7mm-08AI

BRADMOTO · Jul 3, 2026

greene0331 said:
Thanks for all the replies gents, lots of good info here.

I already have a 7ss, otherwise I would be debating between either the SAW ll or .280ai. I mostly want a 7mm wildcat that I can still shoot factory ammo in a pinch and I figured the AI would make up some of the difference running in a 20" barrel vs a 24".

I've got the Redding 40 improved (708AI) die set if interested.

lancetkenyon · Jul 3, 2026

akmtnhnt said:
Why not just put a little less powder in the 7SS? You can also shoot factory 7 saum in it.

Noooo. You cannot.
The 7Max is the "SAUM Imp 40°" variation. NOT the 7SS.

lancetkenyon · Jul 3, 2026

akmtnhnt said:
Even if you don't want to use the steel fury brass. 7mm-277 fury all brass is more powder capacity than 7-08AI and is only a tiny size up, no fire forming.

I cannot see a reason for any of the 308AI cases when 277 fury(non-hybrid) exists.

7-.277Fury is still a 30° shoulder.
7-08AI (Imp 40°) is a 40° shoulder, same neck/shoulder junction as the Fury. So, the 7-08AI technically has "more" case capacity with the very slightly longer body/shoulder junction. Not by much though.

greene0331 · Jul 3, 2026

akmtnhnt said:
Why not just put a little less powder in the 7SS? You can also shoot factory 7 saum in it.

To what end? I'm currently running a 160 mono right at 3000fps with N555. I get pretty optimal case fill with that combo and it's a mild load. I know there are powders that will get more speed in the 7ss, but that's not the goal here, everything is happy with the current bullet/powder combo.

greene0331 · Jul 3, 2026

BRADMOTO said:
I've got the Redding 40 improved (708AI) die set if interested.

Thanks for the offer brother, I'm still exploring all options, but I'll definitively reach out if I decide to go that route. I have a feeling I'll end up with a couple different sets once it's all said and done.

HandgunHTR · Jul 3, 2026

greene0331 said:
I mostly want a 7mm wildcat that I can still shoot factory ammo in a pinch and I figured the AI would make up some of the difference running in a 20" barrel vs a 24".

That is exactly why I built my 7-08AI and it does exactly that for me.

Just one more piece of advice even though you didn't ask for it, the 1-8.7 twist of my Bartlein is more than adequate for up to the 162s.

std7mag · Jul 5, 2026

HandgunHTR said:
That is exactly why I built my 7-08AI and it does exactly that for me.

Just one more piece of advice even though you didn't ask for it, the 1-8.7 twist of my Bartlein is more than adequate for up to the 162s.

The "typical" 1:9 twist, and the 1:9.25 twist will handle that weight of bullet no problem.

Heck, the factory Weatherby 1:10 twist for 7mm WBY Mag shoots the 175gr ABLR with zero issues.

std7mag · Jul 5, 2026

xsn10s said:
At this time I'd use Alpha SRP brass and load hot with magnum primers.

I have thought about necking down 308 SRP cases to 7mm-08 and fire form to AI.
I only have one rifle in 223 Rem that uses the SRP.
Would make it so I don't go through as many LRP to use in my other rifles.

HandgunHTR · Jul 5, 2026

std7mag said:
The "typical" 1:9 twist, and the 1:9.25 twist will handle that weight of bullet no problem.

Heck, the factory Weatherby 1:10 twist for 7mm WBY Mag shoots the 175gr ABLR with zero issues.

Agreed. I posted that because I inevitably see someone recommending a 1-8" twist for anything over 150 grains. I was trying to preempt that.

Justice1327 · Jul 5, 2026

akmtnhnt said:
Why not just put a little less powder in the 7SS? You can also shoot factory 7 saum in it.

No, not true...the 7MAX is a SAUM Improved...

7mm-08AI

BRADMOTO

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lancetkenyon

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lancetkenyon

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greene0331

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greene0331

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HandgunHTR

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std7mag

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std7mag

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HandgunHTR

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Justice1327

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