7mm08 bullet selection - 24hourcampfire

What would be your bullet selection for elk for a 24 inch barrel 7mm08?

150GR Nosler Partition

Anything premium/bonded/mono from 120-150 gr that your gun shoots well. Standard cup and core will obviously kill an elk as well, but by going to a more engineered bullet I can go down a bit in weight and gain some velocity. From a 24" barrel you ought to be able to get around 3100 fps out of the 120 gr Barnes TTSX which I know first hand will kill an elk just right now. By contrast a 150 gr bullet would be going around 2800 fps.

Thanks I haven't thought of that one.

So a 140ttsx at 2850 would be a good selection?

I wouldn't care for a mono bullet in a 7MM-08. Still feel they are more for the RUMs of the gun world than the slower calibers. In my 18" barreled Ruger, I load 140 grain Partitions to almost 2800 fps using H4350 or Big Game.

Originally Posted by JP_Lucas

So a 140ttsx at 2850 would be a good selection?

Yes, and the 120 TTSX at 3000+ may be even better.

Originally Posted by Jordan Smith

Originally Posted by JP_Lucas

So a 140ttsx at 2850 would be a good selection?

Yes, and the 120 TTSX at 3000+ may be even better.

What Jordan said.

I watched my 12 yo son dump the biggest cow you've ever seen in your life with a 120 TTSX at 3000 out of a little Model 7.

Dave

You can see the entrance wound right on the "point" of the shoulder. It punched through that shoulder like it wasn't there and kept on trucking out the other side.

[Linked Image]

There isn't an elk walking that wouldn't fall to a well-placed 120 TTSX from a 7-08.

Dave

That's an awesome pic.

Originally Posted by JGRaider

That's an awesome pic.

Thanks man. He's a little older (15 now), and a little more seasoned. He hunted his tail off for that first cow though, and it was one of the greatest moments of my life to share the moment with him.

This one from last year didn't suck either, though I wish he would have smiled more instead of trying to look like a tough guy. The boy has endured some suffering to learn how to hunt the "right" way, but its also paid some dividends for him along the way for sure.

[Linked Image]

For the record, while the 120 TTSX didn't account for this bull, it turned out the lights on several other elk and deer along the way.

Dave

140 accubond, 120/140 TTSX, 140 partition

140 or 160 NAB, 140, 150, or 160 NP, or 140, 150, 160 NBT.

Me, I’ve only used the 150 NBT. The 150 NP would be my first choice.

A 120 TTSX worked for these two this year. It went through both shoulders of the cow.
[Linked Image]

Mine would be the TTSX, either weight. I assume sub-400 yard shots?

120 BT or 140 NP

140 accubond or partition would be my pick. It looks like I might need to give those 120 ttsx a go. Those are some impressive results

140 Partition and forget about it.

Yes 300 yards or less. Sounds like the partition would be a good choice. I may even use a 140 partition in my Swede.

Oh boy! I load for 4 7mm-08s, all Tikkas, all stainless T3s. Two are Superlites. 22 1/2" barrels. Photobucket won't let me post pics and the Fire doesn't use Tapatalk so I can't include pics.

All loads safe in my rifles, not yours, start low and work up.

First, get some Big Game, and get more than you think you'll need. Get some Winchester Large Rifle Magnum primers, too. All my recipes use them.

150 ELDX
46.2 gr Big Game
2.156" from the ogive, right about 2.821" overall
2790 fps and half minute or so. This load killed 3 of our 5 bucks this year, fork, 3x3, 4x3. Nothing needed a second shot and the farthest recovery was 30 yards. My nephew used this load on a 6x5 bull at 407 yards.

140 Accubond
47.5 gr Big Game
2.229" from the ogive, right at 2.806" overall
2850, again half minute or so. One of our bucks this year, neck shot, DRT. My dad also used this load two years ago on a big 5x5 bull, 225 yards, one shot above the heart, 30 yard recovery. I shot an antelope buck in 2014 with this load, 303 yards, DRT and exit. There have been others.

140 Partition
47.5 gr Big Game
2.262" from the ogive, right at 2.806" overall. This was my pet load until the ELDX shot so well in a different rifle I just had to try it.
2875, cloverleaf. Killed a 4x4 bull a few years ago, close shot so no test, DRT. Shot a spike bull a couple of years ago at 346 yards, DRT and exit. Killed a big bodied fork last year at 541 yards, DRT and exit. There have been others.

