Just got back from working up some loads on my son's hunting rifle (Rem 700 SPS youth compact LH in 7mm-08, 20 in barrel) using Varget and Berger 168 gr VLDs. Using once-fired Federal nickel plated brass and CCI #200 primers. The brass was neck sized only with a Lee Collet die since it had only been shot through this rifle. Weather 54 deg F, 23.82 in Hg, elevation: 6,094', wind: 4-8 mph, from 10 o'clock. Here's my data: median MVs (using Labradar) of 2, three shot groups of each load along with group size(s)...
39.2 gr - 2,494 fps - 1.45", 0.93"
39.4 gr - 2,494 fps - 1.08", 0.54"
39.6 gr - 2,526 fps - 0.76", 1.18"
39.8 gr - 2,527 fps - 0.90", 1.12"
40.0 gr - 2,535 fps - 0.78"
As a comparison I shot some factory ammo too (only 1, three shot group)...
HSM 140 gr Berger VLDs: 2,728 fps, 1.60"
Federal 140 gr ?: 2,770 fps, 1.12"
I had hoped my handloads would have shot better. I was alternating between this rifle and my competition 6.5 Creedmoor so I could let the barrel cool off between groups. Also I was consistently shooting well under 1 MOA with my 6.5 so I don't think it was the shooter!