7mm-08 question

[cz85cmbt]

I like the the 7mm-08, but I'm wondering with current rifles with a twist rate of 1/11 how heavy a bullet will it stabilize? Factory ammo is made in 150's but what about 160+. Reloading manuals have data for 160-175 grain range and mention nothing about accuracy or stabilization issues. What has been your experience. It seems like remington always puts slow twists in their rifles, drives me nuts, 6mm, 260, and the 7mm-08.

 

[Buzzard]

A 1:11.5 twist will stabilize (barely) a 140 gr 7mm bullet provided the bullet is a little short for its weight. Most factory loads 140 or under will be okay. It will not, however, stabilize bullets that go long for their weight (Barnes & Nosler). If you handload in 7mm-08 with a twist that slow you'll be fairly limited on which 140 gr bullets you can use. Which is why I won't buy a Savage in that caliber.

The funny thing is, Savage puts a slightly faster twist on their 22-250 rifles instead of the slow twist the rest of the world uses. Most Savage rifles use a 1:12 twist, while Browning, Winchester, Remington, Weatherby, and a lot of others go 1:14. I don't know who picks the twist rate at Savage, but somebody might wanna switch that guy back to regular coffee.

 

[steelhead]

IMO, you are going the wrong way with loading heavy bullets like that for the 7mm-08. Don't see a need to go over 140 for deer, elk, mules, or black bear at reasonable ranges.

120gr TSX's with RE15 work quite well on Elk.

 

[counterclockwise]

One problem with the heavier bullets is that the length can take up valuable space in the case, so powder charge may be limited. My 154 gn Hdy SSTs, for instance will only allow a 44 gn compressed charge of H100V. Now, if you want to finger feed, (not use magazine) then you could go with a longer COAL. As it is, a 2.835" COAL is all I can coax out of my 7mm-08 Rem 700 VLS and still have a magazine load and feed function.

PS: I think Remington barrels for 7mm-08 typically are now listed with a 9.25 twist.

 

[cz85cmbt]

Steel head that doesn't make sense to have a cartridge of 7mm caliber limited to 120-140 grain bullets, as a mater of fact if I wanted to go that light I'd be much better served by the .260 rem. I really asked because I think the marlin xl's are pretty great especially at their price tag, although they do indeed have a 9.5" twist which is pretty much what the old 7x57 were. Even with less capacity the 7mm-08 will still go about as fast as I'd ever need it too. But between the 7mm-08 and a tikka in 6.5x55 I think I like the 6.5 better and I don't think the swede will go anywhere I.E. I'll be able to find brass for it. But for the price of a tikka I can but a marlin and a quality optic. I think I'll save for the tikka.

 

[steelhead]

I didn't say you had to limit yourself but you don't need the heavier loads. The 7mm-08 is wonderful round and can get it done on anything in the lower 49 within reasonable distances. Which I take you are shooting if you want to through 160-175 grainers. I think the 280 REM and 7mm RM would be better choices if you want to go that heavy or maybe a .338 Fed for heavy and close in.

Then again not sure what you are trying to accomplish or shoot anyways.

 

[SSN Vet]

I just purchased a Savage 14 in 7mm-08 but by dumm luck got an older one that still had the faster twist.

I'm going to see if I can work up a good load for the 162 gr. Hornady A-max, as it has an excellent BC and if I can push it fast enough may be a nice shooter for longer ranges

 

[interlock]

i have a remmy model 7 with an 18.5 barrel. the website says it has a 1 in 9.25in twist rate. it shoots 120gr and 145 gr lovely. The 120 and 130 gr are a more pleasant shoot over the 145gr. But really that doesn't matter because for the hunting field one shot matters.