Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Marlin XS7 7mm08

My son has one of these and was wondering if anyone else has had a problem getting there's to get good groups. Seem 2 inches is the best we can do. Using Hornady 120 -139 grain bullets and lots of powder combos. The action has been glass bedded and barrel is free floated. Any suggestions? Than you all for any answers

With the 139 grain Hornady Bullet, try some 3031, sweet spot should be 38 to 40 grains...

Had a 7 x 57 Ruger that shot 5 inch groups with anything. 40 grains of 3031 and that 139 bullet ( or 140s) it would and still shoots 1/2 groups...
Don't ask me why.. it just worked so I've kept it right there...

the other alternative if you have any, same 139 or 140 grain bullet and 40 to 43.5 grains of 4064...

If neither work, sorry... but those was the two alternatives that tightened up groups dramatically for me in the Ruger 7 x 57, and a Howa 7/08.
so I am just passing it on...

I have to ask, how did it shoot before the glass bedding? Also was it not freefloated before? These rifles are usually tack drivers.

140 AccuBond or Partition
47.5 gr Big Game (max load, work up to it)
Magnum primer
2.805” COAL

I load for that exact rifle. I’ve found it shoots the 120 gr TTSX sub-moa when combined with 44 gr Rl-15. It performed equally well with Varget. I used large rifle primers for both.

It shot just about the same, it had small barrel pad molded into the stocks its completely free floated now

I would swap scopes as well. Never know .......may not be the ammo.

You asked for recommendations; while I don’t have the same model rifle in 7mm08, I can share what has been 1/4” accurate for me in other 7mm08 rifles.

Varget has been the most accurate with 120s; around 44.5 to 45.5 depending on the bullet / powder lot. 120 Nosler BTs at 2.800” and 44.5 have been single hole accurate for me.

H4350 has been the most accurate with 140 cup and cores (hornady interlock, Sierra GK or PH, PPU, etc); around 48.5 at 2.800”.

If the rifle wouldn’t shoot sub MOA with the above options, I’d sell the rifle. Life is too short to fiddle with an inaccurate barrel, and it’s not economical to re-barrel that rifle.

Marlin X series rifles are really hard to find in my area

This may or may not apply….I have the same rifle in .308 win. It only likes soft cup and core bullets. Core lokts shoot 1 moa with IMR 4064. Does not like “premium” bullets or solid copper bullets at all. It’s favorite are Sierra pro hunters. Might give them a try.

I have one in .308 and it likes cup and core bullets. I’ve shot some premiums bullets from it and whether factory or reloads, it does not like them.