7-08 twist thoughts

[Ksmirk]

Evening fella's been getting a list together for a 7-08 and while checking I don't see many 9T barrels in stock but am finding 8.5 and 8T barrels..... more than likely going to stick with the 160gr class of bullets for this rifle so like in the past I'd have picked a 9T and would like your thoughts on going with a faster twist? I don't see going lighter than 150gr so I don't think the faster twist would be bad but I've got that little bit of doubt so thought I would just ask your thoughts. Sorry for the hassle but thanks for your opinions fella's!

Kirk

 

[Dusty Stevens]

8tw will serve you very well

 

[Stan Taylor]

Well if you want a 9 twist call me at work about a 2 week turnaround.
PS any twist you want.

 

[Terry]

9 twist will handle 180's. No problem with lighter bullets.

 

[Ksmirk]

Stan I've got a bit before I order just getting things on paper to figure out how bad my CC is gonna take a hit LOL I'll keep you in mind though! haven't use a Douglas in some years..... nothing personal just moved to cut rifling.

This will be more of a hunting rifle but would like to play on the plates so the Bartlein 3B contour caught my eye but cut it at 24" so I'd have some shoulder for the suppressor, if my math worked should be about .720"

Fella's I sure appreciate the replies! I tend to overthink things so your opinions are welcomed, gets me back down to earth.

Kirk

 

[500yards]

140 grain loading and cautiously experiment upward. I think you will be well satisfied with the 140 grain loads as velocity does enter the picture.

Note it is weight plus velocity plus accuracy that means so much at the desired impact point.

The bullet you mentioned might be more suited for the .30-06.

Personally, the 7mm/08 is one of my two favorite rounds. The inherent accuracy and one shot kill for up to deer sized game matched with more pleasurable recoil in the 140 grain bullet range make the round a true winner.

 

[B Nettesheim]

8 twist

 

[std7mag]

As you said a 1:9 will do fine for 160gr pills out of a 7mm-08.
One of my best groups ever was 160gr Sierra HPBT GameKing over RL19. That from a 22" barreled Stevens 200.

Heck of a turn around Stan!

 

[msalm]

You don't mention barrel length/contour, hunting or ??? If just a standard hunting rifle configuration, I wouldn't stray from the 9 tw….no need to.

 

[Ksmirk]

You don't mention barrel length/contour, hunting or ??? If just a standard hunting rifle configuration, I wouldn't stray from the 9 tw….no need to.

Actually I did mention it in a later post.

This will be more of a hunting rifle but would like to play on the plates so the Bartlein 3B contour caught my eye but cut it at 24" so I'd have some shoulder for the suppressor, if my math worked should be about .720"

 

[tobnpr]

I've been shooting 162's from my 9 twist for years (the rifle shot the old 162 Amax's so well- I bought 3,000 of them at the time )

Go here:
https://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmstab-5.1.cgi

 

[msalm]

Actually I did mention it in a later post.

This will be more of a hunting rifle but would like to play on the plates so the Bartlein 3B contour caught my eye but cut it at 24" so I'd have some shoulder for the suppressor, if my math worked should be about .720"

Ahh, I see it now...yep, definitely 1-9 (IMO anyway, which may be worth less than squat)

 

[Rockchuck]

I like the 1-9 in a 7/08. Main thing is get what you want. I will tell you one thing some of my most accurate rifles are douglas barrels.

 

[Cloudrepair]

I have a 280
AI that shoots a long heavy barnes bullet in one hole groups but they all go through target sideways.
And I think that is a 9 twist.
I think I would go with a 8 twist

 

[XTR]

If this is a hunting rifle I'd plan for the 140 class bullets. I know people who have used the 162 Amax, and by all accounts it works but personally I think the 140s are a better fit. You don't lose capacity and OAL isn't an issue for mag feeding. I get about 2900FPS from my 25" barrel.

There are a lot of good 140 hunting bullet choices.

 

[Rockchuck]

Yea I'am with you on that 7/08 140 gr to 150gr glass anything heavier I would go with a bigger case For hunting rifle imo. 7/08 in the 140 gr to 150 hard to beat.

 

[Ksmirk]

I tend to go with heavy for caliber bullets as I guess the LR shooter I just can't talk myself out of them lol plus I have a fair supply of 162's from the 7WSM and 284 Win I had years ago..... too bad this is a Remington short action as I have a mess of 284 Win brass still and while I know it can be done I don't want to go thru the headache, a long action would be better to get the goods out of that round.

If I were to put a guess on this rifle I'll say 70% range and 30% hunting, the deer around my area don't need much more than a 223 with a 55gr to the neck but it would be nice if I go out West where we can get some range the 7MM would be a better choice but with heavier bullets, they might not start off fast but they don't slow as quickly either as they have a bit better BC and at the end of the day what's a couple more clicks on the elevation turret.

From everyone's comments I think the 8T might be the best choice, the 7MM bullets jackets are fairly thick, the 7-08 while not a slouch in the velocity department I don't think it will push the RPM's up enough to cause jacket failure on what I would consider lighter bullets (140-150 class) Now I agree with you fella's about if this were just a strictly hunting rifle the 140's and a 9T would be the bee's knees!

Guys I sure appreciate your replies and thought's! not many folks around my area I know I can bounce thought's off on these things. Thanks and you guys have a good one!

Kirk

 

[std7mag]

140gr Berger VLD H at 413 yards, 18°F, i had a large doe make it 20 yards somehow.
Bullet sized entry hole. Went in about 2" and came apart, exactly as advertized.
Both lungs destroyed, heart literally in 2 pieces and consistance of silly putty.
Found jacket between 1" layer of fat & hide on offside.

Bear 178 yards moving left to right. Freehand with 280 Rem. 140gr Nosler Ballistic Tip.
Estimate bear at 250-300 lbs. I've seen bigger, i've seen smaller in same area.
At shot literally knocked it down.
The bad..
I had shot rifle at 600 yards the last time i had it out, and forgot to zero my scope.
Hit high & back.
Tracked that sucker for 1.5 miles!
Made a big loop. Back to it's den.

This past fall, good double lung hit on decent (200 lb ish) bear. Again 280 Rem, 140gr BT.
Again, knocked down. It got up and started running. Through treeline to next field, but slowing down already after 30 yards.
Unfortunately 6 other hunters on that side saw it and unloaded.
Walking up, one A$$hat shot it in the head from 15 yards with his 06'.
"Didn't want to walk up on a wounded bear".
7 bullet holes, not counting the big hole in it's head. I let them have it!

The 140 grainers have the power, with the right placement.

 

[Lefty Trigger]

I just built one with a 24 inch 9 1/2 twist and so far its shooting awesome with Scenar L 150gr,... bad part is I think Lapua gave up the 7mm bullets??

 

[XTR]

I run 140SGKs and 140accubonds in mine.