The 7mm-08 Strikes Back!

[@johngregware9073]

It's good to see the 7-08 getting more recognition lately, it's a great cartridge!

[@hopefulballistics]

It is for sure

[@nikolibarastov4487]

So great the US military just adopted a Roided up Version of it!

[@okiedookie45]

7-08 is my favorite caliber for a number of different reasons. Thanks for the video.

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@patchitwood7428]

Love the 7mm-08 content. It shoots above its weight class for sure. I would love to see you do a performance comparison between 120 gr. TTSX and 140 gr. TTSX. Keep up the good work!

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks!

[@mcinnis79]

7mm-08 loves 140 grain

[@andrewolson269]

Would love to see a video with 7mm-08 and 140 grainers Especially the barnes 140 ttsx Barnes are crazy accurate and would love to see what velocitys you could get Keep up the awesome content!

[@hopefulballistics]

I have something similar planned, stay tuned

[@mcinnis79]

IMR-4064 with 140 grain Barnes TTSX I get 2895 fps and accurate.

[@bogaudette6227]

Ramshot Big Game powder with 140 gr bullet. Ideal for the 7mm-08

[@brianclair1323]

Very efficient cartridge. With the right bullet/ powder combo, a person could get within 150-200 fps of a 7 rem mag with way less powder. And I'm a big 7mm rem mag fan!!

[@hopefulballistics]

Absolutely!

[@ryanpaasch7464]

So it will be faster than 280 ai?

[@tikkasako6.5]

Oh yeah, agree on both your points! 7-08 is a sleeper, and 7mmRM a wonderful thumper.

[@zachchampluvier1966]

154 gr interlock running about 2900-2950 fps using superformance powder

[@KimDavis-n5t]

Do love my 7 MM-08 head similar bedding problems. Boys stock and floated it and bedded. It now drives nails

[@hopefulballistics]

Nice!

[@hunternichols5597]

I've used 270 fantastic cartridge also 308 for white tail but 7mm08 is by far ballisticly and proportionately the best cartridge for WHITETAIL sized game

[@hopefulballistics]

Awesome, thanks

[@williamgoldston5803]

Love my 7mm 08

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks

[@8MM.PRC.HUNTER]

That is a seriously awesome load for the 7-08! I haven't loaded for 7-08 in a very long time but Staball 6.5 has produced stellar loads for me in 6.5 Creed with 140's and Fed 210's and in 308 with 180's (also Fed 210's and WLR's - 2730 with 52 grains and 26 inch barrel). That was also a blistering fast 30-06 load with 180's in your short video! You have been on a roll lately.

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks!

[@Stu.E.]

Again great video and information. Super appreciate your time and experience.

[@hopefulballistics]

My pleasure!

[@Rushshooting67913]

With a weatherby vanguard with 24” barrel I was getting 3200fps with a 120 Barnes, 3000fps with a 140 nosler bt, 2920fps with a 150 nosler, and 2800 with a 165 Sierra game changer. All with 6.5 StaBall

[@hopefulballistics]

Nice!

[@denisleblanc4506]

FYI, Nathan Foster advocates using these 162 bullets for big game. He says the 7mm.08 doesn't push them fast enough for core separation at close range. They retain velocity well and the tumbling action at longer ranges provides adequate killing power. I don't know if I agree with his proposition but it may work. I just prefer proper hunting bullets.

[@hopefulballistics]

Interesting

[@JamesM-l5g]

I agree with Nathan. He has killed a tremendous amount of game. I do not believe any one person comes close to the amount he has done for long range hunting. Be that good or bad. He knows his stuff! But in saying that, I’m beginning to pull toward non lead bullets with high velocity impacts.

[@denisleblanc4506]

@@JamesM-l5g I agree. The only thing is that he hasn't shot the same big game as we hunt here. For example, I'm not sure I would trust his match bullet if shooting a big black bear or what happens if you happen to strike a substantial bone in a moose. His match bullet theory may work well but I think a tougher bullet might be a better choice all around say a Federal Trophy Bonded Tip or Ascent bullet.

[@JohnWest-yc9ol]

I get 2846 with 50 grains superformance out of my 24 inch 7mm-08 with 162 eldm

[@hopefulballistics]

Cool that’s right on par with what I got.

