noharleyyet
Well-known member
As an affirmed reloader/gun geek, I'm becoming more and more interested in a 7-08 and the AI mod. Lot's of learned opinions on this thread.
7mm 08 ackley
- Thread starter VAspeedgoat
- Start date
VAspeedgoat
Well-known member
Went to see the gunsmith this afternoon. I am way over budget but I couldn't resist some of the options after I looked at a custom he was doing for a benefit auction. The gun almost felt like it was a part of my arm. So far the only finsl decision that has been made is that it will be a 7mm short action. I would really like the .284 but may go to the ackley improved 7 08 because of added cost to truly take advantage of the .284. I also like the thought of being able to use standard 7 08 loads in a pinch. I never underestimate my ability to dcrew something up. It would be alot easier if I could confirm 3000 fps at 140 grains with the ai. Keep the suggestions coming and I will eventually post the pics of the final product whatever caliber it is.
I have a load in my red book from about 10 years ago that shows 3052 FPS iwth a 140 Nosler BT and 42.6 grains of N-140. 23 inche Lilja barrel on a Rem Mod. 7 action. There is also a note about accuracy being crap while fire forming cases. If that helps with your decision, good luck.
VAspeedgoat
Well-known member
Thanks danr, that helps a bunch because I will have a 23 inch lilja barrel on a 700 action.
stillkickin
Well-known member
I am with Buzz on this!
belly-deep
Active member
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- Oct 31, 2009
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I've never loaded for a 7mm-08, but 3000 fps seems a little hot. That's more of .270 speed.
What powders are you guys using to get that kind of velocity?
I do know that I am able to get previously unheard of velocity out of my .308 with some of the newer powders.
What powders are you guys using to get that kind of velocity?
I do know that I am able to get previously unheard of velocity out of my .308 with some of the newer powders.
Dan O
Well-known member
A friend of mine has a 7mm WSM that chrono's a 140 accubond at a honest 3300 fps. Just a thought 
BuzzH
Well-known member
belly-deep,
My wifes 7-08 is getting 2930 with a 140 accubond 43.0 grains varget...23 inch barrel.
Mine shoots the same load with a 24 inch barrel at 2860.
I got 2970 with RL-19 and 140's out of my rifle with no pressure signs...cant remember the charge off hand. It shot awesome as well, but I didn't have enough of the rl19 left, so just stuck with the varget in my rifle too.
I think having to get to a magic velocity, via a 100-150 fps (or in this case much less than that) gain in velocity, and going through a boat-load of trouble to get there, is akin to pissing up a long rope.
Unless of course, its just an excuse to justify a project...then its fine.
But performance wise, I just don't see the need to AI a standard 7-08 to get you "close" to 3k with a 140, for all practical purposes, you're already there.
My wifes 7-08 is getting 2930 with a 140 accubond 43.0 grains varget...23 inch barrel.
Mine shoots the same load with a 24 inch barrel at 2860.
I got 2970 with RL-19 and 140's out of my rifle with no pressure signs...cant remember the charge off hand. It shot awesome as well, but I didn't have enough of the rl19 left, so just stuck with the varget in my rifle too.
I think having to get to a magic velocity, via a 100-150 fps (or in this case much less than that) gain in velocity, and going through a boat-load of trouble to get there, is akin to pissing up a long rope.
Unless of course, its just an excuse to justify a project...then its fine.
But performance wise, I just don't see the need to AI a standard 7-08 to get you "close" to 3k with a 140, for all practical purposes, you're already there.
VAspeedgoat
Well-known member
I don't disagree with the premise but everytime I got above 2900 the accuracy went to pieces. Consequently I stayed around 2850 so I am hoping a longer fluted barrel will help. The reason for changing to an ai or .284 was to ensure the gain in velocity without having to push as hard. If 2950 is all I get with my accuracy load then that is what I will use. I just want the potential for 3000 but will not sacrifice accuracy to do it. If I was willing to do that I would not have made a change in the first place. To me, saying 150 fps is not worth it is like saying the 30 06 isn't any better than a 308. Its right to an extent but whats the fun in that? But, your point is well taken, I guess I never completely said I was unhappy with where I was with this gun. Since I am getting a barrel anyway I was just tweaking a little bit.
stillkickin
Well-known member
Here is some info on the 7mm-08 I found useful:
http://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/7mm-08+Remington.html
http://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/7mm-08+Remington.html
BuzzH
Well-known member
stillkickin,
Great link.
I guess the only thing in that article I somewhat disagree with is the low SD on the accubonds not providing much penetration...not my experience.