I tried the 120 Ballistic Tips and they shot very well at 3126 fps. 2.231" from the ogive, 2.803" overall, 51.5 gr Big Game. Used this bullet with a reduced recoil load for my boy, 2600 fps or so, mature blacktail buck, DRT and exit but a surprising amount of bloodshot. Keep us posted on your results.

P

I'd load up a 140 gr Swift A-Frame.

Nozler 160 AB..........

I have used that bullet to very good effect out of a .280 Rem. but what advantage do you see in going that heavy for a 7-08?

slow & steady..........

fast & flippant...

our deer/elk are bigger in central Utah

154gr sst

Originally Posted by utah708

Anything premium/bonded/mono from 120-150 gr that your gun shoots well. Standard cup and core will obviously kill an elk as well, but by going to a more engineered bullet I can go down a bit in weight and gain some velocity. From a 24" barrel you ought to be able to get around 3100 fps out of the 120 gr Barnes TTSX which I know first hand will kill an elk just right now. By contrast a 150 gr bullet would be going around 2800 fps.

This pretty much sums it up.

140 Sierra Gameking has served me well!

On how many elk? Cows or big bulls?

Originally Posted by JP_Lucas

What would be your bullet selection for elk for a 24 inch barrel 7mm08?

150gr Partiton would be my first choice.

A number of other premiums, TTSX, E-Tip, North Fork......

Thanks for the suggestions. Has anyone used the 145 grain speer grand slam?

I recently picked up some 140 gr Federal Trophy Bonded Tipped bullets that look interesting. As soon as the holidays are over, I'm going to give them a try...on paper anyway. The old TBBC's had a pretty good following and the new tipped version is suppose to be similarly constructed.

Originally Posted by Biggs300

I recently picked up some 140 gr Federal Trophy Bonded Tipped bullets that look interesting. As soon as the holidays are over, I'm going to give them a try...on paper anyway. The old TBBC's had a pretty good following and the new tipped version is suppose to be similarly constructed.

This bullet has my interest as well. Looks like it could be a winner from a design standpoint and the price is right.

A lot of guys are recommending bullets that they haven't killed elk with. I will recommend the 154 Hornady Interlock and the 150 Partition as both being the best elk bullets I have used and seen used in the 7mm-08. I have killed or let other use my rifle to kill a dozen bulls with the inexpensive 154 grain Hornady. I'm not sure it is any better than the Partition but it is half the price and just as accurate. I am sure there are other good bullets to use too.

I killed over 100 coyotes with my 7mm-08, mostly using 110 grain TnTs and 120 grain Ballistic Tips. That rifle got lots of exercise.

A correctly placed shot using any 120gn - 150gn bullet will get the job done.

Originally Posted by iddave

Originally Posted by JGRaider

That's an awesome pic.

Thanks man. He's a little older (15 now), and a little more seasoned. He hunted his tail off for that first cow though, and it was one of the greatest moments of my life to share the moment with him.

This one from last year didn't suck either, though I wish he would have smiled more instead of trying to look like a tough guy. The boy has endured some suffering to learn how to hunt the "right" way, but its also paid some dividends for him along the way for sure.

[Linked Image]

For the record, while the 120 TTSX didn't account for this bull, it turned out the lights on several other elk and deer along the way.

Dave

Where's the "like" button on this thing?

Originally Posted by Biggs300

I recently picked up some 140 gr Federal Trophy Bonded Tipped bullets that look interesting. As soon as the holidays are over, I'm going to give them a try...on paper anyway. The old TBBC's had a pretty good following and the new tipped version is suppose to be similarly constructed.

I bought a 7mm-08 not too long ago. I bought it as a deer rifle with the thought in the back of my mind that I may check an elk hunt off my bucket list one day. When I ordered my bullets for it I ordered 3 140 grain bullets. I got ABLRs with the thought that bullet would be my accuracy load. I also bought some Partitions and some Trophy Bonded Tipped. I know the Partition gets it done but wanted another "stout" bullet in the event the Partitions couldn't be coaxed into good groups. Like you I was a bit intrigued by the construction of the TBT. I have no doubts it'll penetrate, expand and leave a large wound channel.

Originally Posted by dennisinaz

A lot of guys are recommending bullets that they haven't killed elk with.