[@mattyv7499]

I use a 7mm08 for a lot of my hunting in Australia. Varget is by far the best powder I have found so far. 140gr SST and Interlocks seem to be a winner. I had to venture past max load, but im getting 2940FPS with a tikka T3x Superlite. Been taking deer from 10 yards out to 400. Very pleased so far.

[@hopefulballistics]

Awesome, thanks

[@JayELR7]

I’ve never seen 140 gr hornady sst - or interlock. 139 gr. Imr-4350 is prime accuracy out of the Tikka T3X with 140 or 150 Sierra Game King.. Loading for ‘speed’ is not always going to give the best accuracy. 162 gr bullets will not fit my tikka mag- too long.

[@Stu.E.]

I had a similar experience with superformance powder in my 270 Win- difficult to find nodes with consistent SDs and group sizes. Same with barrel heating up quick, had to take more time between shots when groups opened up. I got great speed, but couldn’t settle on a charge, ended up sticking with h4350 less headaches.

[@hopefulballistics]

Right on, thanks

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

Well that's fun! You get your best accuracy at the hottest load. Best of both worlds!

[@hopefulballistics]

Occasionally things come together

[@CampainAlaska-ep4sd]

Recently loaded 162’s with 46grs. H414, 22”bbl for 2724 avg, but higher ES/SD than I care for. Other load that day was 46grs of StaBall 6.5 for 2637 and ES 13.8, SD 5.7.

[@taco472]

Very interesting as I am looking to get a 7mm-08. Superformance for the win and here is why I was going to suggest you try that powder. I have 2 7mm calibers , 7 Rem. mag. , and 7 RUM all model 700’s. One 700 in 7 mag is a rifle I customized to be a lite carry ‘mountain rifle’. It’s had the barrel extremely re-contoured and shortened to 20”. With a Leupold 2x7 scope and customized original wood stock it weighs about 6.25#. I also have a Mod. 70 in .25 WSSM that I load with Superformance powder with great results so I thought why not try it in the short barrel 7 mag. To my surprise after searching the inter-web I can’t find any loads for 7 mag. In that powder. There are loads for similar cartridges 6.8, 7pcr, and others so I was on my own, I took a calculated guess and started out low, increasing by 1/2 gr. at a time. Just shooting to check pressure and speed my target was only at 35-40 yards. I got over 3200 fps with 140g TSX bullets before seeing signs of too much pressure. One load average was 3160 fps with no sign of pressure with a 3 shot touching group, not bad for a 20” barrel. I’m excited to get a 7mm-08 (probably Mod 70 Featherweight) and start working up loads.

[@hopefulballistics]

@@taco472 best of luck to you

[@tonybarnes5309]

14:44 Great Video and the 7mm-08 is a very fun cartridge. My 7mm-08 likes IMR4064 or Accurate 4064, but I set it up for the Wife for Deer 139gr Hornady and 145gr Speer Grand Slam . The Hornady is 2863fps. As a side note my 280 Remington 150gr Nosler, liked H4831 I played with 154gr Hornady and 165gr bullets using IMR7828 keep us posted on what you find works for you. Ps. I did load up the Speer Impact 190gr in.308 for my 300 Win Mag and pushed it to 3000fps that was done 3 days before the Hunt Lol and was very happy with it.

[@hopefulballistics]

I’ve been messing with that bullet in 30-06.

[@ronaldmoutray6240]

H4350 with 150’s in 7-08 always works for me

[@westdesertwheeler]

I enjoyed the video. I certainly have a different takeaway from the results. I would scrap superformance as 100 for extra is kind of irrelevant unless you’re shooting 1000 yards or more. Staball was a more consistent performer and I’d look more into that

[@hopefulballistics]

@@westdesertwheeler thanks

[@mosinw6697]

Cool testing good job . Superformance was faster in 30-06 178 eld-x also . Not sure how temp stable it is so i used h-4350 for hunting loads . Going to have to get some 6.5 stabal

[@hopefulballistics]

Awesome! Thanks

[@Accuracy1st]