I've shot through a number of elk with the 140 AB's, including this years cow that broke both shoulders/leg bones, took the top of the heart off, and exited. I have to admit I was surprised the bullet exited considering the MV of 2860ish and the fact the elk was 238 yards.
I've had similar results with the 160 AB's at 2970 from the 7 RM...never had an issue with the bullets not penetrating enough.
Great link.
I guess the only thing in that article I somewhat disagree with is the low SD on the accubonds not providing much penetration...not my experience.
I've shot through a number of elk with the 140 AB's, including this years cow that broke both shoulders/leg bones, took the top of the heart off, and exited. I have to admit I was surprised the bullet exited considering the MV of 2860ish and the fact the elk was 238 yards.
I've had similar results with the 160 AB's at 2970 from the 7 RM...never had an issue with the bullets not penetrating enough.
stillkickin
Well-known member
Glad to hear that Buzz, I am quickly becoming a convert and trying to learn as much as I can!
VAspeedgoat
Well-known member
Thats a great site! Just looked at the .284 and .280 sections. Am I missing something or if I get to the 3000 fps threshold I will have a short action .280? Still haven't decided on .284 vs 7 08 ackley. Ackley is cheaper and .284 has a little more potential. Since I am rebarreling, I can do either. Or for that matter anything else in 7mm that will fit into a short action. Maybe a 7x57 ackley. Talk about splitting hairs!
VAspeedgoat
Well-known member
The short mag was considered but I ended up throwing it out because of recoil. The finished gun is likely to be right at or slightly under 6 pounds. I don't like muzzle breaks and dislike getting the snot beat out of me even more. Great caliber though, its just more recoil than I prefer. Also based on game size I would most likely be hunting and my effective range it would have been overkill in my opinion. Elk would be a possibility but typically deer and pronghorn would be the most likely. I have taken deer at 275 and groundhogs at 3+ but don't feel very confident past 4 and dont have time to practice that far. Have a buddy with a .300wsm who thinks I have lost my mind, he may be right.
jryoung
Well-known member
this website is awesome, i love reading about the cartridge histories as well as some of the other tips and tricks. Their barrel break in (for a heavily fouling barrel) is intense.
I've thought about this with my wifes 7x57 just for brass life alone due to the sleek shoulder, but figured if I am going to punch out the chamber I'll do it on a better barrel.
There's no logical rationale for shooting a wildcat these days with the quality of components available to standard rounds. We do it because we can, it's fun, and fulfills a sense of adventure when we aren't out stalking game. We just hope we don't end up like Richard and lose our ammo when traveling.
VAspeedgoat
Well-known member
Did a little research on the 7x57 ai, and it looks like a real jewel. I think if I am understanding correctly that it needs a mauser 98 action or a long action to take advantage of the long case neck. I am looking a little more to make sure. It sure does look interesting.
Dan O
Well-known member
Just a thought here, Go with the 7mm WSM and start at the beginning load and work your way up to the recoil level your comfortable with while looking for the most accurate load. This would be a great combo for long brass life and a load tailored to your wants and needs. Plus it's a cool round
sbhooper
Well-known member
Like Buzz said, the 140 AB or the Partition will do anything that you want from the 7-08. I don't understand why another 140fps is so important. Game will not know the difference when shot at the velocities that you already are achieving vs the magic 3000 fps. All you will get is more barrel and brass wear.
If you go to a long action, then you may as well go with a 7 mag and push the 140's to 3100 easily and more if you want to push it a little more.
If you go to a long action, then you may as well go with a 7 mag and push the 140's to 3100 easily and more if you want to push it a little more.
VAspeedgoat
Well-known member
Guys, seriously, if I was wanting to do the most logical and simplest thing I would get a used h&r single shot in a very popolar cartridge and not worry about it. Ha ha What I want is a flat shooting 7mm in a short action caliber that will be going on deer and lope hunts for the rest of my life and maybe an elk trip or two. I was getting a new and longer fluted barrel ayway so why not something different. The 3000 fps mark would make the said cartridge into the twin of the .280 which would make me feel better if I am able to do an elk hunt. To say 150 fps isn't worth it is to say the .280 is not any better than a 7 08. I personally feel there is a difference with larger game animals. I'm sure many of you will agree and many will disagree. I guess at this point in the thread I'm trying to decide between the ackley imp or the .284. Although the 7mm short mag made me think for a minute I did throw it out, sorry dan o. Atleast I'm not having us discuss whether or not the 30 06 is the best all around cartridge or somwthing. Love the comments though, keep em coming.