Including me.

It's no stretch to recommend a 150 Partition or 140 Accubond if a 150 Ballistic Tip has worked well for you from a 7-08.

Ditto extrapolating from experiences with the same bullet make but from other cartridges.

Hit correctly, elk aren't especially hard to kill IME.

Originally Posted by PaulBarnard

Where's the "like" button on this thing?

+1

In 7-08 I've got an 84M Montana, 700 SS Mountain Rifle, M70 Ranger Youth, and a SS M7. All of them allow me to run the same POI/POA with 120gn V-max/TSX @ 3050fps out to 600+. I run my tables for the TSX and I "cheat" a touch extra elevation/windage for the V-max. The V-max gives such a nice satisfying audible "Whack" on a steel target, along with blowing off enough paint that you're darned sure where you're hitting. I'll fuss and fret about the wind on a given day with the V-max then when I figure I have a handle on the conditions for a given day, I'll shoot the TSX to verify things are working as they should. The TSX doesn't give nearly as dramatic visual or audible effect on the steel, so I volume shoot the V-max, partly for the effect, and partly because its significantly less expensive than the TSX and still teaches me what I need to know.

No, I haven't used the 120's to kill an elk, but, I've killed enough elk myself and been in on enough others to know that they'd work just dandy.

Don't know how you could possibly go wrong with a 7-08/140 PT or AB @2800 fps. No, I haven't killed an elk with it, but a literal crapload of aoudad with it.

I concur with the above post, in the 7-08, a 140 nosler AB in that 2800-2900 fps range is tough on elk. I've personally shot 13 with the 7-08 and AB 140's, my wife has killed 2 and my brother 2 as well. Shots from 70-629 yards, have caught a few, but most have exited.

I've also shot another 11 elk with the 160 AB from my 7 RM at 2970 FPS, pretty much the same story, caught a couple, but most exited...from 25-620 yards..

The bullet I was most surprised with lately on elk is the 120 grain ballistic tip out of the 7-08 at around 2850...pretty impressive performance.

The 120 NBT has a lot of fans. And I think it’ll run closer to 3K fps.

For WT’s etc., I’m using it.

For elk, not sure what I’d go with.

DF

Oh yeah, easily get 3K out of the 120's...

I loaded up some 120's for my nephew who just started hunting last year with a starting load of H380...shoots about 2850 and has very little recoil.

He isn't a real big kid, so I was concerned about recoil for him.

Even at only 2850, the 120 BT performed very well on his first elk. Broke the near shoulder, through the heart, and recovered the bullet just under the hide behind the far shoulder. Probably retained 50-60% of its weight.

It also worked very well on 2 deer and a pronghorn for him this year too...

140 Partition for me in both my 7-08 & 7X57. My nephew used a 140 gr TSX with lots of success in African last year on lots of plains game.

My 7-08 is a recent acquisition from a trade, a Bobby Hart built M-700 sporter, now with a Hunters Edge.

I didn't have time to work up loads, got some Nosler 120 NBT factory ammo. It shoots sub-inch, so that's my ammo for this season, will work up loads later.

Factory ammo has gotten so good, one has to work to reload better stuff. Back when I started reloading, it was easy to load better stuff than you could buy. Not so much these days. I've seen that with the 6.5 CM. Most any factory ammo I've tried in that one, a M-700/Shilen, shoots very tight groups, nothing over an inch, most well under an inch.

"Good ole days" weren't as good as now...

DF

To keep things easy for my wife/kids I have three 7MM-08s that all shoot the same load. 140g accubond over Varget at near book max. Rather than tailor loads and switch between "deer" and "elk" loads, if a rifle won't shoot that within reasonable accuracy I send it down the road. The 140 AB seems to be a nice do-all combination. Plenty adequate for anything Montana has to offer within reasonable ranges IMO. Elk, deer, and antelope all made it into the freezer this year compliments of the 140 AB.

Originally Posted by Pharmseller

Oh boy! I load for 4 7mm-08s, all Tikkas, all stainless T3s. Two are Superlites. 22 1/2" barrels. Photobucket won't let me post pics and the Fire doesn't use Tapatalk so I can't include pics.

All loads safe in my rifles, not yours, start low and work up.

First, get some Big Game, and get more than you think you'll need. Get some Winchester Large Rifle Magnum primers, too. All my recipes use them.