I'm not sure which bullet was used but a KZbinr from NZ was using 708 and I think 162 ELDX bullets and killing goats and red deer at long ranges. No clue what his load was though but insanely accurate. If I recall correctly, the rifle was a Tikka. I first tried Superformance (59.5 grains) in my 270s getting insane speed with the 129 LRX and 130 TTSX at over 3300fps with 24" barrels and in my 25.5" Hart barrel top speed ONCE was 3396, same chrono as yours but the red one. It's been pretty accurate all these years when I test actual bullet drop to 800 yards. I've got a few 280AIs I plan to try the lighter bullets in with Superformance. In a custom 280 I sold, I got 150 Nosler ballistic tips near 3300 fps, 24" Shilen barrel. Ultimately, with my limited experience with Superformance, I found the hotter loads were better.

[@hopefulballistics]

I appreciate you sharing your experience, as always!

[@KimDavis-n5t]

I have actually started doing some testing with lever revolution powder in my seven. All eight looks good so far. Still got more testing to do

[@hopefulballistics]

@@KimDavis-n5t awesome!

[@steverutkowski8141]

Right on!!! All data is beneficial even with the high right stings and enjoyed this as a former 7 08 owner. Would love to see the Superperformance powder with the same weight hunting bullet. Sooooo many options from 7mm REM Mag past for me here and would love to see another video

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks for watching

[@keithhawkins4641]

I use the barns 120 for deer and 140 for elk. Never had a lot of luck with the heavier bullets. The heavy ones out of my rifle are 1.5 moa. 120 barns and 140 are 1 moa or smaller.

[@hopefulballistics]

@@keithhawkins4641 I appreciate it

[@JayELR7]

I’ve had great success with 150 gr SGK & factory overruns of 150 gr federal fusion (IMR-4350 and 4064)

[@montanamusings]

That's a lot of work to find an accurate load. Good job!

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks!

[@genebishop1405]

By watching your shot pattern I would suggest that you free float the barrel. As the barrel heats up its moving and contacting the forend some where. Also some trigger work should be helpful.

[@hopefulballistics]

It’s free floated. I believe the rings got loose.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Excellent

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks!

[@JamesM-l5g]

Are you going to try the 180 gr eldM or 175 gr eldx? That’s why I like the Go Wild in 7-08. It has a fast twist barrel

[@OutsidetheEchochamber]

That’s what I was wondering too, does it need a faster twist for those long heavy bullets?

[@JamesM-l5g]

@@OutsidetheEchochamber Nathan Foster of New Zealand says no. He can get the 175 and 180’s to stabilize in his factory Remington Senduro that has a 1/9.25 twist. Nathan is one of leading experts in this field. He developed the 7mm Practical.

[@OutsidetheEchochamber]

@@JamesM-l5g well the way that barrel is performing it might be worth an upgrade down the road, I’m sure it couldn’t hurt

[@richardfrost7575]

If you can find it try R - 16 very impressive powder.

[@hopefulballistics]

Ok thanks

[@mikekeretzman4757]

I find the Hornady loading data off and below what Sierra shows for same weight bullet and same powder weight. Superformance seems to like .5 to 1 gr over for tight group.

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks

[@terryhenry8243]

Try Big game around 46 to 48gr and any 139 140 gr bullet. You'll get great velocity and accuracy

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks

[@CowboyBuck1]

In my experience horandys book is incredibly inconsistent. But overall most loadings are 100 fps slow. They don’t reference psi but just signal “max load”.I’ve heard from others that they fudge numbers to benefit certain cartridges over the years. Interesting stuff

[@hopefulballistics]

I think you’re right

[@BigTimberLodge]

The beard is looking clean cut. Great video as always.

[@hopefulballistics]

Appreciate it!

[@TheFrayman]

I've been preaching about this cartridge for 50 years, and I'm only 20 years old. 😂 Use that cfe223

[@scottscheuerman8714]

Try it with the super performance powder and 162 SST for hunting if you’re getting as good of group as your last load

[@hopefulballistics]

I appreciate it.

[@ZZ-uf4zv]

Maybe the barrel twist with the higher grain bullets. Maybe step down to 140's and see how she does.. most 7mm-08's are 1:9 or 1:9.5 twist barrels.

[@hopefulballistics]

@@ZZ-uf4zv I’ve shot all bullet weights in 7-08 since this video including 160s. No issues. I think the scope was starting to get loose.

