November 19, 2020, 11:26 PM
reflex/deflex 64New 7mm08 to feed needing some input
Picked up a Ruger Hawkeye Compact for the grandkid.
I’m finding plenty of recipes that are geared towards full length barrels. Is there a rule of thumb concerning such short barrels, 16” in this case. RL-15 shows 2800 to RL-19 showing 2900 for instance.
I’m guessing the slower powder would not work as well in such a short barrel, but I don’t know that.
November 21, 2020, 09:02 AM
USAFA71You can expect about 30-50 FPS loss of velocity per inch of barrel length. You would need to chronograph the exact load if you want more precise numbers. But I doubt any deer-sized animal will know the difference between a 2800 FPS load and a 2600 FPS load, especially since the difference between the two velocities gets less the longer the range. I actually load my 30-06 down to about 2600 FPS with a 165 gr Nosler Ballistic tip for mild, comfortable shooting, and the last five deer didn’t know they were hit with a slower bullet. We often give too much credit to the last few FPS of velocity. Just sight in for the load, and go fill the freezer!
November 21, 2020, 10:09 AM
apprenticeIf efficiency is your primary concern (as it is mine) then always try out a heavy for caliber bullet to see if it shoots well.
The powder charge has to be smaller to keep the pressure safe, so there is less to burn. I have had great luck with this most of the time. Even better if a faster burning powder works well too.
As an aside, expect that your POI may move upward a tad since the bullet has a longer dwell time inside the barrel and recoil affects it that much more.
November 23, 2020, 05:30 PM
sourdough44I’d start with a powder in the Varget range & a 139/140 grain bullet. My next look would be a 120 grain bullet.
November 27, 2020, 07:55 PM
jeffc56I got great results with RL-19 and 140gr. nosler partitions through my rem. model 7 18.5 in barrel 2950fps.Tried Hornady 139gr. superformance with great results also.
November 28, 2020, 01:02 AM
reflex/deflex 64Thanks for the response guys.
December 16, 2020, 09:22 AM
sourdough44With a younger kid not a bad idea to load in the midrange with H-4895, 120 grain bullets.
One doesn’t have to go down to the ‘60’s rule’ lower limit, just reasonable midrange. The 50 yard target or deer will never know the difference.