Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Reloader 17 as a replacement for Big Game in 7mm-08

Thanks JB,
I'm new to reloading so all the help I can get is really appreciated. Do you have any hints for the 140 TTSX in terms of powders?

Thanx

Charlie

H380 and tsx,s work great in the wifes ruger 7-08 and my custom 7-08. When I do my part half inch groups are the norm.

Charlie,

I prefer Big Game with the 140 TTSX, because the bullet is so long compresses powders like H4350 (or RL-17) a LOT. Big Game's just about a perfect fit, but W760/H414 will also work.

Pharmseller - have you tried Varget and IMR4064?

My Go to was 45.0 of either with 139/140s, 139s almost as accurate as NBTs, and 4064 edging out Varget in accuracy. Speeds about identical. My load was about 1 grain over original book max IIRC, using RP brass. Never blew a primer, but I would start at 42/43 and work up. I partial sized brass.

When seated to lands, my 700V shot one hole 5 shot groups.

Later that and another 24" BDL SS were chopped to 21" - speeds were around 2960, my 20" M70 PF Syn shot 2850.

If loading today, I would go with WW brass for capacity and quality, holds about 1.5 gr more IIRC. Also, the NAB would be my go to bullet, and IMR4064 - always a tad more accurate IME.

Used 47 Varget w/120s for 3050-3100 in 21" guns, and same charge with 100 Hornady HPs shot 1/2-5/8" in my 700V - at 200 yds for 3 shot groups. Again, RP brass - which was the not the best. Never clocked the 100s but suspect they were 3200+

In a 21-23" bbl - My target speeds would be 2850-2900 w/139-140s - 3-3100 w/120s. Accuracy and safety would be first as always.

Thanks for the post.
I tried Varget at 42 (book max) and 43 grains. I started to see ejector marks at 43 and didn't get that much more velocity. Even over book max the loads weren't as fast as BG.



P

Gotcha, I believe the "book max" I had was from the earliest editions of the Accurate manuals. Your T3 throat is likely shorter than my former 700s. I believe it's been dropped a hair. If you are using RP brass, consider WW as it holds more, FC holds less, etc. Might be a small difference in what your potential is, but it sounds like you are where you want to be.

This is not in reference to the 7mm-08 but to RL-17. I found that VV N-550 is a good substute for RL-17, charge weights vary and top velocities are a bit lower , however, ES is much reduced with 550.

N-550 may be worth a look for your application.