Ramshot Big Game or RL-16 for 7mm-08?

[Newtosavage]

Wanted to try RL-17 but it's hard to get locally. Big game and 16 are on the shelf.

Which would you recommend for heavier bullets in the 7mm-08, and why?

I've already tried H4350 and H4859

Thanks

 

[Patocazador]

H4895 is very accurate in my model 7 with 120 gr. bullets. What weight bullets do you want to use?

 

[Newtosavage]

H4895 is very accurate in my model 7 with 120 gr. bullets. What weight bullets do you want to use?

Oh, sorry. Looking for 139/140 - 160 grain. I already have great loads for 120's in both my 7mm-08's using H4895.

 

[Stumper]

I have never loaded either in 7mm08. My limited experimenting with this wonderful cartridge have been with H380 and H4895.....(and Red dot for some greatly reduced familiarization loads for my wife). That said there are a number of posts scattered around the forum singing the praises of BigGame (Which shows up close to H380 on burn rate charts so that would be my choice.

 

[Newtosavage]

Ran some Big Game through my Tikka today, and it's remarkably similar to H4350 IMO. Almost the exact same velocities when approaching published max. Seemed to like the lighter bullets better though. 3000 fps is a cinch with 120's and Big Game and my 139 SST's grouped well, just like they do with H4350, and in the same POI !

Still holding steady at 2625 for 160's with H4350, H4895, IMR 4350 and Big Game. I guess I'll have to finally throw some RL-17 at them and see what happens.

 

[Newtosavage]

Another range trip and Big Game is reminding me more and more of H4350, which is not a bad thing.

Although for my 120-grain Sierra's, it is performing better than H4350 did in my rifles. I had read somewhere about a guy switching to Big Game for the much-proclaimed 120 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip loads in his 7mm-08. Said he got more velocity and better groups than the standard Varget load under that bullet (which is saying something since those 120 NBT's over Varget are a favorite for 7mm-08 shooters). I believe him now. 3000 fps. was simple with Big Game, and gave me this 1/2" group first try.