Making 7-08 brass

[bsekf]

I am making some 7mm-08 Lapua brass. Should I start with 243 or 308? I would like to take advantage of Midways sale prices.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[bozo699]

Bill,
Some say it is better to go down than up, I don't know that to be true, I do know to take it in several steps if possible to keep concentricity in check, also do you own a .243 or a .308? if you own both I guess it won't matter but if you own one and not the other I would go with the one you don't already have as to not take the chance of mixing them and having a problem. My 7-08 is a hunting rifle so I bought Norma with 7-08 headstamp and am very happy with it
Wayne.

 

[Elkbane]

Bill,
The only problem with using .308 brass is that you will end up with pretty short necks. My last batch of new Lapua .308 brass ranged from 2.012-2.015" (nominal book length is 2.015"). After sizing down to 7mm-08, I ended up with an average length of 2.018". After fireforming, F/L resizing and trimming, I ended up with 2.019" cases.

That may or may not bother you, but nominal length for 7mm-08 is 2.035, and I like to shoot them at 2.030 to cut down on carbon formation in the throat. But after slight turning, the do make really sturdy, uniform cases.......just be aware they are going to be a bit short.

The Lapua 243 cases I necked up worked just as well.....with longer necks and I haven't seen any donuts yet (I'm watching for them). A little thinner necks on these.

FYI, the best 7mm-08 cases I've run yet are Norma - really uniform, but pricey.
Elkbane

 

[bsekf]

Thanks, I had not thought about them being short. Not good. I do have 260 243 and 308 and this 7-08 rifle is going to be a hunting gun for a young lady. Maybe I better forget the Lapua bargain and just get Win brass in 7-08. I was concerned about the head stamp, but didn't think about the length.

Thanks again,

Bill

 

[bheadboy]

my Win and r/p 7-08 fire form size and trim to uniform length wind up 2.025

go with either for hunting and dont run risk of mixing loads

Bob

 

[bozo699]

Bill,
I have also had great luck with the Nosler brass for my 7-08
but I necked down .308 I am not sure if they make 7-08 The Winchester is okay but I have 2 or 300 remington cases and the flash holes are not centered and very inconsistent necks and none of the bags of brass is from the same lot so I think there Qc isn't much anymore.
Wayne.