you all have convinced me about the pros of the 7mm08, I would prefer a 24" barrel, does not seem to be many choices, I know I could go the 22", just curious.

You won't see much difference in performance with either one. If I wanted a production rifle, I'd snag a Tikka T3 which has a 22 1/2" barrel IIRC.

Lots of other questions-desired stock material, barrel contour, main use of weapon?

Most of my 7mm-08's sport 26" barrels. Think I only have two 24"

I only have one 7mm08 right now and it's a 10.5". I've had 24", 22", 18" and 16". Pick a gun you like, don't focus on barrel length.

18.5 and 22 are the lengths I have had in 7mm08. Like both of them but most of the time I choose the handy 18.5 inch version. Now if I were building one for long range it might just get a 26 inch barrel on the build

I had a 22" before, but sold it and got an 18" built by APR. I only shoot suppressed.

Mine is 20" plus can. If I were building one with a brake, it would be 24" minimum. All there is to it, is each inch cut off means 20-25 fps loss. Finish the muzzle as long or as short as it suites you.

Love my T3 7mm-08. Replaced the factory stock with a B&C, left the rest original.

jy way of thinking, what would you use for a build?

What action?

You know.

I know I need to be more clear, what make of action? I was thinking a win mod 70 action

Not a thing wrong with a Win 70. I'm just a Tikka T-3 lover. 70° throw, side bolt release, great trigger, ejects two yards from the action.

whats your budget Colt45 ?

$1800.

Look at the program Chad has posted in the firearms for sale section.

Rifle
Load development
Lesson

Package deal.

Weatherby Vanguard 7mm-08's come with a 24" barrel.

I'm sure that T3 project build is a great rifle, but I've never understood the need to screw around with proven sub MOA shooters that stock T3's easily are. 1/2", factory T3's are very common with good loads.

Sporter barrel gets hot quick.

1/2 MOA is not as common as the internet wants to make it.

I've got 3 of them.... I ain't guessing.

Yeah, yeah. Seen it over and over. Everybody has a 1/2 MOA gun then out of 30 shooters, one person manages to hit five 1" dots.

edit: I'm not saying your 3 are not. I'm saying it is not common place.

Also don't forget that just because someone has a 1/2 moa gun, means that they can hit five one inch dots. As a lot of people say my gun shoots better than I do. I know a few 2 moa shooters.