7mm-08 120gr V-max loads

crsteven · Rookie Member Joined: Sep 17, 2008 Posts: 1

I just started loading for 7mm-08. 20.5 inch 1/9 twist Shilen Barrel. It shoots lights out with 162 A-Max with IMR 4064 powder. It will not shoot the 120 gr V-max with that powder. Since I only have a Speer #13 Manual I was going to try two powders I had on hand - H4350 and IMR4350, before I bought something else to try. Well the IMR4350 had load data that was up to 52 grains, where the H4350 had 50.0 max compressed. The IMR4350 load was top of case at 50.1 grains. I e-mailed Speer and said it was right. No way it's going to fit. Of course they say it's not designed for V-max bullets. Anyone have V-max data for these powders with min/max data. If those powders are not appropriate or group well what others do you suggest with some min/max data - maybe Varget. Thanks.

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 3:31 pm Post subject: Re: 7mm-08 120gr V-max loads

Welcome to the HuntingNut crsteven . Hodgdons web site has some data for the 120 grain Nosler b-t with H4350 and Varget I haven't seen any for the V-max here's the link if it helps Very Happy

data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp
Joe

tikkat3 · Super Member Joined: Jul 30, 2006 Posts: 800

I don't have V-Max data as I have only used Barnes TSX 120's
Varget (2208) 44.6g, sub moa
Changed to TTSX, Tried Varget (2208) H4350(2209) 2-6 moa
and today will be Benchmark (BM2)
If no luck may play a bit more with the Varget otherwise I'm more then happy to stick to the TSX's and Varget.

chambered221 · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: 7mm-08 120gr V-max loads

I have used IMR 4064, H414, Winchester 748, and Varget all with great results !!!

Varget and 120gr Ballistic Tips have been the best.

Glenn1022 · Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 11:31 pm Post subject: Re: 7mm-08 120gr V-max loads

I may be mistaken but V-max bullets I have noted seem to be a little longer than similar bullets of the same weight. This is from very limited observations on some components that I have tried over the last few years.
I will say that I ended up going with Nosler Ballistic tips because they shot well in my 7mm-08 Encore. I use 44.3gr IMR4064 for the same reason; it did well in my gun. When using different components other than the loading manual that you have, you will have to work low and at some point will come to a spot that either is shy of what the manual says or hit a brick wall as you did with seating the bullet.
Just be careful of using different components other than the manual you are using says they used. I have a co worker that proved that point all too well. He is lucky that he still has use of his right arm when he changed to a different bullet and primer but didn’t change the charge. He now supports a titanium elbow along with a nasty looking scar. He gave up reloading after that. This made me think twice on how I do things and has me wondering how I made it to the age I am now.
As for your question...I have no answers but I am looking around to see what I can find out for VMAX 120gr. I did find this…
Nosler 120gr Ballistic tip with 41gr IMR-4320 @2867fps
Good luck and post your findings as I love trying different loads for my 7mm08.