7-08 Loads with 131 Hammer Bullets?

mtluckydan

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Dec 7, 2012
Messages
287
Picked up a box of 131 hammer bullets for the wife's 7-08. Already have loads for both 120 & 140 Barnes but nothing in the 130 weight class. Which powders and loads are working for anyone? I have a good selection of powders, but RL15 for 120 and H4895 for 140 are what works for us with those bullets. Thanks in advance for any information.
 

A382DWDZQ

WKR
Joined
Dec 3, 2021
Messages
650
I would think that both of those powders would be fine. Hodgdon and Sierra both show a 130gr using H4895, and the Sierra has RL15 in there so that should give you a startling point for both.

*Edit. Also looks like the hammer hunter load data log has some loads using IMR3031, IMR4895, and Varget.
 
Joined
Aug 25, 2021
Messages
341
Location
SE Wisconsin
I have tried IMR 4064, 4895 and Varget. Varget seems to work best. Using a CCI Mag primer and a slight crimp with Peterson brass. Last loads I tested were running upwards of 2900fps and had low ES.

chris
 

sneaky

"DADDY"
Joined
Feb 1, 2014
Messages
10,063
Location
ID
Long Range Only has a sticky thread with the table of Hammer bullets load data that people have submitted. Several 7-08 loads in there

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:

EdP

WKR
Joined
Jun 18, 2020
Messages
1,164
Location
Southwest Va
I recently got some 120 gr Hmr Hunters for my "new to me" 7mm-08. After reading a bunch of posts on various forums that recommended using Nosler data for the same weight bullet I did just that and it appears to have worked fine. I didn't use mag primers because the 7mm-08 isn't that big a case but I still got single diget S/Ds in my better loads.
 

Tbuckus

WKR
Joined
Jun 4, 2016
Messages
323
Not 131’s, but my 120 HH load was with Varget and magnum primers. 1/4 crimp with FCD.
 
Joined
Sep 20, 2018
Messages
7,571
Location
In someone's favorite spot
I had a screaming load with 131 Hammers in my 7mm-08 a couple years ago. I think it was over 45g *edit 43g of Varget but I would need to check my notes. 3k fps.
 
Last edited:

OutdoorAg

WKR
Joined
Feb 17, 2013
Messages
712
I had a screaming load with 131 Hammers in my 7mm-08 a couple years ago. I think it was over 45g of Varget but I would need to check my notes. 3k fps.
If you check your notes, I would be interested!

I tend to load the 7-08 "up" with heavies, but could be convinced to try a 130 at those speeds if pressures check out...
 
Joined
Sep 20, 2018
Messages
7,571
Location
In someone's favorite spot
If you check your notes, I would be interested!

I tend to load the 7-08 "up" with heavies, but could be convinced to try a 130 at those speeds if pressures check out...
It was 43 grains but you need to start working up from 41 in your gun.

Post 158 on this Hammer thread:

 

CHWine

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 22, 2019
Messages
222
My powder for 7-08 for over 30 years has been H414. You never hear folks talk about that one much. Also use it in 375H&H and .243.
 

waitforit

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 23, 2019
Messages
180
My accuracy load is 45.3 gr Varget, Lapua brass, cci#200 primers. This was a load I developed by shooting a ladder and looking for pressure signs in my rifle with these components. 3000 fps should be doable and of course I advise you not to copy what others have done but work up on your own.
 

Mginn68

FNG
Joined
Jan 3, 2022
Messages
60
I had a screaming load with 131 Hammers in my 7mm-08 a couple years ago. I think it was over 45g *edit 43g of Varget but I would need to check my notes. 3k fps.
Great info. I love varget in a 7mm-08. I’ve hunted Barnes TTSX 140 gr out of my 7mm-08 mnt rifle. Building a custom now and looking for a great hunting load. Rifle has a 18” proof barrel 1:8 twist.

Didn’t know what length barrel you are shooting ?
 
Top