Range Report - Custom 7mm-08 & 120 Nosler BT's

[firstshot425]

I finally got to the range today to shoot my new custom 7mm-08 for the first time. The rifle was build by Mark Pharr of Tumbleweeds Custom Rifles in Round Rock, TX.

Today I was shooting 140 Sierra Pro Hunters on top of IMR 4350 and 120 Nosler BT's on top of H414.

I started with the Sierra's and they did "just ok" averaging between 3/4" and 1" CTC. I've always gotten good results with Sierra's and was a little disappointed with these results; however, this was the first 25 rounds shot out of the rifle so maybe they will do a little better when the rifle gets broken a bit more.

I've never shot 120 Nosler BT's before and I must say that I was very impressed. Except for the first couple of groups, they were all 1/2" or better with several "outstanding" groupings considering the rifle is still being broken in. Here are a few pics:



To say I'm quite pleased is an understatement. Thanks to Mark for building me a shooter.

firstshot

 

[Pacsd]

It took me almost all summer of 2010 to develope a load for my 7mm-08. I found that 43.5 of IMR 4064 worked really really good with the Sierra 120's as far a pattern went. However, I didn't like the way the performed on antelope though. I finally settled on 139 Nosler BT pushed by 39.5 of Varget for my hunting round for whitetail, muley and antelope. As a handloader I'm sure you know you are going futz around til you find what that gun likes.

 

[firstshot425]

Pacsd

LOL... I'm one of those that really enjoys the "futzing around" part. I've had several 7mm-08's and have a number of "Old Standy-by" loads that have worked well in most of them. Can't wait to try them in this rifle.

One of my all time "hunting" favorites is the 145 Speer SP Hot-Cor on top of IMR 4350. Another is the now discontinued 154 Hornady RN which, for shorter ranges, was absolutely the "Hammer of Thor" on white tails and they were incredibly accurate as well.

It's going to be fun finding out what this rifle likes. Looks like the 120 NBT will definitely be on the list.