Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 7mm08 powder choice

I use W760/H414 in my 7mm/08 but mostly because it is the only gun I have that gives me adequate accuracy with those powders. Before this and after they are gone I will go back to Varget and 4064.

I would look close at Staball6.5 too, it has been a stellar performer in my 22/250s and with its ease going through the measure, higher velocity, being temp stable, and copper reducing properties there is a lot going for it.

Actually, of those you list, all would be a good choice other than CFE223. It is one I have had so/so luck with in many cartridges. My main use of it is for FMJ "blasting ammo" in the AR and most loads but especially. 100 gr loads in the 250 Savage. I suspect Staball6.5 would work at least as well and probably better in some aspects.

Varget & CFE223. If you can get it Big Game is the #1 choice.

Big Game is great, and I've got a few thousand inches of mule deer and whitetails that hate Varget too.

I may have to try Big Game but I have had a lot of success with IMR4895 and AA2460 with 139/140gr bullets.

The two most accurate loads in my 7x57 Classic uses IMR4350. Varget comes in first in my 7x57 Mountain 700. My 7mm-08 Classic 700 hasn't seen time on the bench yet, but I'll be trying these two powders for sure.

I’d try all but 223, as it’s a bit faster than the others. That said, I’ve heard of others, having success with it with light bullets meaning 120 or lighter.

I’d try these 2 first: Varget or StaBALL 6.5.

Unlike many others, I couldn’t get Big Game to shoot in my 708. It does decent in my 22–250. I don’t like how it measures in my RCBS charge master. The powder is like mini basketballs, it gets messy! I’m still trying to find someone to trade off the big game power I have left.

I originally used H4350 with 140's in the 7mm08 but more recently found that I prefer Big Game. Looks like all the powders you list should work reasonably well for that load. If it were me I would start with Big Game.

I don't personally care what powder he winds up using, but all those rec'd Big Game isn't doing him much of a favor since he doesn't have any, just sayin'.

I’ve had good luck with Varget and Barnes 120grain TTSX.

Varget.

RS BG with several 7-08,s have a tight chambered Forbes LH 7-08 RS BG shows pressure even reducing loads, H4350 in it all with 140 gr.

I’ve seen your pics.

They ought to change your name to cholera, the way you kill!

IMR 4064 with 140gr ttsx works well for me.

Out of the powders you have listed, another vote here for IMR4064 with 140-150s. It's been consistently the most accurate powder in both of the 7-08s I've worked with. At 40 gr, velocity is around 2800fps in Alpha brass with 150s in a 24" bbl, about 35fps less in older RP brass. Brass lasts a long time at that level.

Extreme lack of comprehension at times around here.

Guilty of it myself at times.

Staball 6.5 works great in my 7-08.

Pharm, luck trumps skill any day, that's my motto.

Thanks to all the input so far. I have decided to try H4350 first but I’m only going to shoot a few to get some velocities and see where I’m at. I loaded 2 rounds with 47 gr with seating at 2.8. This is Hodgdon recommended starter load. Load is already compressed which does not bother me. I do feel this will be a pretty stout losd since I’m using alpha brass. I will report back

I’d look for close to 2800 with a 22” barrel or low/mid 2800s from a 24” as max with H4350 and a 140gr. I’d also not sweat 20-30fps here or there if it’s accurate. The last one I worked up was at 2,700 from an 18.5” factory barrel.

How far off the lands is that in your rifle?? Weird that a "starter" load would be compressed.