150 ELDX
46.2 gr Big Game
2.156" from the ogive, right about 2.821" overall
2790 fps and half minute or so. This load killed 3 of our 5 bucks this year, fork, 3x3, 4x3. Nothing needed a second shot and the farthest recovery was 30 yards. My nephew used this load on a 6x5 bull at 407 yards.

140 Accubond
47.5 gr Big Game
2.229" from the ogive, right at 2.806" overall
2850, again half minute or so. One of our bucks this year, neck shot, DRT. My dad also used this load two years ago on a big 5x5 bull, 225 yards, one shot above the heart, 30 yard recovery. I shot an antelope buck in 2014 with this load, 303 yards, DRT and exit. There have been others.

140 Partition
47.5 gr Big Game
2.262" from the ogive, right at 2.806" overall. This was my pet load until the ELDX shot so well in a different rifle I just had to try it.
2875, cloverleaf. Killed a 4x4 bull a few years ago, close shot so no test, DRT. Shot a spike bull a couple of years ago at 346 yards, DRT and exit. Killed a big bodied fork last year at 541 yards, DRT and exit. There have been others.

I tried the 120 Ballistic Tips and they shot very well at 3126 fps. 2.231" from the ogive, 2.803" overall, 51.5 gr Big Game. Used this bullet with a reduced recoil load for my boy, 2600 fps or so, mature blacktail buck, DRT and exit but a surprising amount of bloodshot. Keep us posted on your results.

I'll try these loads, I have two 7-08's that I load the 120 bt in but leave a lot of bloodshot.. going to try the 140 accubond

P

Wife has killed two bull elk with a 7-08ai running close to standard 7-08 loads. She used a 140 TSX and a 120 gr TTSX. Both worked, but I'd not hesitate to use a 140 gr AB or NPT, or the TBT. All should work. I know the 150 gr NPT out of a 7wsm works perfectly.

I bought a box of those 150 Hornady ELDX's and will be testing those with IMR 4350 and Ramshot Big Game.

my recipe of 150 BT's and 4350 are already delivering really good groups, but I have time to fiddle with alternatives in the off season.... and so it is with Rifle Loony's.

Always gotta fiddle with it....

Originally Posted by chlinstructor

140 Partition for me in both my 7-08 & 7X57. My nephew used a 140 gr TSX with lots of success in African last year on lots of plains game.

I'm getting nice groups from a Winchester M70 FWT in 7x57 with the 150 gr. Nosler PT. Velocity is 2710 FPS average with 26 FPS ES. I've been thinking of using it for my elk hunt this year. Just a bit nervous as I've used a .35 Whelen for all but two elk. The concensus seems to be it'll work but I'm not all that sure. What say you?
Paul B.

Originally Posted by PJGunner

Originally Posted by chlinstructor

140 Partition for me in both my 7-08 & 7X57. My nephew used a 140 gr TSX with lots of success in African last year on lots of plains game.

I'm getting nice groups from a Winchester M70 FWT in 7x57 with the 150 gr. Nosler PT. Velocity is 2710 FPS average with 26 FPS ES. I've been thinking of using it for my elk hunt this year. Just a bit nervous as I've used a .35 Whelen for all but two elk. The concensus seems to be it'll work but I'm not all that sure. What say you?
Paul B.

I don’t think it will. The bullet may penetrate the hide, but just barely.

Originally Posted by Billy_Goat

I bought a box of those 150 Hornady ELDX's and will be testing those with IMR 4350 and Ramshot Big Game.

my recipe of 150 BT's and 4350 are already delivering really good groups, but I have time to fiddle with alternatives in the off season.... and so it is with Rifle Loony's.

Always gotta fiddle with it....

Read my earlier post for load data with 150 ELDX and Big Game. I was very impressed with the performance on three bucks and one bull this year.

P

I have witnessed two cow elk shot with 7-08's.
Friends daughter with 140gr NP @ 2750fps=dead elk Weatherby youth rifle with 20" barrel.
Another friends wife with 154gr Hornady @ 2600 fps= dead elk Winchester classic compact with 20' barrel.

Originally Posted by CRS

I have witnessed two cow elk shot with 7-08's.
Friends daughter with 140gr NP @ 2750fps=dead elk Weatherby youth rifle with 20" barrel.
Another friends wife with 154gr Hornady @ 2600 fps= dead elk Winchester classic compact with 20' barrel.

