Seeking accuracy and recoil reduction in 7mm-08 rifle

[homefront]

My first post... here goes!

Up until now, my shooting has been limited to older cartridge, lead bullet types (.30-30, .38-55), as well as various handguns, which function at much lower pressures and velocities than this new rifle. I also have a wonderful CZ 527 Varmint in .204 Ruger. I handload for everything I shoot and I cast all my bullets, except of course for the .204 and the new gun. I frequently shoot targets at the two gun clubs I belong to, purely for the recreation and enjoyment of it.

I recently purchased my first higher-powered rifle, a Savage FCNS in 7mm-08. This rifle, with it's 22" sporter barrel and hollow plastic stock, is pretty lightweight. My first loads were 140 grain Sierra BT's with varying amounts of AA2520. While the recoil wasn't too uncomfortable, it certainly made the gun jump off the bags! After about 20 (well spaced) rounds, I decided it jumps a little too much .

While the jury is still out on this barrel's potential accuracy (I have other bullets and powders to try) I would like to reduce the recoil. I'm thinking a 24-26" varmint barrel might be a good start and later some add some weight in the butt stock, if needed. A 9-10lb. rifle would not be objectionable and would be a 2-3lb. increase over this rifle's current 6.9lbs. (plus the scope). I'm also considering a Harris bipod and a rear monopod, which will add a little more weight.

This is a problem I haven't had to deal with before, so I guess I'm asking: is this a good approach?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Stormrider]

Changing to 120g or lighter bullets is another way to will recoil for you, too.

 

[homefront]

Changing to 120g or lighter bullets is another way to will recoil for you, too.

Yup.

Lighter bullets are part of the equation, too. Once I arrive at good loads for the 140's I have a box of 130's waiting in the wings.

 

[winmagman]

Instead of adding weight to the current stock I'd look at one of the aftermarket laminates. Not only does it add weight, it will be a more stable/accurate shooting platform. Savages' plastic stocks are noted for being on the flimsy side.

Chris

 

[homefront]

Instead of adding weight to the current stock I'd look at one of the aftermarket laminates. Not only does it add weight, it will be a more stable/accurate shooting platform. Savages' plastic stocks are noted for being on the flimsy side.

Chris

You're right Chris, it does flex a bit forward of the action lug, but the barrel stays clear. Overall I think Savage did a pretty good job with these stocks (for what they are) with the pillars and overall fit.
I've worked quite a bit with epoxy, building small boats. I've also bedded a couple of rifles. My plan for the moment is to reshape the inside of the forearm to accommodate the new barrel, then reinforce it with a mixture of epoxy, Cabosil and chopped glass... should be rock solid when done.

 

[J E Custom]

A lot of good suggestions !

I to would recommend the 120 grain bullets for the 7/08 because of velocity and downrange
performance. The 7/08 can push the 120 over 3100 ft/sec and the 140 to 2800 ft/sec,so trajectory is better and recoil is less.

The laminated stock will also help with the recoil and improve the harmonics.

Two powders that I find work best in the 7/08 are H414 and Varget. The both produce the
highest velocity and accuracy.

J E CUSTOM

 

[homefront]

A lot of good suggestions !

I to would recommend the 120 grain bullets for the 7/08 because of velocity and downrange
performance. The 7/08 can push the 120 over 3100 ft/sec and the 140 to 2800 ft/sec,so trajectory is better and recoil is less.

The laminated stock will also help with the recoil and improve the harmonics.

Two powders that I find work best in the 7/08 are H414 and Varget. The both produce the
highest velocity and accuracy.

J E CUSTOM

Thanks for the powder suggestions... I'll pick up a pound of each tomorrow along with some 120's.

 

[sinarms]

I would swap the stock out to a laminate or a B&C duramaxx or medalist. Put a varmint contour barrel on and add a muzzle break a long with shooting 120gr bullets it will bring it down to almost 204 recoil.

 

[homefront]

I would swap the stock out to a laminate or a B&C duramaxx or medalist. Put a varmint contour barrel on and add a muzzle break a long with shooting 120gr bullets it will bring it down to almost 204 recoil.

That would be a welcome change. I'm sure the brake would have a big impact but I'm not sure I want the increase in noise.

From the replies it sounds like I'm on the right track; I'll report on the changes as I go. I'm going to order a barrel from Sharp Shooter Supply and take it from there.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Ian B]

Hey there again.
Well I have to agree with you that the 24-26" barrel is just about optimum for the the vast majority of calibers.
I have not had that much experience reloading with the 7mm08 I used to have a x-bolt chambered in that a few years back before I really got in to long range.
It was a good round but I didnt care for the gun its self.

But for long range I would think you would be able to obtain good results with powders like RL-17 and H4350 pushing 135gr-140gr MKs or Berger VLDs.
as long as you keep it under 48grs of powder I dont think it would over pressure.

as for recoil reduction the grid to fit pachmyr recoil pads work pretty good does hell on sanding disk tho.
making the gun heavier with a new stock is not a bad idea
If you want further reduction other than a muzzle brake a moderator will work be easier on the ears to but its a pain to get one.

 

[homefront]

HI Ian,

A moderator? That's a term I haven't heard before. Do you mean a silencer?

 

[Ian B]

HI Ian,

A moderator? That's a term I haven't heard before. Do you mean a silencer?

Yes I mean a silencer but I try and avoid calling them that tho.
over the years Ive heard them called at least 20 different things just prefer to call them moderators..believe me you are not the first person to ask me what that was. haha.

 

[homefront]

Understood... I just had to get hip to the lingo.

So a moderator reduces recoil? I had no idear.

 

[Ian B]

Yep they reduce recoil well their adding weight at the end and preventing gases from escaping.
I personally would rather have one over a muzzle brake my ear drums have been ruptured before so I try to stay away from muzzle brakes and comps.
the muzzle brake is one of the reasons I did not like the x bolt I had in 7mm08.
So food for thought I guess.
If you decide you want to get one I would recommend not getting one made with inconel unless you want to put it on a full auto gun some time in the future you will not make it hot enough to justify the use of that alloy and it will only be more expensive than they already are.