Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Load data 7mm08 120 TTSX?

I wanted to check what is max using Big Game and 120 TTSX. I found 120 Nosler BT was 52.0 max. My understanding is that the TTSX creates less pressure? Is this max ok for 120 TTSX? I will work up obviously but wanted to check if you guys had used this? Thanks

I asked Pharmseller the same question a few years back and his response was that he remembered his max with the 120TTSX as being a couple grains lighter than the 120NBT load, and the speed was a bit lower as well. He was using 51.5gr with a magnum primer and the 120NBT for 3,100+ in a factory Tikka. The rifle I was working with wound up preferring CFE223 over Big Game, although I continue to burn Big Game in other chamberings.

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Pharmseller has sold a lot of BG. I even got a big jug.

I like it in the ‘06, 7-08, .308. I’ve used the classic RL-15 in my .375 H&H, but have read that BG works well there, too. May need to try it.

DF

Im heading to range in a bit. Loaded 50 to 52 grains of BG. If it doesn't do well. Im going to use Varget. Not running mag primers.

Why are you not looking on the Barnes site? They have free data that you can save and also print off. Works like a champ... Also, Barnes starts listing big game powder in the 140gr bullets. Maybe they thought RL15, Varget, H4895, IMR4064 and CFE223 powders to work better than big game for the 120. Just a thunk. I'm having a hard time believing you don't have any of those powders on hand.... I figured most guys here do. If it were me, I'd try some RL15 and use H4895 as a back up plan. I'm pretty damned sure you'd find a damn good load with RL15 though.. If not, I'd be looking into why the rifle is a turd..

RL15 is your friend with 120's

No RL 15, its hard to get here. Have varget on hand. Thought i would try Big Game for the heck of it. Not alot of experience reloading Barnes. I checked Barnes but they did not show data for 120 TTSX with BG as you mentioned.

If you have CFE 223 that worked well in my 7mm-08. Start around 45.5/46 gr and work up.

Thanks Dean. Big Game was safe in my rifle at max. 50.5 was most accurate. I need to work on seating depth with the barnes TTSX. I tried 2. 747 COAL. Think I need to seat deeper?

https://i.postimg.cc/v8rrdVNg/20210301-182221.jpg

49.5 grains BG got me 3050 fps and great accuracy. Winchester Large Rifle Magnum primer. Low ES, around 20. Tikka stainless, so 22 1/2” barrel. Much more got me ejector marks.

51.5 grains BG with 120 BT got me 3126 fps and even better accuracy. Same primer.

2.805” COAL for both.




P

I got good accuracy with Varget but much lower velocities.

Thanks Pharm. Haven't tried the BT yet. I will try with 120 TTSX some more. Im using a big horn action so no pressure issues im seeing with upper BG loads. The most accurate was 50.5 but i will try your recommended 49.5.

Are you looking for the best speed or accuracy. Good luck with BG.

300 yard target with Re-15
I realize you're using a 120 TTSX though... it's worth a try if you can find Re-15

I load to find velocity and stop when I see pressure signs or no change in velocity with charge increases. Then I back off and change seating depth to find accuracy. Sometimes you top out in velocity and increased charges don’t result in increased velocity, sometimes you get pressure signs first.

Awesome shooting. Accuracy first then speed for me!

I've used Big Game and 120 TTSX in 4 different 7mm-08s.

2 guns were running about 3150fps and sub moa with 50.5 grains.

1 gun was 3125fps at 50 grains and +/-moa. 50.5 was nearly 3180 and appeared to be too hot with tough extraction.

1 gun was 3000fps and sub moa with 50.5gr (20" barrel). I intend to work up more on this one, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

So....in summary I would work up carefully. Nosler's max of 52gr may be too much with TTSX in many rifles.

PS. With TTSX, you can almost always load them 0.05 off the lands and get good accuracy. For me that is usually about 2.81" in most of my rifles.

Thanks country! I need to chrono mine but believe they should be around 3100 fps. I want to try more experimenting with seating as well. Should make a decent all around load for my use.

Big Game is your Huckleberry!