[@robbieandbeckie]

Oh wow! I also have a 7mm-08 Encore pistol. Have not shot that one yet, just the rifle barrel. The 7mm-08 is in a real sweet spot ballistically. I want to try the 7-30 Waters. Have you heard of the 7mm T/CU?

[@hopefulballistics]

No I haven’t

[@theoriginalDAL357]

I used to have a TC Contender handgun that I shot IHMSA with for 2-3 years. What an accurate and delightful little wildcat. The gun and dies are now long gone, but I still have fond memories of it. I’ve often thought of having a handy little rifle chambered in that cartridge made by a gunsmith as a walking-around gun, but that will need to wait until my lotto numbers hit. 🙄

[@robbieandbeckie]

@@theoriginalDAL357 in what caliber?

[@theoriginalDAL357]

Oops! I had it in, among other chamberings, 7 TCU.

[@robbieandbeckie]

@@theoriginalDAL357 Yes, I like the 7mm T/CU and 6.5mm T/CU in the Contender Super 14. 7mm-08 is best left for the larger Encore platform!

[@carypipes]

my 708 loves 140 noslers.

[@hopefulballistics]

Cool

[@cobjread]

My load development for my 7-08 using 140gr Nosler Partition and IMR 4350 started out really rough. I was getting the 1st 2 shots of my groups being 2-5 inches apart, so i deciped to stop wasting bullets that day. Maybe a year later i came back to it. I picked a charge weight based on a flat spot on my velocity graph that wasn't based on very much data, and went on to do some seating depth testing following the berger method. Turns out, that one really likes some jump, at 0.090, it shot a 1.6" 3-shot group, way better than i was getting with other depths. The S.D. also went way down to 7, so its showing some promise. I plan on doing more with seating depth testing, but all this to suggest tryihg to tune your loads with seating depth.

[@hopefulballistics]

Awesome, good luck to you.

[@christopherrussell411]

It’s interesting how Hodgdon website has staball max 47.8gr at velocity 2820 over hornady max 45.7. Was curious to try them with 162 gr eldx. See if I could at least get 2700 with staball or superformace. For a hunting/target load for my tikka 7mm-08. Great video makes me want to go out and play as soon as I get more primers.

[@hopefulballistics]

I appreciate it

[@christopherrussell411]

@@hopefulballistics what gr wright did you go up to with the staball?

[@Accuracy1st]

As I've mentioned, I'm NEW to 708. Been about 3 months now. I've never handloaded for it but keep hearing and reading that Reloder 19 is excellent - if you can find it

[@brettblose1658]

Hodgdon data shows 2 grains more of Staball 6.5 than the Hornady manual as max and has Staball 6.5 as the highest velocity powder. GRT shows crazy high pressure at the Hornady manual max load of Superformance and still really high pressure to get 2800 fps out of a 22 inch barrel.

[@hopefulballistics]

Interesting

[@countercivilization]

May be stiffening the stock and a little bedding job to stabilise the action in the stock would help greatly with your dispersion!

[@hopefulballistics]

Could be, thanks

[@ratdaddy7774]

Looks like your matching the 7x57 mauser have you ever tried H414 , I love it in my 3006

[@hopefulballistics]

No I haven’t

[@ratdaddy7774]

@@hopefulballistics I have had incredible experience with H414 I used it in 3006 and 303 British 3006 with 180 GR I was at 2900 and change, and very accurate, I used Varget for 110 grain and got about 3200

[@adamhymas4620]

Accurate 4350 is slower than the burn rate would suggest. I was getting 2300-2400 FPS out of my 7mm-08 with 154gr bullets at book max.

[@hopefulballistics]

Interesting

[@JamesM-l5g]

HEY H. B.! Have you watched Little Crow Gun Works YT channel? Very helpfully and insightful! He said the same thing about Superformance powder, that it needed to be loaded to max. His 22 Nosler series and now the 7mm comparison. Both are great series! I think you may really like his videos!

