7-08 168smk load??

[mnshortdraw]

Looking for anyone who has loaded the 168 grain Sierra Matchkings in 7mm-08. I ran out of 162 Amax and want to try some of the 168's. My best load with the 162's was with RE-15. I have RE-15, 17, and Varget to play with, powder supply is pretty limited where I live. Would I be safe with the 162 Amax starting load?

 

[tazzman]

mnshortdraw,

Hodgdon lists the following:
Bullet/type: 168 GR. SIE HPBT
Manufacturer: Hodgdon
Poder: Varget
Diameter: .284"
COAL: 2.800"
Starting load/velocity/pressure: 37.5 2430 44,600 CUP
Max load/velocity/pressure: 40.0 2540 50,100 CUP

Start low and increase slowly.
Be safe.

Cheers,

Phil aka tazzman

 

[mnshortdraw]

Thanks, Phil. I really need to invest in more reloading manuals. I only have the Speer manual that came with my RCBS set and the 7-08 isn't even listed... Anyone else have Reloader 15 Data?

 

[mnshortdraw]

Anyone else have any experience with the 168's in a 7-08, or some Re-15 data?

 

[uncleduke]

The 7-08 really needs a slower powder than R-15. Since you have R-17 that's where I'd start. Allient may have some data for you. I've gotten the highest velocities with R-17 but it didn't match the accuracy of my IMR4007 loads. Tomorrow I'll look at my notes to see where I started. Keep in mind my chamber is throated long for the 168smk & 162 A-max. Or use a starting load for H4350 and work up slowly. Again, please call Allient's tech support for proper data.

 

[hogan]

If you look at the homepage site of this forum, under ARTICLES you will find a 7mm-08 page with a link to a handloader forum where guys share some load data. Not really the greatest source; you really want a Sierra or Hornady manual.

The Lee manual, Modern Handloading has some info, especially pressure data that No Other manual lists. Lots more loads and powder options, but not specific to bullet design. Buy the Sierra book and get the package deal that includes their ballistic software, worth the money...

 

[tazzman]

mmshortdraw,

Found some info in the Hornady 8th edition book:
for 162 gr. pills,
RL-17, 38.2 gr. 2200FPS min load
RL-17, 46.0 gr. 2700FPS max load
RL-15, 32.6 gr. 2200FPS min load
RL-15, 39.9 gr. 2600FPS max load.

for 175 gr. pills,
RL-15, 33.9 gr. 2200FPS min load
RL-15, 37.9 gr. 2400FPS max load.

By their info, H414 gives best top velocity for heavier pills,
162 gr. H414, 37.5 gr. (2200FPS) to 46.6 gr. (2700FPS)
175 gr. H414, 38.4 gr. (2200FPS) to 45.9 gr. (2600FPS)

Cheers,

Phil aka tazzman

 

[dennisinaz]

I use 40 grains of Varget in mine. Get great accuracy and decent velocity. Never have found a more accurate load in this rifle with any other bullet/powder combo.

Good luck

 

[mnshortdraw]

Great, thanks to everyone for their replies. This helps out a lot!