I just picked up a Pro Hunter BBL 28" any thoughts on powder to get the most out of the extra length. I have not loaded for this round before so any suggestions would be appreciated. I will be using it for whitetail 300yds or under.

Whatever does best in the typical lengths will do best in your barrel. Besides, 300 yards and under is a chip shot for a short barreled 7mm08 on deer.

Nosler's test barrel was 26", Big Game gave them the best velocity.

It's all I use in 3 7mm-08s.





P

Thanks any thoughts on bullets for whitetails.

The 139 grain Interlock, plain non-SST version, knocks the hell out of them.

Big Game and the Nosler 120gr ballistic tip, a Killin combo

I'll second gemby58. Big Game or Varget and the 120NBT have killed lots of deer and hogs for me.

I would look at Reloder 16 and 17 with a 140 gr bullet of your choice.

All you need.








P

Pashooter - for real? A 28inch barrel? Would think it a bit cumbersome. Homesteader

Yes 28" but it's a Encore so not cumbersome at all. Thanks to all for the input. I will be trying out some of the suggested loads this week.I just picked up some Big Game will be making up loads this evening.

If you want to use a 140 Partition, the Nosler max of 47.5 grains (work up to it) of Big Game with a WLRM might be the ticket.





Keep us posted with your results.





P

You've been doing some good shooting, Pharmseller!

Do not overlook h380 powder. Especially with the 120 gr bullets. The 120gr barnes ttsx is trouble for any game on this continent.

I hit the range today with a bunch of 150 ELDX loads to try. The only one of note came in at .588, but it was windy as heck.





Hunter powder is your friend with the 150.





P

Big Game is very temp sensitive if you use any sort of a ballistic reticle. I quit using it in my 7-08 for that reason. I developed my load in spring at temps around +15c
and things were great, then shot it before a hunting trip in the fall when temps were below 0 and I lost 120 fps. That is fine if you use a straight duplex reticle and only shoot out to 200 yards.

Such has not been my experience.

Temperature stability is one reason I selected BG.





P

Yep.

I'd also shorten the barrel several inches, but that's just my 2 cents.

28" barrel on an Encore is equivalent to 24" on a bolt action. Never heard that a 24" barrel on a bolt is too long.

Taz,

I haven't handled an Encore. Trimming the barrel might mess up the balance. That said, I have hunted deer in woods and found a short rifle to be advantage, and the OP is listed in Pennsylvania.

Yep, and the Encore with a long barrel is still shorter than most bolt actions.