7mm-08 accuracy

[rob7mm08]

I have just purchased a new Marlin X7s in a 7mm-08. I have loaded up about 80 rounds of 140 gr. Nosler ballistic tip. To no avail every thing I try it will put 3 shot groups at 50 yards under a inch. When I got to shoot at 100 yards the group grows to 2 inches. just wondering if any body has any sugestion, I am thinking maybe a heavier bullet.

Marlin X7s 7mm-08 22in. barrell 1/9.5 in. twist
45.5gr. WIn 760
140gr. nosler ballistic tip
CCI 200 primer
remington brass
average 2675 fps

 

[kkeene]

I have had better accuracy with the 120 gr bal-tips in my older Savage rifle.

Keith

 

[necchi]

I have had better accuracy with the 120 gr bal-tips in my older Savage rifle.

Me Too

 

[jp]

Maybe try a different powder. I use Varget with mine around 44.2 grs and it flat shoots at 100yds. 5 shots in about 1/2 inch or less. work up to this load first, it may be to hot for your rifle.. an old remy is what I have.. no bull barrel. Hope this helps

 

[K22]

Lyman's Reloading Guide (47 ed) recommends H380 first choice, IMR 4350 second choice.

Nosler Manual (5th ed) reports RL15 most accurate powder tested with 140 grain Nosler bullets but also states that H380 and IMR 4350 are good choices.

 

[Bigame1]

I would try 41.0 grains of IMR 4064 use a 140 grain Berger Hunting VLD your primer choice is good or you could try a WLR and COAL should be mag. length. I use this load for two different 7mm-08's and it performs excellently one being a Tikka 3. You also should get 2800 + fps also. Good luck.

 

[bozo699]

I have just purchased a new Marlin X7s in a 7mm-08. I have loaded up about 80 rounds of 140 gr. Nosler ballistic tip. To no avail every thing I try it will put 3 shot groups at 50 yards under a inch. When I got to shoot at 100 yards the group grows to 2 inches. just wondering if any body has any sugestion, I am thinking maybe a heavier bullet.

Marlin X7s 7mm-08 22in. barrell 1/9.5 in. twist
45.5gr. WIn 760
140gr. nosler ballistic tip
CCI 200 primer
remington brass
average 2675 fps

rob7mm08,
Your shooting ball powder you might consider a magnum primer. I have a TikkaT3 light that likes Varget, cci br2 primers, Norma brass, and 140 grain Nosler Accubonds, I don't recall the charge with out looking but it is fairly mild at around 2750 fps and it easily and consistently shoots 1/2 moa out to 500yds I haven't papered it any further. I would stay away from ball powders if I were you, I think you will have your best luck with Varget, IMR or H-4350 RL-15. Best of luck to you
Wayne

 

[bozo699]

rob7mm08,
And by the way Welcome to the forum I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Wayne.

 

[JCHEDJ]

April 2009
7mm-08 loads info Remington Varminter 24" Sendero barrel
Swarovski 3-18x44mm scope
( each load killed Texas white tail deer between 100 and 200 yds )

100 yd less than 1/2 " groups center to center on bench rest

CCI Large Rifle Primers OAL 2.827"
AA 2520 ( 40 gr ) 140 grain Soft Point Boat tail bullet
AA2520 ( 37.9 gr ) 150 grain Comb Tech Silver Tip and Red Poly Tip Boat Tail
AA 2520 ( 38.5 gr ) 165 Nosler Ballistic Tip Boat Tail
IMR 4895 (37 gr ) 165 grain Nosler ballistic Tip Boat Tail
AA 2520 ( 36.4 gr ) 162 grain Hornady A-Max
AA 2520 ( 35 gr ) 168 grain Berger Match

Best Overall Shot...100yds...AA 2520 ( 37.9 gr ) 150 grain Combined Technolgy Silver Tip Boat Tail .253" -- 3 shot group center to center

Best 200 yd shot AA 2520 ( 35 gr ) 168 Berger Match Boat Tail .7568 " --3 shot group center to center

March 2010 = Playing with new Hodgdons H 414 powder loads with 162 grain A Max bullets.

So far best 5 shot group linear end to end .786 " best 3 shot center to center .516"
Best 200 yd group 162 grain A-Max and H 414 ( 43.5 gr ) .725 " 3 shot group

Primers CCI Large Rifle # 200

Hodgdons H414 loaded with Winchester Magnum Rifle Primers

1,000 yd steel silouette H414 ( 44.8 gr Win mag Primer ) OAL 2.827" Rifle twist 1 in 9 1/4

 

[lloydx2]

Id be carefull with long 168s 9.5 twist may not get it. especially in higher altitude.

 

[rob7mm08]

I loaded some with 46 gr. H380 it shots alot better with that. I also laoded up some with 43 gr. of W748 them shot just as good. The W748 loads are about 100 fps faster. Need some more time to get it dialed in and get some other projects around the house done

 

[65BR]

Owned my share - if I had one today, for hunting, I'd load WW brass, IMR4064 or Varget, full charge w/std. primer, seat to lands or close as possible running thru mag box, expect 2900-2950 in 22" bbl, and accuracy sub moa, if not half if you can kiss lands, but bbl quality/stiffness - how fast it heats up....etc. will determine. Oh, yes, what bullet 140 Accubond for anything thru elk.

I see little upside to a 120, small gain in speed for more loss in bc, but that's how I see it. Barnes 120s are killers but they may need more speed at LONG range to open well.

A GREAT old standby for this round is the 139 flat base spirepoint Hornday - it will rival Ballistic Tip accuracy at a better price - expand and retain, deadly and accurate. Would trust on game more than an SST any day.

Heavier bullets? Well, if you want VERY long shots the 162 amax is a good one, if you want heavier bullet on larger game? 150 partition and 154 Hornady SP. If you want a bullet in woods to open well but pass thru for tracking - the 154 Roundnose.

Lots of options, but speed suffers w/160 and heavier class bullets. 139-140s will kill 99% of game in NA w/shot placement.

 

[bozo699]

I absolutely agree, with 65BR
139-140s will kill 99% of game in NA w/shot placement.
Wayne.

 

[wapiti25]

I have a rem in 7-08. The rifle has a long throat. It will not shoot the 140 Nos balistic tip or the139 Horn boattail. I settled on the 139 flat base loaded with Norma 204 and It shoots good for a light sporter. You might try a box of flat based 140's, I like to try Sierra's as they have been very uniform for me over the years as far as accuracy goes.