7mm-08 loads for deer

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fishboy1

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Santy clause told me that I was gonna get a 7-mm08 Handi rifle for Christmas. What is a good load for deer? Not looking to push the limits, just a good solid combo.
 
I've killed em with winchester 140 grain ballistics silvertips, Federal premium 140 grain nosler partitions or accubonds, or now im using federal premium 140 grains barnes. See what ur gun shoots the best and go with that.
 
I would have guessed that the 7mm-08 would like lighter bullets. Say 130's or 140's.

Does that caliber lend itself toward a certain grain bullet?
 
140 is the standard and probably the most widely used.

I shoot Remington factory ammo out of mine, but with groups hovering at just under an inch at 100 yards I can't stand the thought of changing.
 
Just loaded a few more of these 120 GR. Barnes X Varget 45.0 3117 49,900 CUP 2.800" but in no way start with this.
 
Do you need a bonded bullet in the 7-08? I know my 7mag needs one for shots under 75 yds or you get a Lotta mush instead of deer meat.
 
I notice that the ballistic tips are very popular with this caliber. Anyone have any problems "blowing up" the deer with a ballistic tip out of the 7-08?
 
fishboy1 said:
I notice that the ballistic tips are very popular with this caliber. Anyone have any problems "blowing up" the deer with a ballistic tip out of the 7-08?
Click to expand...

You'd have a hard time getting them over 3000 fps out of a 7-08, the velocity at which explosive expansion typically occurs. If you fling them downrange at 2700-2800 fps, you will have no problem.
 
megalomaniac said:
fishboy1 said:
I notice that the ballistic tips are very popular with this caliber. Anyone have any problems "blowing up" the deer with a ballistic tip out of the 7-08?
Click to expand...

You'd have a hard time getting them over 3000 fps out of a 7-08, the velocity at which explosive expansion typically occurs. If you fling them downrange at 2700-2800 fps, you will have no problem.
Click to expand...

Ok I have never chronyd my 7mag with a 150gr but a 150gr ballistic tip or even a power point(factory loads) will detonate a deer inside 75 yds. Basket ball size blood shot wound or larger.
The Hornaday 162 gr BTSP over 59gr IMR 4350 gives me 2825fps. And does not blow the deer up like the 150's.
 
fishboy1 said:
megalomaniac said:
fishboy1 said:
I notice that the ballistic tips are very popular with this caliber. Anyone have any problems "blowing up" the deer with a ballistic tip out of the 7-08?
Click to expand...

You'd have a hard time getting them over 3000 fps out of a 7-08, the velocity at which explosive expansion typically occurs. If you fling them downrange at 2700-2800 fps, you will have no problem.
Click to expand...

Ok I have never chronyd my 7mag with a 150gr but a 150gr ballistic tip or even a power point(factory loads) will detonate a deer inside 75 yds. Basket ball size blood shot wound or larger.
The Hornaday 162 gr BTSP over 59gr IMR 4350 gives me 2825fps. And does not blow the deer up like the 150's.
Click to expand...

fishboy, my 7mag with 150 grain BT's is going around 3150fps MV, and has overexpanded on shots under 100 yards. Same cartridge performs flawlessly at 300 yards. What's the difference? Impact velocity. The BT does exactly what it is supposed to do- expand at moderate velocity. They are not designed for ultrahigh impact velocities. That's what the accubond is for.
 
Mega,
So if I can keep the MV below say 2900 I should not be getting those huge blood shot wounds?

I shot a deer 2nd rib back from shoulder about 3" up from the bottom of its body and it blood shot the entire ribcage, the near shoulder and about 7" of backstrap. Switched away from ballistic tips after that. The deer staggered about 5' and fell over dead but wheeew! what a waste of good meat.

Think I will look into some 130gr interbonds or interlocks.
 

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