It's the where, more than the with what.

P

Originally Posted by Pharmseller

Originally Posted by CRS

I have witnessed two cow elk shot with 7-08's.
Friends daughter with 140gr NP @ 2750fps=dead elk Weatherby youth rifle with 20" barrel.
Another friends wife with 154gr Hornady @ 2600 fps= dead elk Winchester classic compact with 20' barrel.

It's the where, more than the with what.

P

More precisely, it's where the bullet ends up at. Sometimes a bullet has to make the trip through parts of the back half to reach the front half, hence a good elk bullet should be a stout bullet.............

When it comes to elk I have more faith in a 100gr Partition out of one of my 243's than a conventional C&C bullet out of any of my 30-06's............

Originally Posted by PJGunner

Originally Posted by chlinstructor

140 Partition for me in both my 7-08 & 7X57. My nephew used a 140 gr TSX with lots of success in African last year on lots of plains game.

I'm getting nice groups from a Winchester M70 FWT in 7x57 with the 150 gr. Nosler PT. Velocity is 2710 FPS average with 26 FPS ES. I've been thinking of using it for my elk hunt this year. Just a bit nervous as I've used a .35 Whelen for all but two elk. The concensus seems to be it'll work but I'm not all that sure. What say you?
Paul B.

You have my full blessing using a 7mm Noz Pt on elk..............

Originally Posted by Jordan Smith

Originally Posted by PJGunner

Originally Posted by chlinstructor

140 Partition for me in both my 7-08 & 7X57. My nephew used a 140 gr TSX with lots of success in African last year on lots of plains game.

I'm getting nice groups from a Winchester M70 FWT in 7x57 with the 150 gr. Nosler PT. Velocity is 2710 FPS average with 26 FPS ES. I've been thinking of using it for my elk hunt this year. Just a bit nervous as I've used a .35 Whelen for all but two elk. The concensus seems to be it'll work but I'm not all that sure. What say you?
Paul B.

I don’t think it will. The bullet may penetrate the hide, but just barely.

What Jordan means is the hide on the other side of the elk........

Originally Posted by Pharmseller

Originally Posted by Billy_Goat

I bought a box of those 150 Hornady ELDX's and will be testing those with IMR 4350 and Ramshot Big Game.

my recipe of 150 BT's and 4350 are already delivering really good groups, but I have time to fiddle with alternatives in the off season.... and so it is with Rifle Loony's.

Always gotta fiddle with it....

Read my earlier post for load data with 150 ELDX and Big Game. I was very impressed with the performance on three bucks and one bull this year.

P

I did. thanks sir!

finally found some Big Game +ELDX this week. I loaded some up yesterday, and am itching to get to the range.

Originally Posted by Pharmseller

Originally Posted by CRS

I have witnessed two cow elk shot with 7-08's.
Friends daughter with 140gr NP @ 2750fps=dead elk Weatherby youth rifle with 20" barrel.
Another friends wife with 154gr Hornady @ 2600 fps= dead elk Winchester classic compact with 20' barrel.

It's the where, more than the with what.

P

Yep, no super bullet, cartridge, scope, or rifle can make up for poor shot placement.

Originally Posted by PJGunner

I’m getting nice groups from a Winchester M70 FWT in 7x57 with the 150 gr. Nosler PT. Velocity is 2710 FPS average with 26 FPS ES. I've been thinking of using it for my elk hunt this year. Just a bit nervous as I've used a .35 Whelen for all but two elk. The concensus seems to be it'll work but I'm not all that sure. What say you?
Paul B.

Paul, below is a 7.5 yo, fully mature bull I took 3 years ago with one shot from my 7-08 and a 150 NBT at 2,700. I crept to within 40 yards of where he was feeding with another 6pt. He was angled away from me so I held for the offside leg, which meant the bullet started well back in liver country. The Ballistic Tip angled forward, through liver and lungs, and came to rest under the offside scapula. I estimated the bullet had travelled through 32”+ of elk. He ran 20 yards and was stone dead when I got to him. Fastest expiration I’ve ever had on any elk.

I had wanted to use a 150 Partition, but the rifle preferred the 150 NBT. I tend to think the Partition would have busted through the offside scapula, but the Ballistic Tip (which is a stout bullet), was more than adequate. The outcome would have been no different.

