I scratched a long time itch for a 7mm08 AI in the classifieds this evening and now I need some load data.

loads and velocities for anything will be appreciated but I really hope to shoot 120 noslers and 162 amax/elds so loads for those weights would be great.

Thanks

I will look at my 120 BT load tomorrow as I don't remember the data off the top of my head.

I settled on the 140 VLD's at 2950 fps. Lapua brass, 210M, and 44g of Varget. I might have left some speed on the table but it shot too good to chase those last fps.

Enjoy that AI.

David

Thanks David, looking forward to hearing the 120 grain load.

I will grab it tonight PST. I was running late this morning and totally forgot to look at it.

David

I just found my load data in a picture. 120 BT, 210m, 46.6g Varget, 3139 FPS. I did not do a ton of work up on with the BT'S. I know I could have gone up a little with the Varget but again it was shooting tiny little groups.

I hope this helps

David

Thanks

Anybody else have some data to share?

46.2 grns RL17, F210 primer, 150grn Scenar L, COAL 2.795, Norma brass, 2900 fps in my 23", 8" twist barrel. I've killed 3 deer and 1 medium sow with this load - devastating performance, always get an exit and impressive blood trail.

145 LRX, 47.2 RL17, F210, COAL 2.795, Norma brass, 2925fps. Just completed load work on this round, extremely accurate in my rifle. Haven't taken any game with it yet.

I have some 162 ELDX's, haven't done any load work yet.

David

thanks David

I might try some 150 scenars if I can't get 162 Hornadys to shoot

I have loaded for the 7-08ai for the past 8-10 years, but I'm snow birding it right now in AZ and don't have access to my load book. A good place to start is with one gr below the standard 7-08 book max and work up from there.

I've used a ton of 120 gr loads - in both the NBT and the TTSX. I know 45.5 and 46.0 gr Varget loads were very accurate in my wife's 7-08ai with both bullets. Velocities in her 24" barreled rifle were a little over 3100 fps.

You can get greater velocity with Big Game, CFE-223 and 2000-MR if that is your goal. I stay within 50-75 fps of a book max for the std round, but I'm pretty conservative. Great, efficient all-around cartridge.

For a gander, look at Nosler's data for the 7-08. Thinking 50fps for the increased capacity of the 08 case to AI is about max, keeping an equivalent range of pressure to the standard 7-08.

Nosler uses a 26" barrel for their testing of the standard 7-08. Their figures would make a conservative estimate for 7-08AI velocities with a 24" barrel. As well, for the 7x57 as capacity is similar to the 7-08AI. Again, at equivalent pressure.

For extrapolating to other barrel lengths, Berger's manual gives 21fps per inch as the estimate for a longer or shorter barrel for the 7-08.

A 7-08AI twisted so, and with some magazine room for the 162 amax, looks compelling to me for distance shooting as others have said. Am in process of shaking out same in a particular 24" 7x57.