Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats 7mm-08 build

I called Jon Beanland about doing a 7mm08 build for me. Going with a bartlein barrel 21 or 22" triggertech, bighorn action, bottlm metal. Need suggestions for stock, paint scheme. Thinking Mcmillan or Manners. Which twist rate for 140 grain bullets? Using this for elk, black bear, and deer primarily. Thanks

1/9 will be plenty sufficient....
What barrel contour?

3 contour I knew i forgot something

Still need to decide a stock, any recommendations?

A 2B is the heaviest barrel you can use for a Manners UC, so it’s out.

That would eliminate Manners for me because I don’t care for stiffling.

For the excellent McMillan offerings I would pick McMillan Classic.

9 twist is fine for 140s. I would get an 8-twist in case I ever wanted to shoot heavier bullets but that’s just me.

Manners EH3 is a peach.

Change your contour to a 2B (plenty stout) then use the Manners UC...
Honestly you’ll be happier.......

Hmmmmm. Any particular reason?

This is what I would do.

Yep

Jon built me 2 almost identical 7MM-08's a few years ago - both where nice as to be expected from Jon. I went with a McMillan Classic Edge on both - one a BDL and one a ADL other than that they where the same. Both Brux #3 contour finished @ 22.5", fluted, 1-9" twist. I've also done a Bart 2b in a Classic Edge, when I do another I'll likely do a Classic Edge/Bart 2b fluted and 1-8" twist. Jon is a heck of a nice guy and does fantastic work.

A Bart 3 is purty heavy for my taste in a packing rifle too, but to each his own.

Got a #2 Sporter Hawk Hill 1-8" coming for my son's 7-08.
It's a 700 in a Hunters edge ADL, timney, milled follower with a 3-9x conquest right now. Smallest Shawn would do so sticking with it. Cut it at 20" and threaded.

Yep, I like a lighter rifle these days. This ones easy on the eyes

If it helps any, a HH #2 is heavier than a Rem sporter, and a Bart 3 is heavier than that.

I’ve got a Bart #3 and a Classic on order. For me, I think it will be about right for an all-arounder. I seem to be in the minority here, most prefer a lighter barrel.

I like a little extra contour myself, as long as I’m not packing a long ways in steep country.

Do you have a target weight in mind?

I’d rather have short and fat than long and skinny......








That came out wrong...

I didn't build this one, traded for it. I sold the McM Hunter stock that came with it. Got a Hunter's Edge unpainted from Rick here at the Fire Store, did the glass work, sent it back for paint. Has a Timney 501 Was built by Bobby Hart.

Hart barrel with Rem sporter contour, 23". 7-08 and very accurate. Packs well, shoots even better. Right now, it's my fav deer rifle. Have posted this before. https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/14399024/1

DF

Shaen put together one real similar to that for me and it is quickly becoming a favorite.

Jon recommended it to me.

What's your target weight?

DF

Here is the 1st one Jon built, Brux #3 @ 22.5 with a short shank. Classic Edge.

Nice Oregon! Cant wait for mine. Would you recommend a 1-9 or 1-8 twist. How does your 1-9 shoot, what grain bullets are you running?

Df I was trying for 7.5lbs but think I will be closer to 8.5lbs?

Mine as posted is 7 # 14 oz with Conquest. With the Edge fill stock it seems to have forward balance, which adds to its positive handling characteristics.

DF

Agree!

Its a 1-9" - I no longer own that one but when I did I mostly shot either 140 grain or really I like the 120 grain Nosler Ballistic tips for my hunting. The next one though will be a 1-8".

Perfection in so many ways. Nicely done.

Have both 2b and #3 and the 2b is perfect for a carry rifle , the #3 is just heavier than I would want to pack, from a blind both would work the 2b still has plenty of weight for any Lr type of hunting or shooting!

Not sure how the Rem Std. contour shakes out in this discussion, but in the Hart built rifle I posted, it seems about right. Some forward heft with the Edge stock, but very easy packing.

DF

Jon knows what makes a rifle shoot well. He recommended a #3 to me for my hunting rig and I have no regrets. I’ve been through many barrel contours and the Bartlein #3 is the lightest I’ve been able to get to shoot to my satisfaction, including 3 different 2Bs. My Beanland built hunting rig is pictured below. Have no idea what it weighs but did carry it for miles and miles in pretty steep terrain on my son’s and my DIY Caribou hunt. Not once did I wish my rifle was lighter but I wished many times I was in better shape!😂😂. The McMillan Carbon Ambush stocks are nice. Mine is the Desert Carbon Ambush Game Scout with the adjustable comb. If you don’t want the weight of an adjustable comb, I’d go with an EH-3.

John

Well if Jon or Shaen builds it, you'll be just fine. I'd grab a HH #2, but just because the last 3 have been very good for me. And a bit easier packing. Stock would be McMillan Classic, Compact, or Mountain rifle depending on which felt better to you. Going to be a sweet rig for you.

