Powder Recommendations for 7mm-08

[9mmepiphany]

I pretty much only reload for handguns...because I shoot a lot of rounds each year in competition...and while I have rifle dies in a couple of calibers, I've just never gone down that rabbit hole.

I've had a bolt action for years...Steyr Pro Hunter with synthetic stock and 26"barrel...that's had less than a box of cartridges through it; just enough to zero after having the scope mounted. I thought it might be a relatively low cost endeavor to try reloading for a bolt action since I already had the rifle, cases and RCBS dies...I even have a box of W-W primers. I'm thinking 140 gr bullets

Yes I know there are a lot of reloading manuals out there with lots of tables listing powders for the cartridge...I have Sierra, Speer, and Lyman...but I thought it might narrow my search down if I could learn from other's experience as to which powder(s) they've had good luck with in the past

TIA

 

[JDeere]

I have been a 7-08 fan for years and run Varget in mine with 140 gr SGKS or Nosler BTs with excellent results at the range and in the field. I can say that the two rifles I own group less than moa with a medium charge of Varget. The BTs group a little better but I like the SGKs performance in the fireld. I'm running both in the 2700 to 2750 range and have taken many whitetail and hogs with excellent results. I see many always trying to obtain maximum velocity. It's just not necessary in order to obtain good results...

I bought a bunch of Norma 203B awhile back and will eventually work up some loads and see what happens with it. I have quite a bit of Varget left but it is just getting harder to find and expensive...IMR 4350 is also and option but have not ventured down that road as of yet...Long live the 7-08...

 

[TEXASJD]

In the 7-08s I have messed with I normally found H4350 RE19 and big game most case fill and top velocity. But they can be a bit finicky

 

[AJC1]

A good general idea is the best results you see in the slow end of 308. Varget is probably a decent starting point and I'd be hunting with extruded in that area. Aa-4064 is currently very available in my area and I'm buying all I find that's in the 40 dollar range before all sellers bump to over 50.

 

[tominboise]

H414 works quite well with 120gr and 140gr bullets in the 7/08.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Think it really comes down to powder availability in your area.

 

[entropy]

I'd recommend Varget first, IMR 4064 second, and IMR 3031 third. 7mm-08 rifles usually have shorter barrels that these powders work best with.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

A very stiff charge of Varget and 140gr Nosler Ballistic Tips it what I'm using.

I'm using Lapua .308 brass necked down it is the Large Primer type. Running a COAL longer than what the manuals say I gain some capacity. It's a Bartlein barrel and with a higher charge than load data even in 90* weather it was ok pressure wise. Try Varget and a quality 140gr bullet and I'm sure you'll be all smiles.

 

[9mmepiphany]

7mm-08 rifles usually have shorter barrels that these powders work best with.

Less of a concern in my case as the Pro Hunter came with a 26" barrel

 

[9mmepiphany]

Think it really comes down to powder availability in your area.

I don't shop for powder locally.

That's why I'm asking, So I'll know what to keep an eye out for when searching on-line

 

[LocoGringo]

I haven't tested extensively yet, but I've actually been disappointed with StaBALL 6.5 and 139 gr. Interlock. I have had good results with Varget and the 139 Interlock.

Edit to add the rifle I use is a 22" barreled Bergara B14 Ridge, suppressed.

 

[Thomasss]

I can't complain about anything the others have told you about. Varget, 4064 and 4350 are at the top of my list. I do like a little bigger bullet than 140 grain, however, but that is just me. The Remington Core-Lokt was introduced by in 1935 or so. It is still one of the best hunting bullets you can buy. That is the problem, though, I haven't seen any for reloading for a while, so I have been shooting Hornady Interlocks the past few years. Both are excellent choices out to 300 yards or more.

 

[GooseGestapo]

RL17 gives me highest velocities and great accuracy with 140gr bullets.
3,000fps from a 20” bbl. (REM Mod-7).
H4350 is close behind and IMR4350 third. My rifle hates H414. Varget, IMR4064. RL15 peak out at 2,750-2,800fps.
For a cheap “elk stomper” load, try these -

Factory Second Bullets 284 Cal, 7mm (284 Diameter) 150 Grain Jacketed

MidwayUSA has just made a huge purchase of blemished bullets and we are passing the savings to our customers. Blemished bullets are bulk-packaged,...

www.midwayusa.com

I bought 100 to try through my 7mmMag M700. It was “meh” over MagPro, Imr7828, Retumbo. Ok over RL25.

However, they give me near 1/2” three shot groups from the M7 over 45.5gr of H4350 for 2,750fps.
They did this to this 7pt 150lb buck last month.
That’s the exit wound. Look closely at the tree behind where it dropped him and you can see the divot left in the tree!
Three in one hole was shot. Thought 2 missed the target. Adjusted the scope, fired one shot. Range was then called cold. Took that pic. Then resighting for 200yd zero. Shot deer out my kitchen window at 148yds two days later. Next day I ordered 500 more. They don’t look like picture at MidwayUSA. They look like a Federal HiShok factory load. I load them to 2.825”oal.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their input.

It gives me a guide as to what to keep an eye out for while looking for deals/sales on-line.

 

[2ndtimer]

I used to have a 7mm-08, and Varget seemed to be the best powder for mine. And while Varget has once again become available, it has become quite pricey. Your bigger challenge will be sourcing large rifle primers. They have been almost impossible to find at any price the past three or four years. They appear occasionally on line, but sell out in hours, even at $150 per brick including shipping and hazmat. (If found for less than $100, they last for minutes). Good luck.

 

[lightman]

I would start with 4064 or Varget and wouldn't be surprised if I didn't need to look further.