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Posted: 1/15/2013 6:04:11 AM EDT
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So I've been loading for the AR for a while now and just managed to get weatherby vanguard chambered in 7mm-08. I have several questions, 1. Being the parent case is 308, can I use 308 and size them down? 2. Primers, is there a specific primers that works better for this cartridge or perhaps one I shouldn't use? 3. Bullets, I obviously have to test myself, but I would like some recommendations on where to start. 4. Trimming, having no experience with a bolt gun, how often do you trim? Is it every time like with the AR, or does the brass even grow? I have a giraud, so it would be simple to do. 5. Any special tools that I would need for a bolt that I wouldn't need for a semi? Thanks. |
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I'd avoid using .308 brass. It will work just fine, but you'll need to be very careful on neck thickness and may have to turn the necks. It's just not worth the trouble in most cases.
The 7mm-08 is very efficient with bullet weights in the 139-140 grain range and it's a real sweet spot for the 7mm-08. However, don't overlook the benefits of 154-162 grain bullets, as they tend to have higher BCs and retain greater energy past 300-350 yards, so if you are shooting long, the energy and trajectory numbers start to favor the heavier bullets. Unless you want a reduced recoil load, I don't see any real advantage with bullets in the 120 grain or less range. |
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Quoted:
So I've been loading for the AR for a while now and just managed to get weatherby vanguard chambered in 7mm-08. I have several questions, 1. Being the parent case is 308, can I use 308 and size them down? 2. Primers, is there a specific primers that works better for this cartridge or perhaps one I shouldn't use? 3. Bullets, I obviously have to test myself, but I would like some recommendations on where to start. 4. Trimming, having no experience with a bolt gun, how often do you trim? Is it every time like with the AR, or does the brass even grow? I have a giraud, so it would be simple to do. 5. Any special tools that I would need for a bolt that I wouldn't need for a semi? Thanks. 1) Yes but its not that simple. Look at the 2 in your loading manual and you will see that the 7mm is a little longer on one of the shoulder dimensions. This will very likely need to be fire formed. You will also notice the OAL is longer. To some on here that is a big deal but this caliber was loaded for over 20 years using .308 brass before Remington officially brought it out in 1980. After you size load and fire form, I bet it would be pretty close to being the extra .020" longer anyway. 2) Standard large rifle primers are used. If using ball powder, magnum primers are a option but still are really not needed. 3) Bullets are up to you and what your intended purpose is. 4) Trimming for this round is as much as an individual's choice as with any. If you keep it at or below the max you will be fine. 5) Not really. You may want to measure the amount of bullet jump with the various bullets you choose to load if you are seeking better accuracy. You could neck only size for this caliber and rifle too but it may make your ammo fit snug. For a varmint hunter or target shooter that is no big deal but for a deer hunter it may slow down a quick fallow up shot. BTW: I have Weatherby Vanguard 2 stainless steel in 7mm Rem. Mag. Yes one of the ones that was recalled. I have sent mine in and got it back and my son got a big 8 point buck with it. Anyway, I use the Sierra "accuracy load" with their 150gr BTSP. It is a less than 1 MOA load. Not bad for a magnum. Ha? For the 7mm-08 I suggest staying at or under 150gr bullet wise. Hope this helps. I do load for the 7mm-08 so if you need anything more just ask. |
| I've not had any issues making 7mm-08 brass out of .308 Win brass. Son's rifle is an inexpensive Marlin XS-7 that shot under 1" at 100 yards using Nosler BT's. No chamber issues with THAT rifle... so not to say one need not be careful in the process. Perhaps I just got lucky with the rifle. |
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It's better to just buy the 7mm-08 brass. Or, neck up .243 Win or .260 Rem rather than neck down .308 win.
As far as bullets, I like Barnes TSX in 130 grain range (not sure exact weight) As far as trimming, if you neck size, you don't need to trim for a while. But the neck will grow. So, I usually trim every time and check the length). Also, I anneal, every 3 firing. I get about 5 to 6 mild load out of a case. Then I toss them. I used IMR4350 but I did not get a group that good. But that was only one powder and bullet combination. I am going to try IMR 4831 next time. |
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