7mm-08AI

[greene0331]

I've settled on 7mm-08ai for my next build. I've read just about every thread I could find on the topic, across multiple forums, but most of them are really old threads and I'm still searching for some specific answers.

What I've settled on so far:
- I have 7-08 Alpha srp brass and 1000s of cci450 primers from loading for my 6.5x47.
- I can load to max COAL of 2.980
- Barrel length will be 20"
- Max bullet weight 150g, but will mostly shoot monos in the 120-145 range.

My questions:
- What dies are you using for sizing and seating, I don't see many options out there for the ai. Are the Redding 7-08 Improved 40 the same as ai? I would prefer to use a sizing die with a bushing.
- Are you ordering custom dies after you've already had your chamber reamed and fire formed some brass through it?
- Reamers and free bore. Should I load a standard 7-08 dummy round with the longest mono and COAL (which I plan to use the most) and send it in to the smith to chamber to the appropriate free bore?

Interested to hear your experiences and advice on how you've gone about tackling your 7-08ai projects.

 

[MagnumManiac]

After building 3 260AI rifles, I decided that my 7-08 would stay standard, not to sound negative in any way, I just found the gain wasn't worthwhile in 7mm.
Mine is throated for 150g class bullets within my rifles mag box restrictions. Mine is a Rem 700 SA, I forget what the max COAL is in that rifle.
I would make up 3 dummies at the max COAL with the longest bullet you wish to use. This will give your GS a good datum to work from.

Hope it all goes well for you.

Cheers.

 

[BRADMOTO]

Do yourself a favor and just run 708. The AI to the 708 is just an absolute PITA for not much more performance. 100fps more maximum maybe if loading sensibly. AI doesn't mean 2 more grains of powder. 1-1.5 maybe.

Feeding goes to hell with 40 degree shoulders, and I'd recommend 7SAW if one were inclined.

For bullet weights you're thinking, 708 will handle them just fine. SAMMI 708 throats long enough to handle 162 ELDMs, so lighter/shorter bullets just better.

 

[parkj5]

I have a custom 7mm-08 AI myself and the two above gave u sound advice. Not enough to gain on the standard 7mm-08 to justify it. I also have a standard 7mm-08 . The cool factor is ok but the original is just as deadly. The 120 Grn Nosler BT and Varget is bad medicine for whitetails .. Now the 280 AI is a whole different animal!!!

 

[Justice1327]

I have had 8 or so 7-08AIs. Used to be my favorite SA cartridge.
Never understood the problem with fireforming the brass. Regardless of the cartridge you are fireforming the brass the first 1-3 times you shoot it.
You can remove the ejector plunger, seat bullet to lands, use a faster burning powder, and fire it. There are other more involved methods, but this will get the job done and you find out if it likes a certain powder/bullet.
There is no feeding issues if you use a good DBM and the action can use an AICS/AW type mag.

My questions:
- What dies are you using for sizing and seating, I don't see many options out there for the ai. Are the Redding 7-08 Improved 40 the same as ai? I would prefer to use a sizing die with a bushing. Are you ordering custom dies after you've already had your chamber reamed and fire formed some brass through it?
** I used to use Redding, but I now buy a die blank and have it reamed. This is a more expensive route, but a perfect match. Probably not what you need.
I have a set of Redding for sale. Pic included.
- Reamers and free bore. Should I load a standard 7-08 dummy round with the longest mono and COAL (which I plan to use the most) and send it in to the smith to chamber to the appropriate free bore?
** I would send a dummy round to JGS/Manson and see what they say. Be mindful of your COAL. THey more than likely have what you need. If not, you can have them adjust the FB. I stay away from the reamers that add the FB.

See attached reamer prints/

 

[MagnumManiac]

Sorry, I meant to answer this question earlier.
All of my AI and other improved dies are custom made except for my 2 Redding sets in 22-250AI and 257AI.
I have Whidden, both FL and seaters, and Hydro forming dies.
My other customs are blanks that were made by a company in Sweden.
They no longer do this service.
I have some old RCBS AI dies I no longer use kicking around in a box somewhere, included with those are forming sets which I forget what they're forming one case into something else. Long been forgotten.
I do not use bushing dies, too much trouble for me.

Cheers.

