7mm-08 and 162gn ELD-M

[Hobbs]

Hi all.

I am after powder recommendations, for here in the UK, as we don't have all the available powders that other countries have. I would prefer a single based powder to help prolong barrel life as much as I can. Accuracy is everything to me.

It is not for excessive ranges, 350m max on deer but may have a play on steel out to 600 or so.

I've a 7mm-08, 22 inch barrel with a 1:8 twist, (pictured because, why the heck not! ), and fancy working up a load with the Hornady 162gn ELD-M.
I only have Vihtavuori N140 and N150 at the moment for my usual loads with 120gn and 140gn bullets. I get 1/4 MOA at 100 on a good day but a very consistent 1/2 MOA with the sierra pro hunter bullets I currently use.

Suggestions please?

Many thanks

 

[64Rambler]

I've used RL16, and H4350 (not available for you, correct?) in single base, and Staball 6.5 and N555 for double base with 162 ELD-M, and Berger 168 VLD, and H4350 and N555 for Berger 180 Hybrid in an F-Open rifle, but at well beyond mag length.
N150 or N160 for single base should cover 162 to 180 gn bullets.

 

[Hobbs]

Many thanks for the reply

You are correct, those powders are not available to us here.
If I were to go double based powder, then I'd have tried N555 but trying to keep to single based.

So, as I have N150 to hand, I will give that a try and if I'm not getting what I want, I will try N160

Thanks again

 

[centerlineseal]

Ping "Laurie" here. He's in your neck of the woods and knows a lot about 7mm-08.

 

[XTR]

@Hobbs , I'm not sure what your intent is with the 162s but I don't think they are going to out perform 140s in your setup.

My 7-08 is actually set up to shoot the 162s, the throat is long. To load them to maximum effect you're going to be single loading (unless you built on a long action) I experimented with what was the 162 Amax 10 yrs ago and decided that it wasn't worth the trouble for me. You may find differently but for my needs 140 SGKs or 140 accubonds running at 2900 fps were the right answer for me.

This is a hunting rifle with a 25" barrel, I load mine over Alliant 2000MR, shooting in Britain your temps would probably be fine for a similar double based powders.

You should definitely talk to @Laurie about it. He's researched and tested about all that can be done with the 7-08 over there.

I think N150 will be too fast, it works with heavy bullets in a 308, it's likely going to build pressure too soon in a 7mm. N160 is popular with the 6mm crowd in similar sized cases, so it might work well.

 

[Hobbs]

@Hobbs , I'm not sure what your intent is with the 162s but I don't think they are going to out perform 140s in your setup.

My 7-08 is actually set up to shoot the 162s, the throat is long. To load them to maximum effect you're going to be single loading (unless you built on a long action) I experimented with what was the 162 Amax 10 yrs ago and decided that it wasn't worth the trouble for me. You may find differently but for my needs 140 SGKs or 140 accubonds running at 2900 fps were the right answer for me.

This is a hunting rifle with a 25" barrel, I load mine over Alliant 2000MR, shooting in Britain your temps would probably be fine for a similar double based powders.

You should definitely talk to @Laurie about it. He's researched and tested about all that can be done with the 7-08 over there.

I think N150 will be too fast, it works with heavy bullets in a 308, it's likely going to build pressure too soon in a 7mm. N160 is popular with the 6mm crowd in similar sized cases, so it might work well.

Appreciate the reply

I just fancied giving them a go, out of curiosity.
I've also seen a friend shooting them, albeit in 6.5 PRC and they're devestaying on impact and everything drops instantly.
So depending what accuracy and what speeds I could safely achieve, it may be a load of use on longer range vermin.

 

[FilippoMo]

Vihtavuori does not list tour bullets,with sierra 160 and 168 from 38.4 to 39.8.
Filippo

 

[64Rambler]

Appreciate the reply

I just fancied giving them a go, out of curiosity.
I've also seen a friend shooting them, albeit in 6.5 PRC and they're devestaying on impact and everything drops instantly.
So depending what accuracy and what speeds I could safely achieve, it may be a load of use on longer range vermin.

I was able to get the 162 ELD-Ms to 2800 fps with StaBall 6.5 and H4350 seated long at 2.25" CBTO (with Hornady comparator). YMWV