It’s not hard to build a good 7/08 and I stick with my recommendation to go with a 2B. It’s still heavier than a Rem 700 magnum contour. It’s more like most everybody’s #3 or 3.5....

Rem 700 SA...
Rock Creek Rem Mag dupe cut at 20"... 1/8.5 twist...
Manners Superlite…
PTG DBM...

Here is a Bartlein 2b for reference - its cut @ 22.5" with a short 3/4" shank. Should of kept this one but sold it

I know that feeling ALL TOO WELL...grin...

Lots of nice rifles in this thread...yall need to stop before I start ordering more parts.

I had a 7mm/08 built 12 months ago. 1984 Rem 700 action with 23"bbl, Timney 510 trigger and B&C stock. All in "old school" high gloss finish. Only use 140 Accubonds and 47gns RL17 for 2870fps.

Classy looking rifle.

Obviously this wasn't the smith's first bedding job. That looks great. Who did it?

My 7mm-08 is a bartlein #3 with 1/9 twist. It shoots the 140gr well. Finally took it hunting this year with good success.

Josh you are a very attractive young lady congrats.

Here come teh Frud....

Are rock creek Remingtons good ?

Saaay Whaaaat!

Yeah, Josh looks amazing in heels and his turnout gear...Total stunner. 👠👙👗😂😎

That's got to be the best looking bedding job I've ever seen.

Nice rifle.

On Contours and Twists...an 8 twist is my go to in 6 and 6.5s, but in 7mm, I think 9 is right....unless you shoot 162-180s often. A 9 will do the 162s no sweat. I say 9 b/c I have shot 1/2", yes, and more than once, at 200 yds, with a 100, yes one hundred grain Hornady HP, as well as 139s and 140s in one hole at 100......in OEM 700s, factory chamber/twist. They use 9.25 and/or 9.5" so 9 is plenty for MOST work, whether 100 up to 162s.

The 8 and 8.5 will get you in the game with the latest 180s and I suppose the 175 ABLR if you want to drive heavies with the 08 case.

Contour...my fave has been, a Model 7 XCR which many know as a fluted magnum contour..chopped at 20" - my latest a 6.5x47 uses a light palma which was chopped from 22.5 to 20 or 20.5, and fluted by Kampfeld. Feels RIGHT. But its a stubby.

I agree with many here on the 2B...I had 2 custom 700s, Magnum contour at 23-24" and they were a bit heavy. IIRC they are similar to the #3 Bart I was considered, who did the barrels.

So 2B, 9t would be my go to, and 22.5" is a good length, I think OregonMuley has worked it all out after many builds. Fluting - I think looks good and does not hurt accuracy enough to make any difference on a hunting rifle. I've not seen any issues myself.....my 47 bug-holes........

Are you planning on shooting mono's out of it? If yes, get the 8" twist. Really no reason not to go 8" regardless. Faster twist opens doors and shuts none. With todays bullets there is no reason to go with a slower twist.

David

You may want to take a look at the Bartlein # 0 contour. I used this on my last build finished at 21.5" and I really like it. I used a McMillan Sako Classic in edge and I achieved exactly what I was looking for.

Link to pics: https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/galleries/14420489/custom-257-rbts

Tag. Been thinking about the Bartlein zero contour

Nice gun CRoy.

I like that Sako Classic Edge

Same here. Real danged nice.

Haha.... So who the [bleep] is "CaptArab"?

Sorry been without internet for a few days. Thank you for all the suggestions. Im going to check into an 8 twist but wanted to shoot mostly 140 grain bullets. I will go with a #3 barrel. I have plans for another build down the road. Farthest shot would be 500 yards. Still undecided on stock.

LMFAo
Proof checks all those boxes.

Who’s frud? You seem paranoid. Eat a snickers Betty White!

Will a 8 twist shoot 140 accurately? What would be an ideal long range bullet and weight?

If a 9 will spin a 100 as accurately as it did in my 700V, no doubt an 8 will do just fine with any 140s......there are 3 things to think about.

First let me say I have always been fast twist guy. Yet I think there IS a point of diminishing returns in many things.

1) Increase twists substantially and it can lead to a slight increase in pressure, odds are the fouling will increase slightly, and a Decrease in speed. It all depends on caliber, bullet weight used, case capacity, barrel quality, etc. These are perhaps subtle differences, but let's just say I never had great accuracy 7RM with 140s, EVERY 7RM I have used preferred 150s or higher. That was factory twist, from 9 - 9.5.

Folks who are or have used 8 or 8.5 can tell you........but if you are using an 8 with 140s in a 7/08, I think you will be completely fine. Likely a non-issue. I do not believe you will have any INCREASE in accuracy over a 9......but that's just my .02

Yes...

