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7mm08 advice
#6073000
12/08/15 05:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 177
TAFFMASTER
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 177 |
Ok, so I need some help as I have no real ballistic sense... I am going to be getting a new rifle, and plan on getting a 7mm08. I have been exclusively bow hunting the last 3 years, and made the mistake of climbing in a rifle blind this season at the lease, and it help me remember how fun it is to be able to move while hunting and not be detected! Most of my shots will be somewhat close range, 100 yds, but I have a few spots I hunt that would be longer. The longest I would shoot is what I believe to be medium range, out to 500 yds. From my personal research the 7mm08 is a reasonable low recoil rifle for whitetail that can be effective out to medium range yardages... Looking for the THF opinions on this caliber, as well as what "over the counter" ammo to go with to achieve the best results between 100-500 yds...
I also would like info on what optics you would recommend in the under $700 price point. Wanting to know brand, magnification, reticle, etc...
I will post the optics question in optics thread if it is misplaced...
Thanks
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6073040
12/08/15 05:37 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872
GLC
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872 |
Great caliber, pretty well all I hunt with now. Shot Remington Core-Lokt 140 grain for years until I started loading my own a couple of years ago. Caliber never failed me. Fireman and Chad will probably expound on this caliber.
On a side note I still bow hunt a lot, it is nice to be able to move around sometimes in a blind but you will never lose the feeling getting them up close and personal.
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6073071
12/08/15 05:52 PM
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,684
CitySlickerHunter
Extreme Tracker
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My Foster Son uses a Remington 700 in 7mm08 topped w/ Nikon Buck Master 3x9-40. He feeds it Hornady SST 139 gr. He has had a lot of success w/ the round. I use it whenever I'm hunting without him (which ISN'T often).GREAT ROUND!!!!!!!
"I can't be over gunned because the animal can't be over dead"-Elmer Keith 10/30/2012 I VOTED for The American
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6073083
12/08/15 05:59 PM
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 18,954
ChadTRG42
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Posts: 18,954 |
7-08 is a great round. There are many good bullet choices for the longer range shots. If you want something specific or some custom ammo for the project, let me know. I can load up any bullet you want.
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6073174
12/08/15 06:49 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173 |
Great cartridge, in my top five favorite short action cartridges. My 20" 7mm-08 runs 162 A-maxes at 2635 fps MV.
You could buy 20 different boxes of mass produced ammo to test fire, or shorten the whole process and hire Chad to do what he do. And he'll wring every bit of accuracy out of the rifle.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6073280
12/08/15 07:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,117
BarneyWho
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I've been very happy with my 7mm-08. It's a Remington 700 with a stock replacement. Very light and compact which is perfect for hunting rifle. Shoots sub MOA with 140gr Noslers. I've DRTed every whitetail I've shot with it but 1, and that was my fault. I recently bought a Tikka in 7mm-08 that I'm told is a .5 MOA gun with reloads, but I haven't shot it yet. Can't speak to the Tikka's, but I've yet to hear someone who's bought one and hasn't liked it. 200 yards 3 shot group after fouling round with 140gr Noslers thru the Remington 700.
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6073315
12/08/15 08:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 177
TAFFMASTER
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 177 |
Nice group there Barney... I havent locked in on which brand of rifle I am going with yet. I will check on the Tikka's for sure. Thanks for all the input guys!
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6073342
12/08/15 08:31 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173 |
Tikka 7mm-08, I know I fired 5 rounds. The other two hits were a different powder charge.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6073762
12/09/15 12:14 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,977
Buzzsaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 33,977 |
SPACE FOR RENT
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6073828
12/09/15 12:41 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,439
TFF Caribou
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Got a Savage axis youth pink camo 7mm-08 that I havnt even shot yet. It's my wifes deer rifle, and we have a newborn so she didn't get to hunt this year. I'm looking forward to her getting to use it.
The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference. -George Washington
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6074079
12/09/15 02:46 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 14,199
tth_40
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Got a Tikka T3 in 7mm-08 w/a Nikon 4-12 SF for my wife's rifle, but I like it just as much if not more than she does. VERY accurate and consistent with my handloads (sub 3/4" @100 yds. with 140 grain SGK's). It's a fun, very effective rifle and cartridge combo. I know I shoot it more.
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6074099
12/09/15 02:58 AM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 144
D-Day
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 144 |
My son has a Ruger American in 7mm-08. I have RA Predator in .223 as well. 140g Sierra HPBT is deadly and accurate in the 7mm-08. I also use this bullet in 165gr in my .30-06.
The dog is a gentleman, I want to go to his Heaven not man's.--Mark Twain
If dogs don't go to Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.--Will Rogers
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.--Mark Twain
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6074364
12/09/15 10:34 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 56
BigMarsh72
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 56 |
My son ( 12yrs ) goes between a 7mm-08 and 6mm Rem. He prefers the 6mm but I am a big 7mm-08 fan. It does an awesome job taking down whitetail. The longest shot either of us have taken with it is about 150. I have always shot the 140gr Core-lokt rounds. You made a great choice in caliber. Good luck !!!
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6074368
12/09/15 10:58 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,221
wp75169
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I own 3 of them and my favorite for hunting is my wife's T3 with a leupold VX-R 4-12 sitting on it. The scope has some nice options and will get you on either side of legal light. The firedot duplex reticle will turn down very low and is the best I have saw for low light hunting.