I’d be content with your 7x57 / 150 Partition on anything in NA... guys overthink elk killing. They’re just flesh, bone and blood.

[Linked Image]

Originally Posted by Billy_Goat

I bought a box of those 150 Hornady ELDX's and will be testing those with IMR 4350 and Ramshot Big Game.

my recipe of 150 BT's and 4350 are already delivering really good groups, but I have time to fiddle with alternatives in the off season.... and so it is with Rifle Loony's.

Always gotta fiddle with it....

just got back from the range....

I think I managed to pickup about 100FPS by switching from 150 BT's + IMR 4350 to 150 ELDX + Ramshot Big Game + mag primers, but my 5 shot group opened up from 0.5" to 1.2".

I'm pretty sure either of these will work just fine.

Based on the elk I've seen Brad kill, I'd stick with the 150 BT's.

Originally Posted by JGRaider

Based on the elk I've seen Brad kill, I'd stick with the 150 BT's.

He's been known to take some nice one's.

The 120 gr ttsx really works well for elk at 3000fps. I never recovered a single bullet after multiple dead elk and they did die quickly. I am going to try the 120's in my 6.5 creedmoor.

Originally Posted by dye7barrel

140 Partition and forget about it.

this + 1

Originally Posted by DLSguide

The 120 gr ttsx really works well for elk at 3000fps. I never recovered a single bullet after multiple dead elk and they did die quickly. I am going to try the 120's in my 6.5 creedmoor.

My wife killed a cow this year at 249 yards with a 120ttsx in a load less than 3000fps. Clipped the rear portion of shoulder and took out both lungs. (Slight quartering towards) Elk ran about 50ft. That is 3 cows for three years with that same gun. Lots of good bullet suggestions that will handle an elk. Pick one that shoots and practice, I wouldn't second guess the bullet if it is exceptionally accurate.

150 BT. Haven't put one in an elk yet, but load them for my 280. Done a hell of a job on the deer I've shot with them and they shoot really well out of my rifle.

Soooo many good bullets in .284, I imagine you'd have to try pretty hard to find one that wouldn't work on elk out of a 7-08 case.

So if finding a good load with the 140 Trophy bonded tipped going 2,850 out of a 7mm08, I’m pretty good out to 400 yards. That seem about right for a velocity and energy level adequate for elk?

Originally Posted by Brad

Originally Posted by dennisinaz

A lot of guys are recommending bullets that they haven't killed elk with.

Including me.

It's no stretch to recommend a 150 Partition or 140 Accubond if a 150 Ballistic Tip has worked well for you from a 7-08.

Ditto extrapolating from experiences with the same bullet make but from other cartridges.

Hit correctly, elk aren't especially hard to kill IME.

Based on my single data point, the 140 AB is one of many that has and will work.

Originally Posted by 1Nut

Originally Posted by Brad

Originally Posted by dennisinaz

A lot of guys are recommending bullets that they haven't killed elk with.

Including me.

It's no stretch to recommend a 150 Partition or 140 Accubond if a 150 Ballistic Tip has worked well for you from a 7-08.

Ditto extrapolating from experiences with the same bullet make but from other cartridges.

Hit correctly, elk aren't especially hard to kill IME.

Based on my single data point, the 140 AB is one of many that has and will work.

Using the same criteria, so does the 120 BT. One-shot kill, complete pass through.

Originally Posted by Kimber7man

So if finding a good load with the 140 Trophy bonded tipped going 2,850 out of a 7mm08, I’m pretty good out to 400 yards. That seem about right for a velocity and energy level adequate for elk?

Plenty.

P

are you guys trying to tell me that I'm over gunned with my 7mm mashburn and 150s at 3180? Would I honestly be doing better with a lighter rifle?

Originally Posted by 79inpa

are you guys trying to tell me that I'm over gunned with my 7mm mashburn and 150s at 3180? Would I honestly be doing better with a lighter rifle?

If you can shoot it accurately and put the bullet where it needs to go, why would you be "over gunned"? Dead is dead.

Originally Posted by 79inpa

are you guys trying to tell me that I'm over gunned with my 7mm mashburn and 150s at 3180? Would I honestly be doing better with a lighter rifle?

I run 175's at 3050 in my Mashburn or the 154 Interbonds at 3245 and either one of those doesn't ever feel like more than I need.