I’ve owned and/or loaded for 7/08s in 8, 8.5, 9, and 9.5 twist. All have had zero issues shooting the 140-162/168 class bullets. I played with the 180 ELDMs in the 8 and 8.5 twist barrels as well. Honestly a crap shoot there if it’s going to offer sufficient stability in all weather conditions.

Not sure what constitutes long range to you or the intended use, but a 162 ELDM out of a 7/08 would be hard to beat. The old school 162 AMaxes, 7/08 combo is still one of my favorites.

But with that said IMO you need to be running in a DBM with binderless mags to get the COAL where you need it.

I agree, having shot a bit of 'heavies' - IMHO 162 is about the high end, for most 7/08s, lest one have a longer barrel, and set up for it specifically, and in that case the 280 and AI as well as other cases that size or larger would be preferable to get the speed needed for trajectory. If not over 400 yds, I would not use over 140 myself on deer sized game. Even a good 120 BT or 130 Speer will get it done, perhaps not as ideal.

Just me, but on Elk or longer shots, a 150 BT, or 162 would be good. If in open country and IF many shots were say 300-500 for the OP, and on deer, I would try Berger 140s, a softer bullet is no big handicap on broadside shots on deer at reduced speeds on longer shots. The 140 BT and AB would certainly be 2 top choices for me. I know what a 140 BT will do from a 7 TCU handgun, around 2000 fps impact on deer. It works. Expands and penetrates. Run that thru a calculator to see how far your 7/08 with 2850 or 2900 will give you.......

The 7/08 was designed around a 140, personally I think a 150 betters it, and if accurate would run a 150 BT over 140s or 162s, that said the 140 AB is where I would start with any 7/08, for game thru Elk. A 150 PT would perhaps be a hair better. Shot placement will decide more than bullet choice with today's 140-162 class hunting bullets. I tend to pick shot placement on bullet construction and anticipated impact speed. Monos like higher speed and bone helps peel them back. Softer bullets like an SST or BT are better for lung shots and longer distances IMHO.

Many GOOD options to choose from.....

I contacted Bartlein and was told that F Class shooters are using 180 grain bullets in 1-9 twist. He recommended a 9 twist. So I will give that a try.

Good luck!

Thanks, I m pretty confident Jon will build me a shooter.

Let us know how the 180s treat you when you get a chance to spend some time with them.

Will do. This rifle will be mostly for hunting. Wont be putting many heavies through it. I think 500 yards is the furthest. I do have a few hundred 162 AMAX I got from a 7 rem mag I had. Good excuse to fire them off.

Here is Oregonmuley’s second Beanland. Might have to send it back to Jon to re-inlet the ADL stock for an APA DBM. And maybe thread it...

Look at that, a 7-08 killed an elk.

I knew it.

Thanks for sharing.

Nice kimber7man!

Unpossible. That picture must be photoshopped or that elk was killed with another rifle and they just put that one on there for looks.

It is a well known Internet fact that anything less than a 200 grain .30 caliber bullet shot out of a .300 Winchester Magnum will completely bounce off of an elk.

Not just “a” 7-08.

Frank’s 7-08.... 😉

Glad it has been lucky for you, Jon does know how to build them right!!

150g Nosler LRAB likes to jump a LOT. This works hand in hand with the OAL of a Short action in 7/08. R#19 with a Win primer seals the deal!

Good to know

Geez I feel lucky, a 80 gr varmint bullet will make meat too....


For those so concerned, these were not high fenced, head in a grain bucket or tame, if that matters how tough they are... 😂😂

Didn’t know they made a 80gr 7mm bullet...

Where’s it say 7mm?

I figured you posting in a 7/08 build thread you had some SSSS 7mm 80 grainers you were showing off...

No no no, as posted, I felt extremely lucky to kill elk, not farmed, no grain or high fence with a 80.... so sorry for the confusion!! Carry on with the 7 oh 8!!!

LIKE...😎

Must be the Black Magic tape......did the trick. Blue must be for 270s

I built almost this exact rifle, patterned after GAP Nontypical. The only think I would change about it would be going with a slightly lighter contour barrel than a #3. I still LOVE the rifle, and so does everyone that’s shot it. It’s an absolute killing machine.

This site has cost me a few dollars now and then. I'm getting ready to start my second 7-08. One must enjoy life, it's always too short.
Take care

For some reason I called Rock Creek cause they had a 7mm 8 twist in stock. Gonna contour to their #2.

Thinking of sending it and my Fieldcraft 243 to Shaen to remake a 7mm08 or a 7SAW.

I have a #3Rock Creek in a Manners EH8 and it’s fantastic

One of he following:
80% Med Gray, 20% Light Gray
80% Med Gray, 20% Brown
80% Med Gray, 20% some sort of green
Have a model seven in 7mm08, would have 2 if i could talk my dad out of his. 😬😬

2b max 8 twist because there is no downside.

Bb