 @ 2.700") depending on case h2o volume. 139 @ 2.775" will be in the 88-92% fill. 162 @ 2.775" in the 85 - 89%.

 

[jimbires]

RL17 will be tough to beat in the 7mm-08 . it gives a good case fill , and velocity is at or near the top . the problem will be finding it . I use RL17 with 140 grain bullets in my one 7-08 . I use IMR4064 with 139 grain bullets in another , and will switch to RL17 when I use up the IMR4064 . the other rifle I use a reduced load of H4895 , shooting 120 grain bullets . I find the 7mm-08 easy to load for . most anything seems to shoot well . I feel it's best shooting the 120 - 140 grain bullets . I tried 168 grain bullets , the velocity wasn't there . it just doesn't have the case capacity to handle that weight bullet .

 

[TexasLife]

RL17 will be tough to beat in the 7mm-08 . it gives a good case fill , and velocity is at or near the top . the problem will be finding it . I use RL17 with 140 grain bullets in my one 7-08 . I use IMR4064 with 139 grain bullets in another , and will switch to RL17 when I use up the IMR4064 . the other rifle I use a reduced load of H4895 , shooting 120 grain bullets . I find the 7mm-08 easy to load for . most anything seems to shoot well . I feel it's best shooting the 120 - 140 grain bullets . I tried 168 grain bullets , the velocity wasn't there . it just doesn't have the case capacity to handle that weight bullet .

17, 19 & hunter works great

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Big Game, IMR4350, H4350, Stabal6.5, WIN760-H414 all gave good results for me using 120-140gr bullets. Never used any heavier weight bullets but you should be able to find something in these powders for your application. Dan.

 

[hunter24605]

It's a pretty forgiving case, and many powders suit it well, and you MAY find something with a 120 and W748, but I don't think it'll do well with anything heavier, case fill is going to be really low. Reloder 17 is my favorite for all bullet weights, but its as rare as unicorn feathers, now. I've also found great results with RS Big game, Leverevolution (with the 119 absolute hammer bullet), Varget, and CFE. I've never tried it, but folks are praising Staball. The good thing is you'll have no problem locating a suitable powder from the many the 7-08 likes.

 

[frankm]

To expand powder choices, VV N540 or N550 would work nicely along with others that have already been mentioned

 

[RL338]

RL17 will be tough to beat in the 7mm-08 .

I totally agree with that statement , it works so well. Now only Alliant hadn’t cut us off of it.

 

[hunter24605]

To expand powder choices, VV N540 or N550 would work nicely along with others that have already been mentioned

I have some n550 I bought when rl17 became unavailable. Heard excellent things about it. Hopefully get to work with it soon.

 

[desertcj]

Powders that I’ve actually used in mine include Varget, IMR 3031, RL16 and Leverevolution. I have a decent 140gr load with RL16 at 2850fps but have basically settled on a 120gr TTSX with Leverevolution at 3275fps in my rifle.

 

[Aussie Wanderer]

I have settled on varget in mine with 140 class bullets. I have tried sierra game kings, Nosler BT’s, hornady sst’s and the interlock boat tail. With 42.5 grains all shot within an inch but the standout in terms of accuracy is the old interlock, go figure. Speed with those loads tends to be around 2,840fps. It has proven highly effective on dogs, pigs and deer. In a world where magnums tend to get all the press, the little 7mm08 is such a sweet little round.

 

[Divernhunter]

here is what I have. Win748 and 760 work with 120 and 140gr bullets I have not loaded anything heavier than 145LRX. I have more detailed records if you want them..

 

[CenTex]

I just loaded 10 different windowing variations for a new 7MM-08 I recently picked up.

Powders loaded so far: Varget, 760 and RL17.

Bullets loaded so far: Barnes 120 TTSX, Barnes 139 LRX, Barnes 145 LRX and Federal 140 Trophy Bonded Tip.

Will post results after I get to the range. Plan to also try Big Game and RL16 when the powders get here.

 

[frankm]

The old Hornady 139 interlock, both SP and BTSP, has always shot really well in 7-08 s for me. It has a short bearing surface and 2840 + fps is really easy. With a 24” barrel rifle I ve gotten to upper 2800 s and 2900 fps ish.

Quite affordable too !

 

[35 Whelen]

With the right powder and 140ish grain bullets, you actually have a 280 Rem in disguise! I am shooting a Speer bullet over 2900fps as our handload. And Hornady Superformance velocitys, are mirror images thru my chronograph; of most factory ammo velocitys, at 140gr weights, of most .280 Rem factory vanilla offerings. Considered by so many, as the perfect one gun caliber! The edge is wider in heavier bullet weights to the 280, but at the 140 gr weight for normal deer hunting, your 7/08 for all practical purposes is a 280 Rem. Just in disguise.
Best of luck with it ,
E

 

[LBANALES]

here is what I have. Win748 and 760 work with 120 and 140gr bullets I have not loaded anything heavier than 145LRX. I have more detailed records if you want them..

Thanks, I appreciate the info. I'm interested, If it's not too much. I'm still going to work up loads that fit my rifle, but I like to gather as much info as I can.

 

[CenTex]

Made it to an indoor range this am. Results attached.

Please note: The loads were safe in my rifle. Please refer to starting loads as published in bullet / powder manufacturers manual and work up safely.

Interesting results today. Pleasantly surprised. This is my first Tikka. New, completely stock with the exception of a trigger adjustment. No break in done on the gun. Quick zero and go. Bought the rifle to use in the UTV on the ranch. Didn't expect a lot to be candid. Rifle was on clearance. Results with the powders others mentioned were fantastic. Hope this data helps out.

3 shot groups. Will chrono the winners when I get back out to shoot again.