I am using PPU brass and it has about 2 grains less capacity than Hornady brass so starting at 39.7 the load is just starting compress. I started with H4350 and could only fit 37 grains before it was changing my seating depth so I switched to IMR 4064. I am getting acceptable velocities (for me) at 39.3 and 39.7 but need to see if I can improve SD, ES, and group size somewhere in that range. Like mentioned above I am going to do some testing on seating depth to see if that will help.What powder are you using? 40 grains should not be a stiff charge for the 7-08, unless you are using a very fast burning powder. I would recommend a slower burning powder.