500 yrd deer setup

[Miguel7mm08]

hey guys just had some questions about my set up... I shoot a browning a-bolt with 24 inch heavy barrel chambered in 7mm-08, I hand load 168 bthp berger bullets with 37.5 grains of varget powder; put me at 2600 fps and 3/4 inch groups at 150 yds. my scope is a bushnell elite 3200 10x40 with tactical windage and elevation knobs and a mil-dot rectical. How well will this perform at 500 yards on deer and coyotes?
thanks Migz.

[Guy M]

If you're marksman enough - it should do fine. You're using a proven cartridge that is known for fine accuracy. You're using good bullets. The "tactical" style elevation and windage adjustments on your scope should help you dial in quickly for a longish range shot.

Coyotes are a great way to practice for that big ol' buck... I'd encourage you to get out and shoot a lot - out to 500 yards if you expect to take a shot at that range. A good laser rangefinder is another great piece of gear and I think pretty close to essential for long range hunting.

Regards, Guy

[Stormrider]

I've watched pigs shot at 400y with a 7-08 using 175 smk's. Killed it dead as a hammer right on the spot.

[James Jones]

I killed one this season at 944yds with a 260 shooting a 140gr Berger at close to 2900fps. You'll be fine with the 7-08 at 500yds as long as you have your ducks in a row and are used to shooting at that range

[Miguel7mm08]

thanks guys for the feed back I apreciate the help anything you'd recommend if i wanted to upgrade later (thinking 300 win mag topped with nikon) i reallize that for bigger game the 7mm08 might have to stay home and wait for deer season... thanks again Migz

[James Jones]

It woulden't be that hard to step the horsepower up in that rifle to either the 284 , 7mm RSUM or even the 7WSM , with a rechamber and a bit of bolt work , you would likely have to single shot it with the two later cases especialy with the long bullets to get all the good out of their cases

[J E Custom]

Miguel

The 7/08 is very impressive on big game when the right
bullet is used, Hear are my recomendations.

For deer size game 120gr blistic tips at 3000+ft/sec for
1000ft/lbs energy at 650 yrds.

Hogs and larger 140 gr Accubonds 2800+ft/sec for 1000+
ft/lbs energy at 600yrds.

Elk size game 150 bt or 160gr Accubonds (still over 1000
ft/lbs at 600yrds and 1500+ft/lbs at 350 yrds.

I prefer larger caliber,s for big game at long distances but
will not hesitate to use the 7/08 if the distance is right
for the game being hunted.

Other bullets brands of the same weight and expansion rate can
be used with good results.

So far I have limited my self to these distances with 100% success
on big game.

Have fun and good hunting
J E CUSTOM