7mm-08

[willtim]

Anybody have a load pushing a 160 grain bullet 2800 fps? Would the velocity gain with 7mm-08 AI be worth the effort? Thanks in advance.

 

[LVJ76]

Not at 2,800 fps no. Mine are between 2,600 and 2,650 fps for 160gr, 162gr and 168gr bullets.

Powders like Hunter or Staball might get you close. What is your barrel lenght?

 

[willtim]

Only 20 inches. I'm working on a black bear load. 99% of the shots will be less than 80 yards but with the potential of 200 yards. I'm thinking 160 grain Nosler Partition.

 

[LVJ76]

At that range standard speeds will work, don't need 2,800 fps.

With the Partition at around 2,600 muzzle velocity you're good out to 400 yds for reliable expansion.

H4350, RL16 and RL17 have worked very well with the heaver bullets in the 7mm-08. If you still want more velocity then try Staball.

 

[willtim]

Thanks!

 

[chav0_12]

I know this is sort of old but Hornady's new book, could be in the old book too, says they can get 2800 with a 160 and Superfomance.

edit to add: that is a 24" barrel, I can't imagine not being able to get close with a 20" AI

 

[Reelamin]

You made my heart sing when you said 160 Partition. I don't know if I told you thanks for the pure pleasure in reading you wanting to use a 160 Partition to shoot your animal. Will you change your forum name to Just4Reel?? You can get 2800 with hot loads of the right powder. You will burn up a pound of powder and a 100 bullets to possibly find what works. Go with 2700 range and it will expand and penetrate perfectly to 500yds and even a little more. Oh, sorry I got so excited about the partition. I would try 414 and Superformance and both with a standard primer. The Superformance seems to have less pressure and better velocity for me and the 414 has better accuracy. Edit....missed the 20" barrel....my velocity based on a 22-24" barrel. Chop another 80-100fps off still good enough for me to 500yds

 

[59FLH]

I think you will be hard pressed to get 2800 fps for a 160 Partition in a 20" barrel. 2700 is more realistic and that could be close to max pressure. Hunter and RL-17 might be your best opportunity, 760/414 could get you close. I have shot Superformance but not in a 7-08, report back with your results if you do, I'd be interested in how it works for you. Good luck.

 

[LVJ76]

I don't see getting 2,700 fps with a 160gr bullet in a 20" barrel. I might be wrong but I doubt it, 2,600 might be more realistic and with a hot load. RL17 and Hunter might get you there.

 

[59FLH]

You may be right, at a COAL of 2.8" he has about 47.0 or so grains of powder capacity (my best guess) it will be interesting for sure to see what he can do with it.

 

[co_nucleus]

Played a little in GRT - the powder simulation, 7mm-08 Ackley, long OAL over 2.8 inches. H4350, RL17 and Swiss RS60 running over max pressure get to 2700fps in a 20-inch barrel, about 2800fps in a 24-inch barrel, as previously suggested.

 

[Weaselthis]

I get 2760fps w/ 162g Hornady BTHP out of my target rifle w/ 26" bbl. and 47g of H-4350.
Not sure you'll get there w/ a 20 incher tho.

Hornady Book (6th ed.) lists these w/ 26" bbl. :
H4350: Min.- 40.5 @2432fps 90%
Max.- 44.5 @2682fps 99%

RE19 : Min.- 43.5 @2540fps 99%
Max.- 47.5 @2780fps 108%

Hunter: Min.- 45.0 @2623fps 100%
Max.- 49.0 @2762fps 108%

Good luck. 7-08 is a great round, IMO!

 

[willtim]

Thanks everybody. Now if I could just get my new rifle from the gunsmith...

 

[chav0_12]

Thanks everybody. Now if I could just get my new rifle from the gunsmith...

Did you happen to have him AI it?