Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Long Range Hunting Long range performance of the 7mm08

Plan on trying a little distance shooting with my 7mm08 and would like to hear some of your experiences. Most shots would be in the 300 yard range but may stretch out to 500 max.
Won't be doing any hunting at that distance simply because there ain't many places in North Bama to do it.
Bullets will be 140gr NBTs

7-08 doesn't get much attention, but it'll launch 162 Amax or similar at 2700+ fps. That's serious LR medicine. Waaaay past 500 yards.

I've been reading about how well the 7 Mags do in long range and most people think that the 308win is best so how bad can a 7mm bullet in a 308win case be?

Rifle is a Remington 700 BDL with 24" barrel with a Vortex Viper HS 4x16x44 in leupold rings and mount.

I'd see if you can get some 150gr Lapua Scenars and launch those little suckers. .530 BCs at 2800fps would be very nice.

Tanner

From where? Are they out yet?

Heard the 140 Bergers work purty good but don't know if I'd try em at 500...

I was ringing steel regular with the 150 scenar at 600 last weekend. 2810 fps w/ H4350.

The first 500+ shot I took on an animal dropped a mule deer with a 162 a-max from a partners 7-08.

I've used the 7MM-08 as a competition rifle for metallic silhouette matches and as my primary deer rifle for 15 years now. To me, it seems very similar to my old .270 Winchester in effectiveness on deer and wild pigs with a tad less recoil. With the 140 grain bullet you mention I have had best luck in my rifle using RL-19, H-4350 and, recently, Ramshot Hunter. My best hunting loads are right at 2900 FPS from the 24" barrel of my NULA rifle. However, in competition, I shoot the 175 Sierra Matchking for the 500 meter rams. If you plan on shooting a lot of long range targets, try a heavier bullet. Speaking strictly for me, they perform with greater consistency than the lighter stuff in my rifles at ranges beyond 400 yards. Sorry for the long reply. I hope this helps.

Graf and son, in stock now.

Nor would I... Running out of energy at that range.

Tanner

150 scenar at 2800 , 1325 fp of energy, as compared to a 140 berger at 2900 1202 fp of energy at 500 yds.
I believe out to 600 yds it will matter more what the gun shoots consistently. But any of the slippery 140 - 175 gr. bullets should have no difficulty out to 5-600 yds.
JMHO and worth what it costs!!!!

My post was in jest, but I agree. No critters on the CONUS that I wouldn't shoot at 500 with either the 140 VLD or 150 Skinner...

Tanner

Or a 140 AB @ 2850. I'm wondering how a guy gets 2700+with a 162 AMAX out of a 7-08.....safely, that is?

I know you were , I was trying to point out that any bullet loaded to similar pressure will still be viable.
I am a small bit curious about getting 162s over 2700 myself. Not saying it can not be done , but just wondering what barrel length and powder.
I am the last one to be critical of others loads.

I think that in a 24" barreled gun it wouldn't be too much of a stretch. You've gotta' think about how short of a bearing surface those 162s have compared to bullets like NBTs and Accubonds... You're dealing with quite a bit less pressure, even though the weights may be similar...

Nosler themselves list 3 powders (N160, RL-19, and RS Hunter) propelling 160 Accubonds over 2700fps...

Tanner

That Nosler data is from a 26" match grade barrel. I don't think you could seat a 162 at 2.800 and get enough powder in there to reach 2700 personally, especially in a 24" barreled hunting gun.

Stunt Shooter...

In a factory Rem LSS 22" tube, with a full case of 2000 MR I get right at 2795 with 162's... With '17 I was able to get 2815 with a full case and no pressure...

With the 140s and the same powders, both are a CH over 3k...

This is with necked down LC brass and 200's... ETA: COAL 2.815"...

It can be done...

Hmm, how much R 17 are you lighting the 140s with?