Making 7mm-08 from 308 vs 243

[JPB4BAMA]

There are a couple of old threads on this, but I would like some fresh opinions.
I'm toying with building a 7mm-08 AI for midrange BR and F open. Like the idea of SPR and the means likely having to convert brass from 308 or 243 SPR brass. So just looking for thoughts on which route would be best, assuming that the answer is there is a difference in approach. As a background, I live on the gulf coast and not likely to experience cold weather ignition problems that some mention with SRP in this cartridge, and I don't typically chase the hot loads, thus the 7-08 and not a 280 or 284, (AI is more for brass stability than case capacity)
Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[DiffEQ]

Always anneal the brass before starting the conversion and after.
My experience pertains only to converting 308 or 7.62 brass. I bought a batch of Fed 243 "once fired" to convert and despite annealing them, every single one split, so I abandoned that as an option.

Then I tried Mil once fired 7.62 brass. It usually (>50%) results in a neck that was too thick and requires turning. Even after turning down, resizing and annealing, I had easily 30% that would spring back and not fit a case gauge.

The 308 brass is best. The total effort involved was ridiculous, and made it well worth it to buy Peterson, Lapua and PPU 7mm-08 brass when it came available. Now I use the converts only as plinking rounds in my 7/08 AR10.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

Shot a 7-308 back before it was a factory round. Used Federal Match 308 fired brass from the AMU, fired out of M14's! Hey they came to one of our matches and left a lot of brass on the ground! Lubed the brass and ran it thru a Bonanza FL die. Loaded and fired it. No problems. It shot very good. Calling my shots on the rams, my scorer would just smile and nod up and down.

Frank

 

[dryhumor]

High performance precision shooting is an art and a science-the sum of multiple components all coming together in a split second to hit a constantly changing target. When it comes to brass, Alpha Munitions is committed to producing the highest quali

<h1>THE 7mm-08 ALPHA MUNITIONS ULTRA PREMIUM RIFLE BRASS<br /> </h1> <p>High performance precision shooting is an art and a science-the sum of multiple components all coming together in a split second to hit a constantly changing target. When it comes to brass, Alpha Munitions is committed to...

www.driftersgear.com

One of our members has some brass.

 

[Homerange]

Just to see if it was possible and for shits and giggles I once made some 7mm08 from once fired 308 with a LCD. Never used them as I had plenty of range brass already on hand.
They would probably need neck turning.

 

[JPB4BAMA]

High performance precision shooting is an art and a science-the sum of multiple components all coming together in a split second to hit a constantly changing target. When it comes to brass, Alpha Munitions is committed to producing the highest quali

<h1>THE 7mm-08 ALPHA MUNITIONS ULTRA PREMIUM RIFLE BRASS<br /> </h1> <p>High performance precision shooting is an art and a science-the sum of multiple components all coming together in a split second to hit a constantly changing target. When it comes to brass, Alpha Munitions is committed to...

www.driftersgear.com

One of our members has some brass.

Unfortunately this is also LRP like the Peterson and Lapua. Wish someone made it with SRP and the would solve the whole issue.
Thanks anyway.

 

[dryhumor]

You might try 260 Remington cases. Not certain how the fire forming to AI would go. I just sized one of mine to 7-08, slight differences in length.


I’ve previously sized 308 to 7-08, sizing that 260 was far smoother.

Peterson Brass 260 Remington Small Rifle Primer Unprimed Box of 50 - Graf & Sons

All 50 count listings of Peterson Cartridge casings come in one of their plastic ammo boxes. Made in the U.S.A. Match-Grade is a standard that must be held throughout the entire process of manufacturing some of the most consistent, accurate, and durable brass rifle casings available today...

www.grafs.com

 

[tthomp302]

Have you looked into building a 7 Saw. It is a 7mm-08 with alpha SRP brass, 30* shoulder, and slightly longer neck. No fireforming is needed and you get excellent brass

 

[JPB4BAMA]

Have you looked into building a 7 Saw. It is a 7mm-08 with alpha SRP brass, 30* shoulder, and slightly longer neck. No fireforming is needed and you get excellent brass

Never heard of it till now. Looks very interesting and I’m gonna read up on it.
Thanks for the info.
You or anyone else have any experience with it. Love to hear all about the good and bad.

 

[tthomp302]

Never heard of it till now. Looks very interesting and I’m gonna read up on it.
Thanks for the info.
You or anyone else have any experience with it. Love to hear all about the good and bad.

I’m currently building one for PRS and hunting use since I have an abundance of 7mm components. It performs great and seems to be an easy cartridge to tune. It has several benefits and you can always call Clayton at WTO and he can help out! They are great people there.