7mm-08 reduced loads - What powder is OK

[haeffnkr]

Hi,
I want to load some reduced recoil/velocity loads for my son and his 7mm-08.
H4895 is the recommended powder but I cant find any of that powder.

I have 4831, RL-22 h-4350 h-1000 maybe a few others.
Is it unsafe to reduce to the minimum load by a few grains of various recommended 7mm-08 powders in the manuals?
I plan to load 120 grain bullets.

Thanks in advance.
haeffnkr

 

[std7mag]

Of the powders listed, for your bullet weight, only the H4350 is really compatable.

When i first started hand loading for centerfire cartridges, the 7mm-08 was the first one i started with.
I don't remember which manual i got my data from now, but my start charge ended up lower than what Hodgdon's start charge was by about a full grain of powder.
The recoil was harsh!
Seems i was getting some nasty pressure spikes with the too low charge.

Check the data, start at the start charge & you'll be fine.

 

[lb-ft]

Search for loads H322 and the 4198 powders, both IMR and H.

Better yet, search for Hodgdon Reduced Youth Loads H4895 if you really want to get the recoil down. They published a two-page PDF years ago that you'll find quite helpful.

 

[wboggs]

Use the H4895 data and wait until you can get some. Their loads are safe, low recoil, and accurate
I would not try to use the powders you noted. They are all fairly slow.

 

[Fuj]

IMR-4064 You'll get a better case fill.

 

[HTSmith]

have 4831, RL-22 h-4350 h-1000

Personally I wouldn’t go below the book minimum on any of those. You need something faster. I’ve also had great luck with IMR4064. Perhaps you could do a little trading?

 

[mmcu]

Where are you located?

 

[7x57]

IMR 3031 and 4895 does well with markedly reduced loads. Do not do that with 4350 or slower burn powders as they may be subjet to detonation, which would be unpleasant

 

[jsn]

Search "Archived Lyman Cast Bullet Reloading Data." The 48th Edition from 2002 has jacketed and cast bullet loads, including some reduced loads:

Lyman Reloading Handbook 48th Edition 2002 Ocr : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

422pg

archive.org

Otherwise, can he handle minimum loads with light bullets?

 

[mikeinct]

I'd avoid all the IMR 4198 reduced loads. None of my tests did well using that powder in a number of cartridges [vertical stringing of shots] . The Lyman cast bullet handbook is a very useful reloaders referance tool, highly recommended. I've had good results using IMR4895 loaded at 66 to 68% of a near max. load In a good number of different cartridges. In The Silly Sized 375 H&H I needed to add a few puff balls of dryer lint to bulk up the load & get proper ignition. IMR4895 Worked well w cast bullets in the 30-06 . The 35 remington & a few other rifles I have used for training & plinking . For a just fun to plink with really light loads I use 8 to 11 grains of Unique pistol powder, NO FILLERS w that stuff. I hope this helps you find a mild load for practice or youth training. mikeinct PS: Most of the powders you have on hand seem too slow burning to safely reduce the powder charges with.

 

[David Milisock]

Hi,
I want to load some reduced recoil/velocity loads for my son and his 7mm-08.
H4895 is the recommended powder but I cant find any of that powder.

I have 4831, RL-22 h-4350 h-1000 maybe a few others.
Is it unsafe to reduce to the minimum load by a few grains of various recommended 7mm-08 powders in the manuals?
I plan to load 120 grain bullets.

Thanks in advance.
haeffnkr

I have a Hornady manual that lists a start load of IMR 4064 at 37.4 grains. IMR 4330 at 36 grains.

Both charges are for 120 grain projectiles.

 

[Frankm]

You can use published starting loads with any powder you ve got; however H4895 is your huckleberry and performs great with loads as low of 60% of maximum.

 

[Twdmar]

I've used ramshot hunter in 6.5 creedmoor for a friend's son. 107s and I aimed for 85% case fill and it produced low recoil and good accuracy. It's probably more available than some of the other powders mentioned. Hopefully not too slow of a powder, maybe ramshot big game, it's a bit faster
Data is probably limited but you may be able to put something together if you're careful.

 

[ATFIV]

Light load of imr 4064 - 37 range with 130 smk
Real easy to execute good shots

 

[haeffnkr]

Where are you located?

Missouri... STL area

 

[1911nut]

I tried the Hodgdon H4895 reduced loads in a 7X57, worked ok accuracy-wise but holy cow the powder fouling! Like a black powder rifle.
I suggest a starting load of the H4350 and get the kid’s setup right to minimize felt recoil and good muffs.

Reloading Data Center

www.hodgdonreloading.com

 

[mmcu]

Missouri... STL area

That's a bit too far to bring you some H-4895 to try.

 

[haeffnkr]

That's a bit too far to bring you some H-4895 to try.

I have beer on tap, does that help... lol

 

[haeffnkr]

Thanks for all the replies.

I found a crazy thread about using blue dot powder as another option.
Trail Boss was another recommended powder, that is hard to find as well.

haeffnkr

 

[moorepower]

Be VERY careful with Blue Dot!!! I will also suggest a Limbsaver recoil pad. I have worn out shoulders and my 7mm RM went from unbearable to not feeling the recoil.