What do you all think of Norma 156 grain Oryx for an elk round in the 7mm 08?

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2...156-grain-oryx-protected-point-box-of-20

Ladymulerider - from what I've read, I'd say definitely yes!

From John Barsness: "The Oryx is revered because it's a bonded bullet, unlike the Mag-Tip, which is essentially a heavier jacketed Speer Hot-Cor. That's not a bad thing, but the Oryx is the closest approximation I've found of the original bonded bullet, the Bitterroot. It expands widely but retains enough weight (usually around 90%) to penetrate deeply. I've used it quite a bit from the 7x57 both here and in Africa, and it works very well, and is usually very accurate too. In fact in my custom Serengeti 7x57 it may be the most accurate bullet I've tried."

From akjeff: "I loaded the 156gr Oryx to a sedate 2400fps in my wife's 7mm-08. Makes for a nice mild recoiling load. We shared the rifle and killed 2 oryx, 2 springbok, a warthog, common reedbuck, and nyala. No recovered bullets(all pass throughs), and no lost critters. Great accuracy. Also drives nails in my 7x65R drilling, and will now be the go to bullet in that gun."

Please note that akjeff loaded the Oryx to 2400fps in his wife's rifle - the factory load has a velocity of 2725fps, which to me is just more of a good thing!

I've read this entire thread twice now and it looks like basically any bullet that you can stuff in a 7mm-08 hull will work, if you can point it in the right direction.
I'm currently working up loads for 3 bullets and trying to decide for a cow elk / antelope hunt this fall.

Option 1 is a 120 TTSX that I'm loading with Big Game to 3150 fps. It shoots right at 1" and I've used it for several seasons on whitetails. I have no hesitation with this bullet, except that it kinda runs out of gas at about 400 yds and I'm confident shooting it to 500.

Option 2 is a 140 Accubond. I have not yet found a load that suits me accuracy wise and I'm pretty frustrated, but I'm going to keep trying cause I have a bunch of the bullets.

Option 3 is a 150 ELDX. I have shot some promising groups, but am not happy yet due to inconsistencies. Really just started load development, so I think it will get there with some work. Even if I never hunt with this one, I want to work up the load for long range plinking.

Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? Recommendations?

Here's an interesting one. Haven't tried it. Have 160's to try in my 7RM.

www.midwayusa.com/product/844892/fe...grain-polymer-tipped-boat-tail-box-of-50

DF

I've owned 3 7mm-08s. The first was a Remington Seven, blued, with the 18.5 inch barrel and wood stock. It didn't shoot great but it was ok with 140 grain Nosler solid base bullets. After a few years without one, I bought a SS Seven with the 20" barrel and synthetic stock, hogged the [bleep] out of the plastic to free-float the barrel, and taught it to shoot 120 grain Ballistic tips with Win 760 or 140 grain partitions with RL19. Both powders cause me some issues with bullets backing out of the cases while seating but other powders didn't shoot nearly as accurately. I killed some deer with it with the 140 partition. The last was a Remington 700 CDL-SF and it wouldn't shoot for shyte. I tried it in 3 different stocks, nada, couple different scopes, nada .. yech. Down the road.

If I were doing another 7mm-08, I'd try real hard to get the 150 grain partition to shoot well. It hasn't worked for me yet but no one bullet has worked in any two of the three, so it really doesn't say much that it hasn't yet.

I always felt 120-140 grain bullets worked best in my 7-08. I killed elk with the 140 and 150 NPT as well as 120 TTSX. No question in my mind I’d run 120 TTSX for a dedicated elk bullet. Never caught one and never had anything other than DRT with shoulders destroyed and a nice exit wound.

I am a little surprised that no one has mentioned the 150 grain Swift Scirocco. Even out my short barrel Ruger #1 RSI, it has proven to be a reliable killer of elk,pigs, and African plains game including kudu and blue wildebeest. Penetration has been such that I have yet to recover a spent bullet and internal damage has been impressive. I will be using this same bullets in my Model 70 Winchester in 7x57 if my health and finances allow a return trip to Africa. Porsche73

I think that most people that use the scirroco think that the bullet was designed for magnum calibers. It always seemed to me to be a super tough bullet was more than was necessary for a non magnum gun. Having said that I’m sure that it would still work fine out of a 7mm-08. They are extremely accurate out of my 7mm magnum.