 

[HandgunHTR]

The 7-08AI is one of my personal favorites. While there isn't much gain, as others have said, there is a gain. Especially if you use heavier bullets. I built mine to use 150-162 grain bullets, and I am getting at least an extra 100 fps, which means I can have a 20" barrel instead of a 24" barrel in a standard 7-08.
As Justice pointed out, feeding of the AIs is fine as long as you aren't doing it with the old outdated internal boxes. The increase of short, fat cartridges has forced gun makers to make changes in geometry that improves feeding across the board. Mine is a factory Tikka action using M+ mags, and I have never had a failure to feed.

I use Redding dies, and yes, the Improved 40-degree dies are the "AI" dies.

You can send dummy rounds using standard brass, however you can also look over some prints and just give your GS a freebore number to work with.

 

[Patton243]

Or you can just do a 284 which is easier than fire forming cases. To each their own.

 

[buckleyboy]

I have Redding dies for the two barrels in my stable. Two die FL sizing kit, body die, bushing neck die, and I had a Wilson seater die made with the reamer. I started with the two-die kit; the other Redding dies were purchased in an attempt to address issues. The in-line seater was a WTH, why not? thing.

All that is to say, I am deeply invested in the cartridge and have a lot of affection for it. Like others above, my advice would be to stick with the 708 regular for target shooting or 7 SAUM for hunting. Ha!

I've learned a lot with the chamber and had my share of frustrations/triumphs. One dummy's experience, but a 30-06AI on a Tikka was much less frustrating than 7mm-08 Improved.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I have Redding dies for the two barrels in my stable. Two die FL sizing kit, body die, bushing neck die, and I had a Wilson seater die made with the reamer. I started with the two-die kit; the other Redding dies were purchased in an attempt to address issues. The in-line seater was a WTH, why not? thing.

All that is to say, I am deeply invested in the cartridge and have a lot of affection for it. Like others above, my advice would be to stick with the 708 regular for target shooting or 7 SAUM for hunting. Ha!

I've learned a lot with the chamber and had my share of frustrations/triumphs. One dummy's experience, but a 30-06AI on a Tikka was much less frustrating than 7mm-08 Improved.

That is interesting. I am having a much harder time getting my 6.5-06AI to behave than I did with my 7-08AI.
When the barrel on my current rifle gives up the ghost, I will put another one on it. The only change I will make is going with a lighter profile (currently a Rem Varmint, will be a 2B or 3 next time).

 

[Hoss50]

With the new Peak brass and Fury brass out there doing an AI on 7mm08 might be a waste. Also 7mm SAW brass is in production so you don't need to fire form. All options may give the same or better performance than 7mm08AI.

Seems like extra work that may not be needed as much anymore.

Just a thought. I am seriously considering a light short 7mm08 setup for hunting suppressed as my next rifle, especially if the Fury brass works. 16-18" barrel getting 24" performance or more possibly.

 

[tydaws]

Call Redding…they'll give you a part number on a custom die set, then make you order through a dealer. Ask who they recommend. When I ordered my 30/06 AI dies they recommended a mom & pop shop that had great communication and customer service. Their name escapes me at the moment. I'd order a Type S FL sizing die and a micrometer seater. I run SAC bushings.

 

[tydaws]

I understand this isn't what you're asking, but if you want to run a short action, I'd go with the 7 SAW. If your heart is set on the AI, I'd run an XM length action with a long throat. At that point, the 284 win or shehane is likely a better option. But honestly, do what makes you happy. I've spent a ton of doe throughout the years on rifles that don't make the most practical sense, they were just what I wanted. It's your cash!

 

[HandgunHTR]

With the new Peak brass and Fury brass out there doing an AI on 7mm08 might be a waste. Also 7mm SAW brass is in production so you don't need to fire form. All options may give the same or better performance than 7mm08AI.

Seems like extra work that may not be needed as much anymore.

Just a thought. I am seriously considering a light short 7mm08 setup for hunting suppressed as my next rifle, especially if the Fury brass works. 16-18" barrel getting 24" performance or more possibly.

I am playing with Fury brass in my 7-08AI. I am currently pushing a 162 ELDX at 2850 out of a 20" barrel and I still have room to go up. I think 2900 may be possible.