Federal fusion 140 grain is an affordable bonded bullet that's readily available in most places. It will shoot 3/4" five shot groups in her tikka. It has also exited every animal she has shot with the exception of a large hog and it was found in the off side skin after taking out both shoulders. I've lost count but every deer or pig she has shot with this bullet has been dead within feet of being shot.
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6074376
12/09/15 11:22 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,608
Sneaky
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,608 |
You have no real ballistic sense, but you intend to hunt out to 500 yards?
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6074625
12/09/15 03:04 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 177
TAFFMASTER
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 177 |
Call me crazy Mr. Sneaky, but you have to start somewhere. It seems feasible to obtain some ballistic sense between now and next deer season, but only time will tell. Ill keep you updated!
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: Sneaky]
#6074649
12/09/15 03:16 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287
scalebuster
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,287 |
You have no real ballistic sense, but you intend to hunt out to 500 yards? I would like to know the percentage of men on this forum that have actually shot a deer over 500 yards. I would wager most haven't killed a deer over 200.
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: scalebuster]
#6074722
12/09/15 04:03 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173 |
I never have, but I'm currently in country where it is very possible.
edit: I think Chad has, Derrick has, and Tony (trigger time) all have. All guys that shoot constantly through the year.
So there's three...
Last edited by FiremanJG; 12/09/15 04:14 PM.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: scalebuster]
#6074747
12/09/15 04:19 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,117
BarneyWho
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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You have no real ballistic sense, but you intend to hunt out to 500 yards? I would like to know the percentage of men on this forum that have actually shot a deer over 500 yards. I would wager most haven't killed a deer over 200. I haven't, but I practice further than I play. Meaning if you shoot at 500 then plus 200 is a chip shot. I've killed two deer over 200 yards this year. I'd shoot one at 500 in a heartbeat if I had a solid rest and the right conditions ie deer not moving/light winds/etc. like most here, until I learned more about rifles than just knocking the dust off once a year and picking up a handful of mixed production ammo 250 yards was a long way. When I dove off into reloading and custom rifles, I do my load testing at 500. Now that seems like a 100 yard shot to me. It's all about how you practice/play.
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: CitySlickerHunter]
#6074776
12/09/15 04:33 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,579
Son of a Blitch
Extreme Tracker
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My Foster Son uses a Remington 700 in 7mm08 topped w/ Nikon Buck Master 3x9-40. He feeds it Hornady SST 139 gr. He has had a lot of success w/ the round. I use it whenever I'm hunting without him (which ISN'T often).GREAT ROUND!!!!!!! I have a similar set up. Rem 700 in 7-08, with Hornady SST 139. Love it! I have a Vortex diamondback 4x14x40 on mine and like it, but if you have up to $700 for optics (think i read that right), I'd suggest a 5x24x44 Nikon Monarch....being able to get the 24 zoom to really be able to identify your target is worth it in my opinion, especially if you push those further distances.
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: J.G.]
#6075167
12/09/15 07:41 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219
dee
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219 |
I never have, but I'm currently in country where it is very possible.
edit: I think Chad has, Derrick has, and Tony (trigger time) all have. All guys that shoot constantly through the year.
So there's three... Add me to the list. 7mm-08 Ackley and 162gr Amax did the trick.
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6075402
12/09/15 10:14 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,608
Sneaky
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Posts: 29,608 |
Call me crazy Mr. Sneaky, but you have to start somewhere. It seems feasible to obtain some ballistic sense between now and next deer season, but only time will tell. Ill keep you updated! Nothing wrong with that. Just be realistic with your progress. Hitting game consistently at 500 yards isn't easy. I recommend you read Bryan Litz's Applied Ballistics books. If you are unsure about ballistics, this is a great place to start. FiremanJG also teaches a class on long range shooting with actual shooting a part of it. Both will help make sense of things and vastly improve your skills, knowledge, and confidence.
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: TAFFMASTER]
#6075533
12/09/15 11:39 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,016
SingleShot85
Veteran Tracker
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Posts: 2,016 |
Nice group there Barney... I havent locked in on which brand of rifle I am going with yet. I will check on the Tikka's for sure. Thanks for all the input guys! You'd be hard pressed to find one better than this one, and I already have the load figured out.....(my shameless pitch) http://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/6049210/1
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: dee]
#6075692
12/10/15 01:07 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,506
kmon11
junior
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junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,506 |
I never have, but I'm currently in country where it is very possible.
edit: I think Chad has, Derrick has, and Tony (trigger time) all have. All guys that shoot constantly through the year.
So there's three... Add me to the list. 7mm-08 Ackley and 162gr Amax did the trick. Add another to the list. 2 deer, a pronghorn, a hog and a coyote.
lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true Mainstream news might be fun to watch
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Re: 7mm08 advice
[Re: kmon11]
#6075754
12/10/15 01:36 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,173 |
I never have, but I'm currently in country where it is very possible.
edit: I think Chad has, Derrick has, and Tony (trigger time) all have. All guys that shoot constantly through the year.
So there's three... Add me to the list. 7mm-08 Ackley and 162gr Amax did the trick. Add another to the list. 2 deer, a pronghorn, a hog and a coyote. So we're up to five. And of the five, every one are extremely competent shooters that have thousands of rounds of practice under their belt.
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