160 partition and other bullets of this weight range with towards the max end of H4350 (cci 200)have been extremely accurate, with shocking speed. Use Lapua brass or Lake City you purchased as unfired, turn the necks with great rewards.

I have had butkus for luck with barrels lighter than sporter weight in this caliber. A 22"-24" #4 contour is a whale of a package for this caliber, Wyatt's mag box on a Rem 700, throat out a tad to make room for some powder, call it done.

If you like the mono's, the 120g tipped tripple shock with IMR 4895, 9 1/2 is very, very fast and accurate, and may not stop in a good size bull. This 120g tipped tripple shock, jumped .050 is ungodly accurate in this case at 3000 fps or a tad faster.

Originally Posted by LarryfromBend

I wouldn't care for a mono bullet in a 7MM-08. Still feel they are more for the RUMs of the gun world than the slower calibers.

Cartridge, not caliber.

Originally Posted by JGRaider

That's an awesome pic.

And, he’s wearing Urban Camo, my favorite.

Originally Posted by country_20boy

I've read this entire thread twice now and it looks like basically any bullet that you can stuff in a 7mm-08 hull will work, if you can point it in the right direction.
I'm currently working up loads for 3 bullets and trying to decide for a cow elk / antelope hunt this fall.

Option 1 is a 120 TTSX that I'm loading with Big Game to 3150 fps. It shoots right at 1" and I've used it for several seasons on whitetails. I have no hesitation with this bullet, except that it kinda runs out of gas at about 400 yds and I'm confident shooting it to 500.

Option 2 is a 140 Accubond. I have not yet found a load that suits me accuracy wise and I'm pretty frustrated, but I'm going to keep trying cause I have a bunch of the bullets.

Option 3 is a 150 ELDX. I have shot some promising groups, but am not happy yet due to inconsistencies. Really just started load development, so I think it will get there with some work. Even if I never hunt with this one, I want to work up the load for long range plinking.

Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? Recommendations?

20boy,

A couple of years ago, my wife took a big bull (7x8) at a little over 400 yds using a 120 gr TTSX out of her 7mm-08AI with a MV of about 3050 fps. It was a good shot, but the bull walked uphill about 40 yds and took a while to expire. He didn't get away, but I believe at that distance, another bullet may have been more effective - ie, more destructive once hitting the animal. If I'd known she would have to make that long of a shot, I probably would have found a good 140 gr NAB load for her to shoot.

The TTSX still did the job, but I believe there are other options out there that may perform better at the longer ranges. Like you stated this one kind of runs out of gas at around 400 yds.

bludog

Originally Posted by iddave

Originally Posted by Jordan Smith

Originally Posted by JP_Lucas

So a 140ttsx at 2850 would be a good selection?

Yes, and the 120 TTSX at 3000+ may be even better.

What Jordan said.

I watched my 12 yo son dump the biggest cow you've ever seen in your life with a 120 TTSX at 3000 out of a little Model 7.

Dave

Daughter #1 is petite and recoil sensitive. After reviewing the options we went with a 130g TTSX at 3045fps. If running a 7mm-08 it is likely the only difference would be weight - She'd probably be shooting a 120g TTSXs.

Although I got very inconsistent results with the original 'X' bullets and the TSX didn't inspire enough confidence to use them on game, we the tipped MRX came out I gave them a try and haven't looked back. Now we use them in almost every rifle, with accurate loads being easy to find. We have yet to recover one from antelope, deer or elk, whether shot broadside (antelope and elk) or lengthwise (a couple of mulies).

Often as not, game shot with the TTSX has dropped at the spot. More have dropped within a few feet or steps. None lost and no runners. Had an antelope go about 25 yards after being shot with a 110g TTSX from my Roberts, can't think of any other animal that went nearly that far.

Originally Posted by 79inpa

I think that most people that use the scirroco think that the bullet was designed for magnum calibers. It always seemed to me to be a super tough bullet was more than was necessary for a non magnum gun. Having said that I’m sure that it would still work fine out of a 7mm-08. They are extremely accurate out of my 7mm magnum.

The original Scirocco bullets were, IMHO, too soft and expanded too much. The Scirocco II bullets seem to be better in this regard with more controlled expansion but accurate loads have been more difficult to find than with other bullets. While I still use them in my 6.5-06AI, I'm using them up and will likely go to a AB, LRAB or Barnes TTSX or LRX.