7MM-08 & RL-17

[Captk]

I am picking up a new old stock Remington 700 Varmint in 7MM-08. I have a new HS Precision stock for the rifle. Once I pick it I will swap stocks. The rifle will be used for 100/200 yard paper punching and eventually some steel silhouette shooting if and when I get the chance. I am also new to reloading. I have all the components (presses, dies etc) except the bullets. I have a 5 lb jug of RL-17 that I would like to use but can use other powders. I am looking at Sierra 130/150 gr match king bullets but am open to suggestions. Not looking to set speed records, just develop some accurate loads.

Thanks, Ken

 

[johnfred1965]

I have had a 7mm08 for hunting for almost 30 years. I have never really used it for targets, but it will hold the first 3 hornady 139BTSP in a cloverleaf almost every time. If your new rifle is any account at all, the 7mm08 is easy to find a load for. I would say you could pick a load off Alliant's site and start off real close. Sorry, not really advice, just encouragement.

 

[284winner]

You'll get over 3000 with the berger 140s. The 130s even better. RL17 & 19 both shoot well in the 7-08. I think you'll be impressed with accuracy as well.

 

[jimbires]

I use RL17 with a 140 Berger Hunting VLD bullet . it gives 3080 FPS out of a 24" bbl .

 

[Captk]

Thanks for the responses and the info provided. I will probably go with a different powder then the RL-17. I have seen a few reports of firecracking in barrel from the RL-17 as I continue to research. I know it is disputed if it does or does not cause firecracking but it's a new rifle and I don't want to take the chance. I originally purchased the powder for another rifle that i have since sold.
Thanks, Ken

 

[284winner]

Though several powders work well, I think Hodgden Varget and 4350 seems to be the go too powder for accuracy. At least in my opinion. No temp sensitivity, not the fastest but very consistent and accurate powders.

 

[Captk]

Is there a preference for IMR 4350 or H-4350? I have several reloading manuals that I will check out for potential loads. Varget, H-380, 4350, Win 760 and 4895 seem popular for 7MM-08.
Ken

 

[284winner]

Is there a preference for IMR 4350 or H-4350? I have several reloading manuals that I will check out for potential loads. Varget, H-380, 4350, Win 760 and 4895 seem popular for 7MM-08.
Ken

Yes some people use IMR 4350 as well. I have not. H 4350 works well enough that I wouldn't try the IMR version. 4895 I've also heard is good powder. If you have any of those on hand, it sure can't hurt to give them a shot. As a close to mid range deer gun, the powders I use are perfect. I've never been beyond 500 yards with the gun and honestly in hunting situations 200 or less is the norm.

 

[XTR]

I found that H4350 was too slow for my 7-08.

For hunting bullets I shoot 140s (SGKs and Accubonds) at 2900 from a 24" barrel with 2000MR. Shoots well, velocity makes shots to 400 reasonable distances in the east easy, the pressure is sane, and deer can't tell the difference in ±150FPS.

 

[284winner]

I found that H4350 was too slow for my 7-08.

For hunting bullets I shoot 140s (SGKs and Accubonds) at 2900 from a 24" barrel with 2000MR. Shoots well, velocity makes shots to 400 reasonable distances in the east easy, the pressure is sane, and deer can't tell the difference in ±150FPS.

I get around 2700+ with the Hornady 162 eldx bullets. Not hot at all but for 100-250 yards, Plenty of load. Berger 140s are much faster. The 162s are more accurate and I like there game performance a bit better. Especially on bigger deer. I prefer the 284 but for the closer ranges, the short barrel 7-08 does the job as well.