[@hopefulballistics]

I’ll check him out

[@spencerschulty9528]

IMR 8208 xbr is where I have had my best luck 162 bthp at 2675fps 22”

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks

[@DominicZelenak]

Have you tried Accurate 4064? I fell into this powder because it was abundant during the pandemic. It's my favorite 30-06 powder. My Wetherby Vanguard shoots 30 fps above book velocity for a 175gr SMK, and it takes ~7 gr less than 4350 for the same speed. Because I have so much AA4064 I've looked into 7mm-08, and it looks like a dead-on match for the cartridge.

[@hopefulballistics]

The one time I tried it I got very low velocity

[@mojsmg]

My best load was 154gr Hornady SST & IMR 3031 2600fps mv SUB 1/2 moa@100 with a bone stock Savage 10fp

[@hopefulballistics]

Nice!

[@eggbert191]

How long are you waiting between shots and between groups when working up a load?

[@hopefulballistics]

I usually am filming multiple videos at the same time and switching out guns in between groups. Anywhere from 10-15 minutes between groups. Shot? Probably a minute.

[@heathadams1274]

I've never had any kind of accuracy with reloads or factory ammunition with Superformance in any caliber. I didn't know what it is about that powder, but I'll never use it again.

[@hopefulballistics]

Interesting, thanks

[@JayELR7]

Hornady Superperformance factory ammo has worked well for me in 6.5 cm. - .308- 25/06 I’ve never hand loaded with super performance powder though

[@coyotiess]

What primers are you using?

[@hopefulballistics]

I believe these were Remington LR.

[@joew5792]

What primers were you using for the misfire?

[@hopefulballistics]

Remington LR

[@joew5792]

@@hopefulballistics shit lol that's what I'm using

[@nmelkhunter1]

I know the 7MM-08 is a capable cartridge, but what on game performance does it really offer that the 270 Win or 280 Rem doesn’t offer?

[@hopefulballistics]

No advantage ballistically over those cartridges. Just more efficient and less recoil, with better barrel life.

[@MulletDestructur]

It really looks to me like the twist rate just doesn’t agree with that heavy of bullets. It did okay at some velocities, but definitely nowhere near what a savage model 11 can do. Mine shoots 140gr Nosler E-Tips 0.75” or smaller groups at 100 yards all day long.

[@hopefulballistics]

I shot that last group later again and it was to the same. It’s plenty fast enough for that bullet. When I switched the scope out later, I noticed some screws a little loose.

[@jerryreynolds4731]

I really question wanting to shoot 160+ bullet weight in 7-08????? If you are wanting heavier bullets performance, move to a cartridge designed for heaveir bullets, 280, 7 mag, 270WSM. Or change to 6.5 Creed which was designed for heavier bullet weights. I shoot 7-08 and stay with 140 grain bullets, which is the design was made ....... The twist rate is probably not best for long heavy bullets..........

[@hopefulballistics]

@@jerryreynolds4731 I appreciate your opinion. I disagree.

[@hyregeg9730]

Had a new handy rifle h-r 708 could not hit a basket ball at 50 ya😂

[@hopefulballistics]

Lol

[@edwardabrams4972]

It happens just gives us another reason to trade it in for a new rifle🤔😳🙌

[@bryanbest5113]

Bullets...cartridges,,, clip...magazine. Words do matter

[@hopefulballistics]

Point?

[@JayELR7]

Throw the chronograph away - load for accuracy.. I don’t own a chronograph and I can put 140 and 150 gr in pretty much one hole- With multiple bullets.. not 162’s though.

[@anthonyfairbanks2952]

What bullets we you shooting

[@hopefulballistics]

162 amax

[@KimDavis-n5t]

Looks like bedding problem walking around like that

[@hopefulballistics]

Could be

[@edwardabrams4972]

That’s exactly what I was thinking! Time for a good skim bedding job!

[@stephenjohnson8205]

Perhaps your rifle doesn't like that projectile. Try a different bullet. Also, I have had great luck with H4064.

[@hopefulballistics]

Thanks

[@edwardabrams4972]

That’s what reloading is all about🙌 getting to try new bullets and powders in the guns you love yo shoot and hunt with👏👊

[@Snailz5]

Dude you really missed out on an opportunity to shoot a new “mystery powder” that gave you like 3500 fps with an SD of 0.8 for April Fool’s.

