New rifle

[Adam3006]

Just picked up a brand new Browning a-bolt in 7mm-08. I have a dozen other bolt guns in various calibers but have never owned a 708. I have been thinking about trying the hornady super performance 139 gr SST. Has anyone got any experience with this ammo? If not this ammo, what do you guys like in your 708? This will be used on deer out to 300 yards. Thanks for the help.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Adam, that new superformance stuff has been getting mixed reviews to say the least. Some love it, others say they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn from the inside with it loaded up. I hand load for all my 7mm.08's and I load the Hornady Interlocks or Interbonds (one rifle likes the bonds better). I USED to use the SST bullets and had lots of success with it EXCEPT for a couple of close range shots. Both times were shoulder shots and they both blew up on the shoulder. Still recovered the deer (easy to track a deer with a leg blown near off at the shoulder) but at ranges under 75 yards, at 7mm.08 speeds, I just don't feel the SST bullet is quite sturdy enough. If you don't handload, I would suggest good old Remington Coreloct. If your rifle likes it it will really smack the deer or hogs. If your rifle doesn't like it, try Federal 140gr fusions. It should like either one of them (Brownings seem to not be really picky) and both are fairly cheap and easily found.

 

[LoonWulf]

Freedom fighter pretty much called it. Ive had issues in one gun and great success in another. There is no reason to NOT try the superformance and if it works for you great, if it dosent look elsewhere. Ill add good old winchester silverbox, and federal powershock ammo to his suggestions of the corelokt and fusions they usually shoots pretty decently for me.

 

[Adam3006]

I do handload, but was wanting to get it dialed in to hunt with some this week. I will be ordering my components in the next week or so. I have had great luck with the fusions and core lock in the past so I'll try them and see how she likes them. Thanks.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

More than welcome. If you want, PM me the barrel length on your rifle as well as twist rate and Ill PM you a few starting loads to help you get started on your new baby!

 

[tikka-guy]

I have an A-bolt in 7mm-08 as well. Hornady is my go-to for factory ammunition, but I never got fantastic groups out of my A-bolt with the Hornady stuff. Not horrible, but not great. I haven't had a chance to get back out with it, but my next stop will probably be some fusions. I hate using the super-premium stuff that costs $40/box.

I'm sure not all A-bolts are created equal, but let me know how you make out with the fusions and core lokt.

 

[BrocLuno]

Have not played with it in 708, but I'm shying away from most Hornady hi-perf offerings. They have not worked for me in 308, 30-06, or 257 Bob. I've been getting better performance (group wise) from Prvi-Partizan

 

[Adam3006]

PM sent Freedom Fighter. Thanks for the help!

 

[trex1310]

I use the Federal (blue box) with 140gr sp. Shoots good in my
Vanguard 7-08 and is inexpensive to boot.