[@hopefulballistics]

lol, true

[@patrioticguy1791]

Looks like scope problems to me

[@hopefulballistics]

@@patrioticguy1791 it was

[@SalchiPapa73]

You’re using a powder not suited for that case. Something in the 4831 burn rate isn’t where it belongs. You asked about what are you missing early on in the video and its harmonics. The barrel whip for slower powders like superformance in a short case is not correct. No different than using it in a 308 165/168 gr boolit. Varget is the burn rate imr4064. To give the velocity you are after try winchester 760 or H414 both are ball powders which you prefer and both will get you better accuracy without needing max charges

[@hopefulballistics]

@@SalchiPapa73 you don’t think 2800 fps with Superformance is good??

[@SalchiPapa73]

@@hopefulballistics speed is good but the burn rate is all wrong. You’ll hit those speeds with other powders. H414 and W760 will absolutely get you there but I think imr4064 and varget will too. I get 2750 with imr4895 and a 150gr Hornady SP. yes your bullet is heavier but it’s only 12 gr heavier. I got my best speed with H414

[@davidpeterson6147]

bed your stock

[@jaymiller393]

Are you crimping?

[@hopefulballistics]

No

[@tjsochacki6164]

Why do you try to push heavy bullets in your guns that don’t perform with your guns rifling? Another thing, why are you so obsessed with velocity? I do have some idea what I do know talking about after being a retired firearms instructor with NYS law enforcement. I’ve been reloading for 48 years and started with my father since I was 8 years old and now 67 years old. Good luck and God Bless you!

[@vicjones1179]

I fully agree as 162 is not where it's at with 7-08 139-140 grain would be most useful in hunting and proved to be great performance , but hey he's enjoying this exercise so much it's worth doing but wouldn't be worth it too me

[@hopefulballistics]

1)I want to test the bullets, powder, etc. It’s fun. 2)Generally speaking I’m thinking of hunting loads, not target shooting. Definitely accuracy is more important but I’m looking for a certain window of velocity to maximize bullet construction and range. 3)The only bullets I had when I first received the gun. God bless you as well.

[@8MM.PRC.HUNTER]

It's not at all uncommon to find groups really tighten up as you reach max pressure - this doesn't always happen, but very frequently it does. Just depends on the powder, bullet, cartridge combo. Also, we have propellants today that lift standard cartridge performance to levels unreachable decades ago - and at safe working pressure. If you can safely add 100-200 fps to traditional loads AND get good accuracy then you have a superior load for hunting - assuming you are using good bullets that don't come apart and fail.

[@edwardabrams4972]

What’s wrong with running test to see what a cartridge will do with a certain load or bullet? I have been hunting reloading and collecting rifles over 60+ years and my father in the 50’s was using reloading Partition’s in his pre64 model 70 because one of his good friends was friends with John Nosler way back when their ship was in Ashland and before most hunters even knew what a good bullet looked like, so trying different loads and bullets can teach us a lot of we are not to set in our ways about thinking we know it all🤔😳

[@tjsochacki6164]

@@edwardabrams4972 Were you always obsessed with seeing how fast you can get a bullet to go even if it’s dangerous! We’re supposed to stop at max loads and if we go over max load keep it to yourself! I’ve been reloading for 51 years and it’s always been about accuracy for me! If you need to push a small caliber bullet to shoot a medium size game and you’re not happy then go to a larger caliber! I retired from law enforcement and I was a weapons instructor for my last 18 years and it’s always been about safety! Let’s keep that thought when we’re reloading! Once someone sees that people are reloading a grain over max then it leads to 2 grains or maybe more! Not good!!! God Bless.

[@docholiday6650]

My 270 Win is much better

[@hopefulballistics]

Congratulations

[@easttexan2933]

"Only accurate rifles are interesting".......probably why you found this rifle in a pawn shop. I would kick that can on down the road and buy something else.

[@hopefulballistics]

You’ve decided it’s not accurate after this one video with 1 bullet tried.

[@titomish5914]

Creed much better than this!!!

[@TroyFairweather]

Ya if your gay

[@hopefulballistics]

You think?

[@JamesClark-lw6sw]

R U "Gay for the Creednoor"??

[@titomish5914]

@@hopefulballistics yes

[@jaybailleaux630]

Creed is better suited for women and children.